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We have heard stories of long lines from coast to coast with gamers lining up from New York to California for a chance to get one of the few coveted PlayStation 3s.
The scene in New York City was most chaotic at SonyStyle Plaza in Manhattan where gamers knew they had the best chance of getting a console. The first few days seemed peaceful, but gamers grew restless and frustrated as the time drew closer and people began cutting in line (we never imagined that happening in New York). The line cutting drew fighting amongst the waiting customers and 35 mph winds didn’t help the less-than-jovial mood.
At 9 pm, the doors to Sony opened and gamers were let in fifty by fifty to wait until the clock struck midnight. Top Sony employees Sir Howard Stringer, CEO, and Kaz Hirai, Sony Computer Entertainment America President, passed out 400 consoles to lucky customers as Friday morning dawned.
The PlayStation 3 launch California style was not much different. Again, most gamers in San Francisco lined up outside SonyStyle since they were promising the most systems (700 was the official count). The mob was a bit more organized with reported bathroom passes and food stands. Customers with red wristbands were guaranteed a console although which console, the 20 or 60 gig, they had secured was unknown. The wristbands ensured against line-cutting.
At 8 pm, Sony staged a “dramatic delivery of PlayStation 3” which included a lot of hoopla and cheering as Jack Tretton, Sony Computer Entertainment America Executive Vice President, and a gaggle of security guards and important looking SUVs delivered the promised PlayStation 3s. It was a good prank anyway as the boxes were empty.
This is just a small sampling of the stories across North America as gamers are finally discovering their fate pertaining to the PS3. Be sure to share your stories with us.