midnight release at Best Buy; what to expect?

So next week's release of Ghosts will be my first ever midnight release. What should I expect? Do I need to be really early, or can I just show up close to time and get in line? Do they generally keep the store open until the line is gone, or do they shut down after a certain time?

Game releases on Midnight aren't that bad... Console releases on the other hand, ugh they suck! In my experience you'll be fine... they'll stay open until everyone gets their copy.

I believe they use a group system similar to gamestop to insure an more orderly fashion

Be prepared in all ways. Eats,Drinks,Entertainment, and Sleeping arrangements for a sidewalk.

Ive been to 2 midnight releases, one in Tennessee, the other in Virginia. What always annoys me the most is that a single line is formed outside the best buy. When they open the doors the line splits into people who preordered and people who just show up to buy the game. The preorder line is massive and moves slow while the other line is smaller and moves quicker. So why preorder?

FiremanLFD525 wrote:

Be prepared in all ways. Eats,Drinks,Entertainment, and Sleeping arrangements for a sidewalk.

I'm not sleeping on the pavement!!!!!! I'll probably bring some chairs so we don't have to stand, but if the line is stupid I'll just come back in the morning when they open.

evandadda wrote:

Ive been to 2 midnight releases, one in Tennessee, the other in Virginia.  What always annoys me the most is that a single line is formed outside the best buy.  When they open the doors the line splits into people who preordered and people who just show up to buy the game.  The preorder line is massive and moves slow while the other line is smaller and moves quicker.  So why preorder?

Wow, that sucks.

I've been to a handful and the key @ gamestop is to go early get your group number then sit at home till 10 tuck the kids in kiss the wife, then join the mob.....FYI the first 15 people to get a copy at best buy get a shirt lol

In my experience, Best Buy does NOT do a grouping system. You should get there around 11 PM (could be earlier, could be later depending on how busy that location is) and you are usually let inside the store so you can finalize any payments, etc. or pay outright if you didn't pre-order. They will then split the line into two lines. One side for PS one for XBox. While in line they sometimes hand out raffle tickets and give away door prizes to keep things fun and entertaining while you wait for midnight. Last year they gave out some Hardened Editions of BO2 and also gave away 1 Prestige Edition. There are other vendors there as well that hand out coupons and other items. They then do the final countdown at midnight and quickly yet efficiently hand out the games and get everyone out the door. Last year as we were walking out they were also handing out free 5-Hour Energy drinks for everyone that was going to be rushing home to play all night. It was a nice touch!. You should be fine. The big box retailers like WalMart and Best Buy have this type of thing down to a science for the most part.

Go to Walmart or Target. Won't have to wait outside

My imagination says something like this...

^^ LOL +1 to you sir for the chuckle!

I went to Best Buy last year for BLOPS2, got there at 11:45 and waited in my truck until the line started moving. I was out of there by 12:25, pretty easy. Maybe 150-200 ppl.

Same as bird ... got to BB about 11:30 ... they started handing them out at Mid-night. Was out of there by 12:20pm. Went a lot quicker than I thought seeing as how there were about 200 people ahead of me.

What was funny ... is I drove by BB about 10:00am that morning and there were about 20 kids that had set up tents and sat all day freezing their asses off (this is Wisconsin) - they spent 14 hours waiting and got their game at 12:05. I waited 30 minutes and got mine at 12:20. Silly kids ... especially the ones who were too 'cool' to wear winter clothes ;-)

as a general rule, always be ready to elbow and shove your way through the place... oh, that's an everyday rule, never done the midnight release.  

Thanks for all the info guys! We'll probably show up around 11 and scope out the line. As long as I don't get turned away for showing up late it really doesn't matter to me where I am in line.

Another question: Can you buy other things while you're there for the midnight release? I've been thinking about picking up some Astro A40s. Can I do that at the same time, or should I go this weekend?

Midnight release at Best Buy... this is how I picture it.

OMG...............thats going to be one BIG ASS BBQ!

So, what Hawxx is saying is that you should expect to see Willie & Si & Jase...?