From the archives: Xbox craze clears shelves

This story was originally published in Newsday on Nov. 23, 2005

After 17-year-old Billy Bitter failed to find a store that would sell the Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming console at 12:01 a.m. yesterday, his father commuted to Manhattan several hours earlier than usual to hunt one down.

But dad's 6 a.m. arrival proved fruitless, as the high-definition gaming consoles, which went on sale amid hoopla yesterday, had already sold out.

"I was pretty bummed," said Billy, of Manhasset. "I'm looking at eBay now to bid on one."

Several area chains such as Best Buy, Circuit City and Costco said that stores quickly sold out of the console, which sells for $300, or $400 as a premium version with a wireless controller, hard drive and other accessories.

Bitter's purchase on eBay won't be cheap. One premium Xbox 360, ready to ship today, sold for nearly $1,600 on eBay. Some eBay sellers were hawking systems they hadn't yet obtained but had ordered through retailers.

Another eBay item encouraged people to "Buy early and save money." After 66 bids, the premium system sold for $3,050.

At the Costco in Melville, about five men in their 20s showed up at midnight, with blankets and board games including Monopoly, said Ed Flaherty, general manager of the store.

By 7 a.m., about 70 people had gathered. "We told them we only had 24 available, but they still stood there and were hoping something would happen," Flaherty said.

The Melville store wasn't alone.

"We had people camping out last night at some of our stores at 9 or 10 o'clock," said Yoram Rubanenko, regional vice president of operations for Costco, whose area includes New York. "They showed up with tents, coolers, blankets and tarps to keep themselves dry. It made me think of a Who concert back in the '80s."

At the Best Buy in midtown, some people arrived Sunday night with umbrellas and camping chairs for the 12:01 a.m. opening yesterday.

"There was even a guy with his face painted with a big X from the X of the Xbox," said Best Buy spokesman Jay Musolf. "It was quite a sight."