Xbox 360 Frenzy: Fog, Rain, eBay & Armed Robbery

Hundreds of video game fans braved chilly temperatures on both U.S. coasts on Tuesday to be among the first to get their hands on Microsoft Corp.’s new Xbox 360 video game console, which went on sale in North America on Tuesday. Hundreds of gamers camped out in front of stores, braving rain in Manhattan and dense fog in Seattle, to get their hands on the new video game machine, designed to offer near-photo-realistic graphics, play music and video and link up gaming communities over the Internet.

Yahoo - Gamers wait in rain for Xbox 360

Shops across the United States opened their doors at midnight to capitalise on excitement generated by the release of the Xbox 360 games console. Retailers were struggling to keep up with demand and by 2pm GMT, Wal-Mart’s online store had sold out of all Xbox packages. Amazon.com had also sold out, but a spokesman said customers who have pre-ordered will receive their consoles soon.

Microsoft said it is producing Xboxes as fast as it can, but it has conceded that an ambitious plan to launch the console worldwide within a few weeks will limit the stocks available in each country.

The Times - Microsoft XBox 360 opens console wars

At one store in New York, self-confessed hardcore gamers expressed disappointment when supplies of the top end system ran out. “It’s like buying a car without the engine,” said 29-year-old Eddie Buist. The console is due to hit Europe on 2 December and Japan on 10 December and some retailers are also warning about limited supplies.

BBC - US gamers lay hands on Xbox 360

“People are going crazy over this machine,” said Rodriguez, 19, from Richmond, Calif. “I can make maybe three times what I pay for it.” Indeed, the market for Xbox 360 consoles was spiking on eBay on Tuesday morning, as dozens of premium Xbox units were being auctioned for $500 to $1,200.

CNet - Braving the chill for an Xbox thrill

A Stafford, Virginia, Electronics Boutique store was the scene of an armed robbery this morning. According to sources, the perpetrator made off with two Xbox 360 systems, forcing the store manager to hand them over at gunpoint. Sources tell GameSpot the local police responded quickly, cordoned off the store, and immediately pursued the thief. The thief was apprehended shortly afterward.

GameSpot - Two 360s taken in Virginia armed robbery