So, if you play games you know the PS3 is being launched Friday, November 17, 2006. I happened to be headed up to Flagstaff on the bright & sunny day of November 16, 2006. Fry’s Electronics is a huge outlet of electronics, similar to a Target of electronics. My dad and I make it a habit to stop there every time we are around the Phoenix area. This time I saw something I wouldn’t expect the average geek would do.

There were tents. Lots of tents. I actually expected to buy a tent – that is until I realized – the PS3 is being launched tomorrow. So I thought I would do something unique. I grabbed my notebook, grabbed my camera, and wondered over to the line. This was a very strange form of camping. Most people found ways to pass time in line, such as poker, or some even set up TVs and Xbox 360s. Well, I ended up taking some stills, and asking questions.

Rumor has it that this Frys will only be receiving 34-26 Playstation 3’s. Why, you ask? Well, I was asking around and digging deeper into the story. It just so happens that a smaller group of people was going to sell their PS3s on eBay. Someone mentioned that Sony pulled the shipment due to people who were doing just this. One gentleman said, “I am disappointed with Sony. This always happens with every single launch of new platforms.” For the people who really wanted the system, there are some perks. The PS3 includes a Blue-Ray reader, which someone mentioned the cheapest Blue-Ray reader on the market is currently $950. The PS3 at this store was listed for about $1,200 – as a bundle, including 8 games, a 2-year warranty, and some hardware. The PS3 also is compatible with up to 7 controllers, making it a great party system. The PS3 is also backwards-compatible with PS2 games, making it a painless upgrade.

These PS3 Eagar enthusiasts (be it for profit of fun alike) were camping out from Monday morning or Wednesday night. “It’s like camping out with strangers. You don’t know any of them, but you know you all have a common tie. The love for the PS3.” Some waiting for their son as a Christmas gift, some just to sell it on eBay – hoping for a profit, and some for some good ol’ gaming.
Best of luck to you guys, and thanks for your cooperation.
I continued on to Flagstaff.