Alabama Wal-Mart breaks 40GB street date

by Chris Powell { Oct 30th 2007 at 9:30AM }

The question if retail outlets would receive shipments of the 40GB PS3 around Oct. 28 has been answered. Yes they did, and Wal-Mart has gone so far as put the darn thing on the shelf! A sharp-eyed PS3 Fanboy recently spotted the goof at a Wal-Mart in Birmingham, Ala., which is about three days ahead of the 40GB's officially scheduled Nov. 2 launch.

We're sure we'll hear more stories of retailers jumping the gun in the next few days, and while we're sure it doesn't make Sony a happy camper, it's definitely a win for us.

[Thanks for the tip, H. Phillips!]

Tags: 40gb, hardware, wal-mart

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Byron517 @ Oct 30th 2007 9:50AM

LoL That's funny!! Someone's gonna get fired! LMAO

Steve @ Oct 30th 2007 10:14AM

I found them on the shelves this past Saturday at a walmart in Texas. I tried to buy one, but the register would not allow a purchase. It displayed "Cannot sell" or something like that on the display.

kingofwale @ Oct 30th 2007 10:51AM

well, at least they didn't also break Spiderman 3's launch date, *shrugs*

considering most of people here (other than certain other console's fanboys) already own a PS3, it really doesn't affect us. but for people who want to get it as a Media device with some gameplaying ability, this is the console for you.. or else, please just go buy the 80GB one.

Justin @ Oct 30th 2007 10:52AM

Why wouldn't Sony like this? I know they have specific dates for a reason, but what IS the reason?

Can't this only benefit them?

Neil @ Oct 30th 2007 11:08AM

@Justin

I think part of the reason the dates are there is that most stores wont have been able to have gotten the 40gb ps3 yet and so its a bit unfair to those stores that the ones that got it before them get to sell it before....I could be wrong mind you.

AK @ Oct 30th 2007 11:09AM

the 40 gig has been on sale here in aus for a while, its the only bloody ps3 over here, GIVE US THE 80 GIGS!!!!

DBVII @ Oct 30th 2007 11:17AM

Too bad there isn't a Wal-Mart in Birmingham, AL...only the surrounding cities. Oh well, I guess they generalized the location for recognition.

steve @ Oct 30th 2007 11:25AM

@justin and neil

I think another reason is because they want to get rid of all the old 60 gig versions first. other wise no one will probably buy them.

Justin @ Oct 30th 2007 11:53AM

both make sense. thanks guys.

Justin @ Oct 30th 2007 11:53AM

they should drop the damn price though...thats how you clear out stock.

Mr. Volcom @ Oct 30th 2007 11:59AM

I tried doing this at my local Target here in L.A. on Sunday. (28th). I asked the employee if they were sitting in the back and he said "Yea but I can't sell you one until November 2nd"

James @ Oct 30th 2007 1:33PM

@Steve

I don't think it is in time to sell out the 60 gb systems, here in Canada. They are selling for $449 which if you don't want the game motorstorm is a decent deal. Plus only 2 days after the announced the sale for the 60 gb version here, it was sold out no matter where I checked or tried to order online.

motorer @ Oct 30th 2007 2:57PM

I work in electronics at my local wal-mart and have four new PS3s sitting in the back for about a week or so waiting for nov 2nd to show up.

We also got the 360 Arcade in and my manager put it out early, but the wal-mart super computer wouldn't let us sell it.

Popfrogs @ Oct 30th 2007 3:04PM

@AK: I doubt you're right about the 40GB already on sale in Oz. It couldn't be the one with zero backwards compatibility and only 2 USB ports.

Konchu @ Oct 30th 2007 3:26PM

Im curious if the box has any extra wording on it regarding BC. Definatly a good system for people wanting Blu-Ray but I can see some folks being suprised by no BC if its not clearly stated on the box(and some even if it is).

FrodoT-Baggins @ Oct 30th 2007 3:29PM

@Popfrogs: No AK is right we've had it in NZ for a while now. 12th of october to be exact. Good price drop to, went from $1200NZD to $800NZD, still expensive but a huge drop none the less.

http://www.gamesman.co.nz/product.php?id=8375

bhamterminal @ Oct 30th 2007 5:06PM

There actually is a Wal-Mart in Birmingham now DBVII, over on the city's east side (former Eastwood Mall site).

It's a shame that some folks don't pay attention to the grand openings of new businesses here in town...

http://bhamterminal.com/blog/2007/10/24/a-grand-re-opening/

Cory @ Oct 30th 2007 6:56PM

At the best buy where i work we were all told to be sure not to sell the system or there would be serious penalties not only for the employee but the store itself. I know some companies with hold future shipments because of stuff like this.

Pickoo @ Oct 31st 2007 7:42AM

Yeh, the 40 came out earlier this month here in Aus.
I got a 60 in August, but my friend just got a 40 on the weekend. I was just playing it this afternoon, and the differences i noticed were the 2 usb ports, no memory card ports, it seems lighter, and also the chrome trim thing isn't that shiny... looks sorta plasticy