RUMOR - Xenoblade Chronicles available only through preor...

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RUMOR - Xenoblade Chronicles available only through preorder?
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Here's a bit of news I didn't realize, and I'm still not sure it's spot-on. We're hearing that Xenoblade Chronicles is only going to be available at GameStop for those that preorder. That means you won't actually be able to walk into a GameStop store, grab it off the shelf and purchase. We'll try and get the confirmation/denial on this soon. Thanks to Autosaver for the heads up.

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[CrispyGoomba]

Well that's stupid. End of comments.

[KingBroly]

Not surprising in the least.

[Kenichi340]

This can't be right...

[Autosaver]

I shot an email several hours ago, I'll be trying to get an answer.

[AnoukiAgentYellow]

Is it just me or does NoA seem to want this to fail? I mean games like this are usually spread through word of mouth, really shooting themselves in the foot if this is true.

[Agedgamer]

I walked into an Electronic Boutique here in Canada last Wednesday to inquire about Xenoblade Chronicles and was told I had to pre-order; so I did.

[Fatal Frame Fanboy]

Even if one had to preorder to get the game, it doesn't mean that some people might take the game back to Gamestop for store credit. So one might be able to get the game used.

Admittedly, if this is true, it's still a best bet to preorder though.

[siavm]

If the gamestop thing is true, you can still order it off nintendo's online store.

[Autosaver]

If the gamestop thing is true, you can still order it off nintendo's online store.

It seems like you have to preorder it off the Nintendo Online Store too. (Check the source link)

[MAGNUS-8M]

If it's Gamestop exclusive, then it kinda makes sense. They're already taking a risk, they probably want to make sure ALLLL those people who demanded the game actually want it that badly. Now, if Nintendo.com ALSO has it set at preorder-only, then I'd feel like that's a problem..

[EVIL-C]

That makes no sense, I don't believe it.

[WesFX]

You know, this would be a really great way to fight the used game market.

Not stupid at all, if you stop to think.

[TheWon]

Is it just me or does NoA seem to want this to fail? I mean games like this are usually spread through word of mouth, really shooting themselves in the foot if this is true.

Nintendo Of America has already decided that this game wasn't going to do anything for them business wise. That's why they went the pre order at Gamestop route. Basically you pre order it and they print what the need, and send to market. After the lack luster Europe release you think they are going to send 200,000 copies of these game out to collect dust. Hell the Gamestop I pre order my copy from only had one other reserve. That's after being about to do so for 3 months. If people want it put 5 dollars down on it now. If you can't afford too, or don't want too I guess you don't really want the game.

[LadyMushroom]

Then they'll say: Oh this type of game doesn't sell in NA.

[bszelda]

Well...it would make sense in terms of production to make only enough for those preorders but it doesn't make sense on the other hand because a game will continue to sell after release due to word of mouth and friends/family actually getting to play a friend's/family member's copy of the game. This will destroy post-release sales of the game if true . . .

[PaperLink64]

This game was always going to get a very low print run, this isn't surprising.

[Dusk]

I really doubt it. Remember, they promoted the game on Nintendo Direct. If it was pre-order only, they would have said so by that point. Otherwise, people watching that video and eventually wanting to get it would be disappointed.

[Elfteiroh]

I already preordered, but I still find it weird.
I can't get Rythm Heaven Fever because of that (I didn't preorder and shops here can't stock copies of it because they didn't include some french text on the box) and I find it very annoying.

[trsspidey]

I initially assumed this was the case...... I really didn't expect gamestop to stock this game outside of pre orders. Of course there will be a second hand market... but that doesn't make up for the fact.

[Mike_Intellivision]

I imagine the truth is somewhere in between all these stories.
GameStop often ends few to no copies of games not expected to sell well to stores. And surprisingly, it (nor Nintendo) has pushed Xenoblaade very hard with store advertising, etc.
So my guess is some stores will get no extra copies and sme will get 1 or 2.
My advise would be to preorder it if you really want it.

Mike from Morgantown

[Eternal Rain]

Is it just me or does NoA seem to want this to fail? I mean games like this are usually spread through word of mouth, really shooting themselves in the foot if this is true.

Nintendo Of America has already decided that this game wasn't going to do anything for them business wise. That's why they went the pre order at Gamestop route. Basically you pre order it and they print what the need, and send to market. After the lack luster Europe release you think they are going to send 200,000 copies of these game out to collect dust. Hell the Gamestop I pre order my copy from only had one other reserve. That's after being about to do so for 3 months. If people want it put 5 dollars down on it now. If you can't afford too, or don't want too I guess you don't really want the game.

Pretty much this. NoA is well aware this game won't be a huge hit, especially this late in the Wii's lifespan, but they still want to give it to those who really want it without having to resort to system modding and importing (like me, I'm too chicken to mod my systems for import play).

From a business standpoint, this makes a lot of sense. This way they can prevent themselves from losing too much money by not adding any unnecessary production costs. Still, I get the feeling that some people may be even more glad to hear that XSEED is handling the distribution of The Last Story (I'm pretty sure that game will get released in more stores than GameStop).

Anyway, looks like I better hurry and put $5 down ASAP. Gotta let them know I'm one of those who really wants it.

[Mirr0rR3flection]

Wow. . .how awful.

[TheLastBlade]

I feel nothing.

[Tsukento]

This isn't really surprising. GameStop will tend to carry only enough copies for those who pre-ordered lesser known titles, with at least one or two copies floating around for non-preorders.