Major Retailer Stops DC Pre-Orders

It had to happen. The major game retailer is stopping DC Pre-Orders. Here’s what’s going on per SegaNet:

Both Babbages and Software Etc. have halted their respective Dreamcast launch pre-order programs. The decision was made after it became increasingly clear that Sega would have a hard enough time filling up pre-orders already made, let alone any new pre-orders. Sega had projected pre-orders to hit around 200, 000; in reality, the Dreamcast pre-orders will easily get to 350, 000. Not wanting to disappoint customers by misleading them into thinking that a DC pre-order now would mean a console on September 9th, Babbages and Software Etc. is telling new DC pre-order inquiries that they’ll have to wait until the second or third shipments from Sega.

The news is semi-sweet, as it means that Dreamcast pre-orders have exceeded expectations, but also that not everyone who wants a Dreamcast on September 9th will be able to acquire one. Walk-in purchases are all but out of the question at any sort of specialty store (Babbages, Software Etc., EB, and so on), and it will be a rush for potential DC owners to get to casual retail outlets and pick up the few Dreamcasts that haven’t been spoken for.

Now, I have pre-ordered a DC from my local Babbages. I did it in early July. However, I believe that doesn’t mean I’m guaranteed one on the 9th. I’m going to check things out either tomorrow or this weekend, and I’ll give you a report on what’s going on.

To those that have pre-ordered at EB, I wouldn’t be shocked if you didn’t get one on the 9th, even though you’re ‘guaranteed’ one. Again, I’m going to check around and see what’s going on.