When comparing the previous gen system launches (Dreamcast, Xbox, PS2, Gamecube) to the current gen launches (360, PS3, Wii) was it really that hard back then, as it is today, to get a system at launch?  When I got my PS2, I pre-ordered it at EBGames several months before launch.  I initially paid the minimum deposit, and then every couple weeks I'd put down more money on it until I had the system completely paid off.  I went in on launch day and picked it up along with Ridge Racer V.  I had no problems at all getting a PS2 right away.  No waiting in long lines in the store when i picked it up and no camping outside hoping for even the slightest chance that I might get a system.  Nowadays, even when you preorder a system you aren't guaranteed one on launch day.  What's the deal?  Why all the system "shortages?"  You'd think that they would have set the launch date far enough in the future to have plenty of time to plan ahead right?  Maybe with all the increased media coverage the video game industry has gained in the past 5-7 years and the almost "mainstream" status video games have acheived, the console manufacturers purposely fabricate news stories saying they won't have that many systems available at launch so they create a huge demand for their product.  Whatever the cause of the huge demand, it certainly makes it easy for people to resell their systems on Ebay for thousand(s) of dollars (I'm looking at you 360, and PS3) cause they know that there's someone out there that is willing to pay anything to get a new system right away.  Its really sad too.   The scalpers are taking away a spot in line from legitamite people that want the systems for themselves.  It was nice to see that Nintendo had plenty of systems to go around on launch day.  My girlfriend works at Toys R Us and she said they only got 4 PS3s but they had 35 Wiis.  People were just walking in off the street picking up Wiis.  It looks like Nintendo had a great launch.

I still haven't gotten any of the current systems yet but I plan to get at least a 360 when I get my tax return next year.  I'm still dying to play Dead Rising.  Nothing looks that interesting to me on PS3 or Wii right now, I'm content with Guitar Hero, Super Robot Taisen:OG2 and FFXII:D