So where's a dependable online source for ordering console games?

[Felon]

Right on schedule I got notice from Amazon.com that Assassin's Creed would not ship on the date they provided, but would instead arrive in the middle of next week. I'm that silly type of person who thinks that if you shell out cash for two-day shipping, the game shouldn't wind up arriving a week after it's hit the shelves.

I can put up with that for Assassin's Creed, but I don't want to get screwed on Mass Effect by the shipping delays that will be come as a result of Thanksgiving. Has anyone found a reliable company that will ship games in a timely manner? Has anyone tried ordering games through Best Buy, Circuit City, or Gamestop?

 

[GoodKingJayIII]

From what I've gathered, the only way you can buy a major game on release day from GameStop is by preordering. I can't tell you how many times I've walked into those stores and been told, "Nope, can't sell it, only for preorders" when it is quite obvious that they have more than enough copies available for all. That business model baffles me, so I've since stopped taking my business there.

Sorry, that's my little rant. At any rate, if you do preorder from GameStop, you will get your game. And what I've found with Best Buy is that even though I haven't preordered a game from them, there are always copies available for purchase on release day. This is probably less likely during the holiday season, but if they have that much stock available for the general public, I suspect your preorder chances with them are very good. I can't speak for Circuit City, myself.

 

[trancejeremy]

I know what you mean about Amazon.com, I ordered Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, which was supposed to ship on the 31st, but ended up shipping 3 days later on Friday.

Gamestop/EB is pretty much the most reliable place if you want it quick. However, overnight shipping costs $9, I think. I found that 2 day shipping actually one takes 1 day for me, though, and that's only $6. You can also get free shipping if you use the code SAVER, but that is media mail and can take a week. (Good for stuff you don't need right away)

Gogamer is also okay in my experience, but I haven't used them extensively.

 

[John Crichton]

I know what you mean about Amazon.com, I ordered Disgaea: Afternoon of Darkness, which was supposed to ship on the 31st, but ended up shipping 3 days later on Friday.

Gamestop/EB is pretty much the most reliable place if you want it quick. However, overnight shipping costs $9, I think. I found that 2 day shipping actually one takes 1 day for me, though, and that's only $6. You can also get free shipping if you use the code SAVER, but that is media mail and can take a week. (Good for stuff you don't need right away)

Gogamer is also okay in my experience, but I haven't used them extensively.

I have Amazon Prime, so I pay a flat fee yearly that gives free 2-day shipping. That said, I don't mind if I get the game a little after the release date. And sometimes, I get it the day of.

Last year, I got one game on a Monday when the release date was Tuesday.

That said, if I REALLY NEED a game on the date of release I always pre-order through gamestop or pre-order through a local store. However, I can't justify the extra shipping cost these days. Better just to wait.

 

[Felon]

Thanks for the advice. I canceled my Amazon orders and bought through Gamestop. $10 for next-day isn't too bad.