Just after finishing up the super high-end 3D video card shootout, we couldn't help braving the elements and getting in on some of the local PlayStation2 launch extravaganza and hype. We've had a Japanese PS2 for almost a year now and as cool as that may sound, Japanese isn't our mother tongue. So just like everyone else in San Jose, admittedly not the world's most exciting place, the SE staffers took the plunge and set out on a mission to get a US PS2.
Yep, we figured why not go out at 1:30am and paint the town red. Not since the Bill Clinton visit has the town been so full of excitement. Police all over the place, on foot and in cars, and correct me if I'm wrong but unless it's the Policeman's Late Night Donut Day, I don't think they were out in force for anything other than keeping the peace amongst some very excitable shoppers.
Stop 1: The Local CompUSA on Blossom Hill Road
Ben : So what time does this store open?
Middle Aged Lady : Hey it's kinda cold here, why you wearing shorts?
Ben : I'm from Washington.
Middle Aged Lady : Oooer. Well I can sell you…
Ben : Sell me what?
Middle Aged Lady : My sister's spot.
Ben : Hahah
Sharky : What's she selling here then?
Middle Aged Lady : Seriously, she's number three in the line.
Ben : If she would actually sell us the reservation but I'm not standing out here in the rain in shorts.
Middle Aged Lady : Snobs.
Stop 2: The large Software Etc. on Steven's Creek Boulevard
Ben : It's midnight and I hear that these guys are open late and are throwing a little bit of a launch party.
Sharky : Great, let me get my Oakenfold CD and let's drive.
Ben : It's starting to rain again. This whole thing is worse than when Episode 1 came out… Crazy.
15 minutes later…
Sharky : Crap look at the line. It's 12:15am and there's a great big line outside with literally a few thousand people. We're never going to get in, let alone get a PS2. Let's head back.
Ben : This Oakenfold track is really good Alex.
Stop 3: Blossom Hill Wal-Mart
Ben : Look, there aren't as many people here but there's already a queue and a few tents. There's even some campers here.
Sharky : Yeah let's head back then.
Stop 4: Back at the Wal-Mart again
Sharky : OK we're never going to get one tonight. I have a better idea. Let's take a blow up shark and then you get out and hold it over your head?
Ben : That sounds like a great idea. OK. Do you think Kyle at HardOCP.com will think this is a little odd?
Sharky : No he'll respect you I promise… He'll hold you in the same esteem as Deuce Biggalow.
In short, if you were hoping to buy one on the first day/night- you can almost forget it. If you did manage to get one, then consider yourself lucky. Seriously, it'll take a while for units to become available before the hype settles down. Sod it, we've had enough. We frightened the natives and were only inches away from getting clubbed to death. Thus we are on our way home to play on the Japanese version instead. Wallys. In the meantime be sure to check out some new screenies of a couple more PS2 titles that we've got for you instead of wasting your dinero on Ebay.