"Waiting" to play GT4: Critical hardware shortages plague retailers & guys named John

GuyNamedJohn · Mar 8, 2005

Gosh, the decision to make a new topic on this forum is an intimidating one to make!

Place is so big, and... but anyways, I am tossing this in the GT4 forum because my story has directly to do with having to wait TWO WEEKS just to play GT4. I figure in a community this size I can't be the only one, so here's my story.

- -

apparently worldwide, the shortage has been called "critical" in news releases, affecting retailers across the United States and causing some chains to post losses in potential sales over the holiday season. The shortage also extends to Xboxes, but this gamer was directly impacted by the mad shortage of PS2s in my area during the launch of Gran Turismo 4.

For ONCE I actually was excited enough to go buy a highy-anticipated game on the day of release and risk waiting in line (something I generally but religiously avoid). As it turns out, I was able to walk right into Ebgames and walk right out with it. LOL "So, you selling it?" I queried. Without missing a beat, Kenneth said, "GT4? Sure I'll sell it to ya!"

I was sooo delighted (I hadn't preordered) and couldn't wait to get home and spin the thing in my machine. But I have an old PS2, and you know what's coming, don't you? My machine chokes on the dual-layered DVD-ROM. So I had to literally get on a list to buy a frickin' PS2. And i'm like: "WTFrig!?" I know there is the contingent who will tell you they own a five year-old PS2 that reads GTA:SA and GT4; yet there are even more people who have had to replace their original units, which begs the "planned obsolescence" question.

Conspiracy aspersions aside though

it is incomprehensible to me exactly how Sony & MS could have made such a severe miscalculation in sales and demand. Sony has even reported that they have cut back on PSP production to boost supplies of the slim PS2. Yield: I had to wait 2 weeks to play GT4. My 'ship' came in today (Monday) and I am now able to get busy and say goodbye to all my nights, weekends, social life, and girlfriends.

Which is all well and good enough, I suppose; but I don't understand the "why"s behind what is happening and would like to offer it up for discussion. Why are we seeing these insane shortages? Anyone with a similar tale?

-GNJ-

p.s. By the way. I am a longtime owner of a DRE-infested PS2. It is an almost indescribable experience to turn on my new, slim PS2 and have it, like, WORK. Seriously--not having to see that browser screen come up is a glorious, glorious thing, people. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, then count yourself a blessed PlayStation2 owner and don't ask. :cool:

un_peacekeeper · Mar 8, 2005

I have the SCPH-30001, not modded. Besides the odd and rarely occuring "red disc spinning logo loading screens" (can't read) for max 20s, I can get GT4 working great.

prozac51 · Mar 8, 2005

I'm on a 3yr old SCPH-30004 unit with the original Messiah modchip. To load up the game I have to open the tray, put the disc there, then reset the system. The tray goes in and 9/10 times it'll load. Any other technique only has a 35% success rate.

'85fierogt · Mar 8, 2005

un_peacekeeper
I have the SCPH-30001, not modded. Besides the odd and rarely occuring "red disc spinning logo loading screens" (can't read) for max 20s, I can get GT4 working great.

ive got a SCPH-30001 too. i got it the first day they came out cuz my mom worked at walmart. i've never had any problems with mine ever. no wierd screens or freezes. and i've left it on for days at a time before. i don't understand why people are having trouble with theirs?

Ronal · Mar 8, 2005

GuyNamedJohn
...
... I know there is the contingent who will tell you they own a five year-old PS2 that reads GTA:SA and GT4; yet there are even more people who have had to replace their original units, which begs the "planned obsolescence" question...

I've never heard of this problem with old PS2's not working with those new dual layered games. GTA:SA worked a treat, till the disc died, but all was fine when it was replaced. I expect the same of GT4. But I wouldn't have bought another PS2 in your situation, i would have merely got mine fixed. In my opinion, you wasted your money.

weatherman1212 · Mar 8, 2005

I had some pretty large headaches getting my hardware to work with GT4. I had not touched my PS2 in about 2 years, moving twice in that time. About 2 weeks before the release, I pulled it out of my garage to get it ready. The first thing that I noticed was that I was missing the power cable. So, I went out and got one. When the I got the game, I remembered that I had lent my a/v cable to a former roommate, so he could use s-video. When I called him for it, he said that I had his original, and he would need it back. I did not remember this, but I went out and bought a cable for him, and took mine back. Then, once I hooked it all up I got the dreaded disk read error.

Mine is an original PS2. A friend of mine had prepaid half of it at some game store, and did not have the money when they came out. So, I gave him his money back and bought the PS2. It saw some rough times. I had 2 roommates when I first got it, and in between us and friends, it was on for at least 6 months, 24/7. When I moved out of that house and into my next, it was already having problems with DVD movies. Then it started stuttering on games. When I pulled it back out recently, it would not read any disk. I was real worried that I was going to have to buy a new one, or wait for the PS3(which would have been unaccecptable). So, I decided to do some surgery. The disk cleaning trick worked great. I did the 20 sec scrub down, and now it works perfectly.

So, it is definitely worth attempting surgery if the only other prospect is buying a new unit.

S31Ender · Mar 8, 2005

when you do go to buy a new one, you have two choices. A brand spanking new one (slim) or you can save some cash and buy a used one. The trick to used ones is.............
Drumroll....................make the clerk search the inventory and get a series 9 or higher.
8 is pretty decent as well.
anything under that ususally winds up as a risky idea.

CrackHoor · Mar 8, 2005

I had to replace my old-skool 3-series PS2 for GT4, but for a slightly different reason. I got my DFP in preparation for the game, and found that I had a bad USB port. It would drop the wheel input every couple minutes in GT3, making the game unplayable. Talked to Logitech (who didn't nearly live up to their hyped customer service I'd heard so much about) and then Sony, who helped me troubleshoot for a long time to get the right diagnosis.

My final options were to send my old PS2 in for USB port replacement (and after $150 + shipping still have a four-year-old PS2 that gives the occasional DRE) or get a slim new one for $180. I chose the latter. 👍

Cosmic · Mar 8, 2005

Mine is a SCPH-50004 if I rememebr right (need to check it, edit : I was right).
It should read GT4 otherwise .... :mad:

GuyNamedJohn · Mar 8, 2005

Mehh, the money isn't an issue for me, and getting a brand-new one was the logical step.

Anybody got opinions/theories on why the shortages & waiting lists?

De Bolle · Mar 8, 2005

Could this problem be version related? I've got a SCPH-30004r and I'll buy GT4 next Thursday... :nervous:

If the game doesn't work I'm going to hurt someone...

Darts · Mar 8, 2005

GuyNamedJohn
Mehh, the money isn't an issue for me, and getting a brand-new one was the logical step.

Anybody got opinions/theories on why the shortages & waiting lists?

Cause the price dropped , i think the difference between 15 or 180 is that big in mental terms to people, because it made me buy it too. + the new slim PSTwo wich is actually cooler and faster and 100% reliable as far as i know is very popular.

tseramed · Mar 8, 2005

I got somekind of problem regarding this... mine is a 39001. The game ran just fine until today. I started the game and the intro skip, and the red clock appears during loading. Is it a problem with my PS2 or a problem with the game itself, or perhaps the memory card? Any help would be appreciated guys. Thanks... :nervous:

glitched · Mar 8, 2005

i got my ps2 on valentines day of last year, with an extended 2year warranty from bestbuy (cause i had heard about the DRE problems and wanted to be covered) but now im worried, what if something does happen and i do have to take it back?

will i end up beeing stuck with a slim line!???

IF htis is true, not cool, im a paying FFXI customer and i would want to continue playing, and slim line doesnt support the hard drive 👎 would bestbuy even be able to track down a "big" ps2 for me?

S13KS · Mar 9, 2005

Ronal
I've never heard of this problem with old PS2's not working with those new dual layered games. GTA:SA worked a treat, till the disc died

Why are people using GTA:SA as an example of a dual layered game? It's single layer - at least my PAL version is - 4.5GB :confused:

code_kev · Mar 9, 2005

If GT4 doesn't work on my ps2 2morrow, I'll cry

discopotato · Mar 9, 2005

you are wondering about the shortages of consoles over the holidays I heard 2 things.
1)there was a wreck at the Panama canal dextroyed a cargo ship full of consoles.
2)a ups or fedex(not sure) warehouse was burned down destroying all the consoles inside

GuyNamedJohn · Mar 9, 2005

S13KS, well I'd heard it was dual-layered. shrug

glitched (haha odd name given our discussion), yeah man I got Ebgame's 1-year warranty too. Fifteen bucks. I normally never buy those things but what can I say, I'm DRE-phobic.

Yo- that would suck to be stuck with a slim-jim if you're in need of the HDD. You know what? The slim diddy is stupid. LOL I was surpised to find Sony replacing the larger ones for a... small plastic, breakable lid-popping up thingy and a big ass power supply thing attached to it. I mean come on. What's so farggin' cool about that.

And why in the hell does everything Sony do seem so fragile? Huh? I got the little bugger sitting atop my big, bad Xbox which just EXUDES "hewn-from-solid." Even the A/V chord feeding into is, like INDUSTRIAL looking. It even feels heavy-duty.

Now... My slim PS2 otoh came crammed with warnings.

Don't move it while it is running
Don't dance in front of it (you might *vibrate* it, oooh!)
Don't let it get hot
Don't blow smoke at it (seriously. it says don't expose it to dust and specific includes "cigarette smoke" as well, LOL!)

Basically don't look at it too hard, you might break it. LOL

Imo, Slim PS2 = ridiculous.

Jay · Mar 9, 2005

GuyNamedJohn
Now... My slim PS2 otoh came crammed with warnings.

Don't move it while it is running
Don't dance in front of it (you might *vibrate* it, oooh!)
Don't let it get hot
Don't blow smoke at it (seriously. it says don't expose it to dust and specific includes "cigarette smoke" as well, LOL!)

Basically don't look at it too hard, you might break it. LOL

Lmao,

People say fix it but I dont blame you for replacing it, it relieves you of the stress everytime you go to turn it on.

Homer_SS · Mar 9, 2005

I must applaud this guy on a well structured post. except for the minor spelling mistakes i actually enjoyed reading youre post.👍

Omnis · Mar 9, 2005

i dont understand why people get a brand new ps2 when a 2 dollar lens cleaner disc will fix the dual-layer DVD problem.

h0ss · Mar 9, 2005

GuyNamedJohn
S13KS, well I'd heard it was dual-layered. shrug
Now... My slim PS2 otoh came crammed with warnings.

Don't dance in front of it (you might *vibrate* it, oooh!)

Now, you laugh.

But my wife borrowed my PS2 to take to her school for her kids to play DDR with. She's a music teacher, so it's actually in her domain.

One of the kids tripped on the dang cord and broke the PS2.

Sony might be trying to prevent a similar mishap. :grumpy:

Androoos · Mar 9, 2005

This shortage is interesting. I decided I wanted the new slim PS2 at Christmas time due to all the hype about GT4 (especially since my ride was in it, Evo VIII) but didn't act on it. Until December 26th. I went to Best Buy. They laughed at me when I asked for a PS2. Circuit City. They also laughed. EBGames. Chuckled. Gamestop. None. WalMart. None. Toys R Us. None. Kay-Bee. None. Then, as a last-ditch effort, I tried Target. OMG there was one on the bottom shelf of the Xbox section. AWESOME. No damage to the box, wasn't a return, never opened. The also had Star Wars Battlefront and NFS Underground 2 on sale for $38.99 each. SOLD.

If the rumors about the ship or the warehouse are true, Sony's got to be P.O.'d. But I guess that's what insurance is for.

GuyNamedJohn · Mar 9, 2005

Then, as a last-ditch effort, I tried Target. OMG there was one on the bottom shelf of the Xbox section. AWESOME. No damage to the box, wasn't a return, never opened.

Why you lucky bastard.

lol, 👍

hwyengr · Mar 9, 2005

I had to chuckle at the situation myself. I remember when Super Mario Bros. 2 came out. I couldn't find that game to save my life during its first month. Of course, an 8-year old doesn't have a whole lot of resources for tracking things down. But, when I go to buy GTA:SA after not owning a PS2 for 3 years, Best Buy has 75 copies of the game, but not a single PS2. Luckily, my Target was flush with 'em. So, apparently Target is now the go-to place for hard-to-find electronics.

BTW, a UPS warehouse did burn down this holiday season, but I don't know if that's what caused the shortage. I think there was a shortage before it even burned down.

Bonedwarf · Mar 10, 2005

S13KS
Why are people using GTA:SA as an example of a dual layered game? It's single layer - at least my PAL version is - 4.5GB

Absolutely correct, and yet the myth still persists. GTA is most definitely single layer.

Conad · Mar 10, 2005

GuyNamedJohn
S13KS, well I'd heard it was dual-layered. shrug

glitched (haha odd name given our discussion), yeah man I got Ebgame's 1-year warranty too. Fifteen bucks. I normally never buy those things but what can I say, I'm DRE-phobic.

Yeah for the past couple of years I have been using EB's sweet direct exchange after going through the DRE hell with my early PS2. Last couple of years I have been turning in my PS2 to EB for a new one every year. Cept this year they have those silly slim ones... So I am sticking with my current one.

I'd never buy the policy from BB on anything, as they will fine print you to death if anything does go wrong, and send your unit to Sony only if they are obligated too. I Sent my first DRE'n PS2 to Sony under a free repair order for DRE's they had going on, and just bought one at EB during the 3 months Sony held on to mine. EB is much better as they just give you a new one no questions asked, and I think it's cheaper.

GuyNamedJohn · Mar 10, 2005

A UPS warehouse did burn down this holiday season, but I don't know if that's what caused the shortage. I think there was a shortage before it even burned down.

Yah, the real shortage began in the months before Christmas, and may have been part due to the ushering in of the new slim shadys: Once Sony ceased production of the old, they had a policy of making sure that all retailers were purged of them before beginning shipment of the new.

Or so I read somewheres.

It still boggles the mind to think that after five years our humble little PS2 is in such incredible demand that stores can't keep them on the shelves. I called Wal-Mart last week. They said whenever those things come in, they never sit on the shelf. They are gone the same day.

Insanity. :boggled:

Acid X · Mar 10, 2005

Just goes to prove that the PS2 > all.

"Waiting" to play GT4: Critical hardware shortages plague retailers & guys named John

GuyNamedJohn

un_peacekeeper

prozac51

'85fierogt

Ronal

weatherman1212

S31Ender

CrackHoor

Cosmic

GuyNamedJohn

De Bolle

Darts

tseramed

glitched

S13KS

code_kev

discopotato

GuyNamedJohn

Jay

Homer_SS

Omnis

Not Even A Real Mod

h0ss

Androoos

GuyNamedJohn

hwyengr

Bonedwarf

Conad

GuyNamedJohn

Acid X

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