#and any game console customization was pretty much limited to what they sold in stores in person (colored controllers)

[aslice-ofcake]

been thinking lately about how my perception of the evolution of technology from starting with a big clunky family computer when i was ~7 to what we have now has been a bit skewed, and am realizing it's because i've just blocked out a lot of pre-college memories in general which makes me just think about what i've had during college and afterwards as what i consider to be the "standard" of technology that people had growing up

[wolfgabe]

Oddworld Soulstorm and the Epic exclusivity problem

Now just to make it clear now this is not a hate post on Oddworld Inhabitants or the Epic Store but I feel this is something that needs to be explained and saId so here goes

So it recently has come to my attention the PC version of Oddworld Soulstorm will be an Epic Store exclusive. Yes while I can understand OWI’s decision to an extent, I I believe now is a good time for me to go into detail on why I feel all this rampant exclusivity hoarding from Epic is quickly becoming a serious problem for the PC market in general.

Okay lemme first explain my current pc gaming setup which consists of just two platforms. The first is steam where I get the majority of my PC games and the second is GOG which I set myself up with recently to better satisfy my retro PC gaming interests. Between these two storefronts I felt relatively confident all my PC gaming needs were satisfied as pretty much any game on PC I was interested in I could generally find on Steam if that wasn’t the case there was GOG which is great if you are into older PC games in particular. It never felt like I was really missing out on anything in general nor did it feel like I was being punished for choosing one platform or the other. But now we have the Epic Store which at times I cannot help but feel is being used by Epic as a means to punish Steam users in particular outright through their rampant buying of exclusivity which brings me to one of my main issues with the Epic Store in that it is starting to feel like freedom of choice on PC no longer matters. To understand why I feel freedom of choice is key in the PC Market, lets take a look at Microsoft who as of late has been taking more steps to get many of their Xbox exclusives on more platforms as a way to expand their audience. Cuphead for example is readily available on the windows store but there is nothing stopping you from purchasing the game through steam and they even offer it on GOG if you would prefer to get the game DRM free. The point is Cuphead is not only on PC for those who do not own an Xbox console but PC users also have the added freedom of being able to get the game on their preferred storefront of choice. Microsoft could have easily just kept Cuphead and the rest of their Xbox games on PC exclusive to the Windows Store but they actually respect the customer’s freedom of choice which is ironic considering how in the 90s they got a lot of flak for being highly anti consumer.

Now I have seen people complaining about exclusives but to be straight I don’t really mind console exclusives as their primary purpose understandably is to give consumers an added incentive to invest in that particular platform. This has long been one of the key staples of Nintendo’s continued success as they possess some of the most valuable IPs in gaming which give people a reason to invest in Nintendo platforms because that is the only place where you can play those games. To break it down in general most console exclusives tend to fall into three main categories. The first is the first party games which are primarily developed by the platform holder’s in house teams i.e pretty much  almost every Nintendo game in general. Next we have the second party titles which are not developed in house but usually by an external studio that is owned by or has ties to the platform holder which constitute the majority of Playstation and Xbox’s own exclusive titles and to an extent a lot of NIntendo’s recent games which are often farmed out to external studios an example being the recent Luigis Mansion games which have been handled by Next Level Games. Another example would be Rareware during the SNES and N64 era due to Nintendo having a significant stake in ownership of the company Last we have the third party exclusives, these are generally the result of a deal between the developer and the platform holder such as the Persona series other times its the result of the platform holder offering to assist in funding and publishing the title i.e Nintendo and Bayonetta 2. In some cases third party exclusives may be timed exclusives in that they are only exclusive to that platform for a limited time frame before being released on other platforms.

Now looking at the Epic Store you start to notice that really the majority of its exclusives tend to fall into just two categories either being paid for by Epic or in some cases Epic literally mandating exclusivity just to allow the game to be sold on their store. What makes this particularly worrisome is the fact a lot of the games Epic has acquired the exclusivity to have roots in crowdfunding which more often than not has led to people who have backed the game being screwed over entirely on certain platforms with Shenmue 3 being the most glaring example of this. Paid exclusivity is just something I feel that does not belong in crowdfunded or kickstarter games in general period. Like imagine with Shovel Knight if you backed the game for PC and found that now the game will be Wii U only because Nintendo offered Yacht Club a mountain of cash. You would understandably feel both cheated and betrayed because you backed for so long is now going to be locked to a platform you had no interest in to begin with.

Back to my previous point when a third party game is console exclusive it is generally because the developer has determined that particular platform is the most suitable for their games primary audience or it is because the devs and the platform holder manage to reach a deal designed to benefit both parties as well as the consumer. Bayonetta 2 being Wii U exclusive was largely due to Nintendo offering to help publish the game because no on else would really. This is why the Bayonetta series going forward has largely become Nintendo exclusive because the series owes much of its continued existence to Nintendo. With the Epic Store a lot of the games that are exclusive really feel like they have no reason at all to be Epic Store only. With the Epic Store exclusivity feels less like an added incentive and more like a punishment for non Epic Store users as well as a means to try and mask the stores own inherent problems.

This brings me to my next main point in that Epic has given people relatively little reason to want to invest in their platform outside of exclusive games. When you compare the  Epic Store to Steam and practically every other PC storefront the numerous flaws and shortcomings quickly become apparent. I am fairly certain most people are readily familiar with the horror stories about the Epic Stores horrendous security holes as well as Epic’s connection to Tencent a shady Chinese corporate entity, but what I find most baffling is why Epic somehow expected to seriously compete with Steam when their storefront does not even have a fraction of the functionality and features that have largely been a staple of every other PC storefront for years. Imagine how it must feel for someone who has bought all the Borderlands games on Steam only to be forced to abandon all their friends to play Borderlands 3 on a platform that is not even capable of something as simple as creating friends lists. Coupled with the fact that Epic apparently cannot even manage their own store sales properly and you can clearly see why a good majority of people would prefer not to give Epic their money.

It’s pretty easy to forget Steam’s beginnings were relatively humble compared to the digital distribution behemoth it is today, When steam initially launched in 2003 it was little more than a glorified matchmaking portal for Valve’s own games. When you look at the Steam’s history and evolution you see that Steam did not become what it is today through exclusivity hoarding or trying to punish devs and players for choosing other platforms. Steam became what it is today because it grew and evolved with what the PC gamer wanted. This brings me to the problem I believe that most people have with the Epic Store in that it doesn’t feel like it’s trying to be what the gamer/consumer wants. Instead what the Epic Store has amounted to so far is essentially Epic attempting to steamroll its way into the PC distribution market through paid exclusivity and punishing people who choose Steam as their primary platform on PC. I do not mind the idea of multiple storefronts on PC and I do believe competition is necessary for a healthy market. But I strongly believe Epic has no right to proclaim they are fighting Steams monopoly when Steam never really was trying to be a monopoly to begin with along with the fact that almost everything Epic has done with their store front over the past year or so has been the exact opposite of pro consumer.

Back to Soulstorm, while yes I can understand that Oddworld Inhabitants would likely need some financial assistance to complete their game I cannot help but feel there are plenty of other people or publishers they could have easily partnered with that did not involve restricting the availability of the PC version of Soulstorm. While I am not angry with Oddworld Inhabitants, I still consider this move highly self defeating in a way as they may have effectively self sabotaged their own game’s sales potential as well as alienated a good chunk of their fanbase by allowing their game on PC to be locked to a storefront a good majority of people hate for very good reason. I won’t be surprised at all if this ends up backfiring on Epic in the end as the Epic Store exclusivity has simply served to push more people toward the Playstation version of Soulstorm based on a lot of reactions I have seen so far.

[zerohour1974]

The Grumpy Git Returns 2

Why is the Tech world so fundamentally broken?

Hello readers I’m back after a major hiatus.  What on earth is going on in the world of technology.  It’s all going to hell.

You might think what the hell am I on about.  It seems things in the industry are completely broken and for all the complaints out there no one seems to do anything about it.

Here are just a few examples...

1) Apple releases Mac Pro with a basic price tag of £5000

What on earth, I would understand such a price point if this was an amazing all singing all dancing machine, but its not.  The basic system is an i5 system.  Seriously then everything else can be upgraded by Apple or exclusive dealers or it invalidates your warranty and the machine locks you out using the T2 security chip.

Now Apple have been on shaky ground regarding tech for a number of years which problems such as lowering sales of iPhones because by the time they release them they have already been superseded by the competition.

Apple used to be seen as the innovative company of the world, the kings of aesthetic and cool.  Now even the hipsters of the world are thinking Apple products are too expensive and not really giving much to the world.

It doesn’t help that every MacOS version is now more like iOS and they are locking you further and further into the Apple Garden.  What i mean by that is blocking anything that is not in the Apple Play Store, not supporting hardware (Nvidia graphics cards, Wi-Fi etc.) and now preventing upgrades.  Which is alienating their customers...

No one is going to buy the Mac Pro one because the price is ludicrous.  Two everyone is speculating Apple is going to change to using ARM processors so the whole system is probably about to change.   People got bitten with PPC, only for Apple to switch to Intel and abandon PPC.  So they will not get away with it twice.

Apple admit too being a $1 trillion company but how long will it last considering you are further and further alienating your own customers.    Now don’t get me wrong there will always be a hardcore group of loyal Apple consumers, but you have to wonder is it enough to keep Apple where it stands.

Personally given their listed losses it looks like the bubble is starting to burst.  But equally getting back to the point who seriously believed a £5000 desktop would be seen and thought wow that’s a good idea.  The mind boggles.

A lot of people are now building Hackintosh machines because one its cheaper to do so and two for less money you probably get more power than the Mac Pro.  Crazy.

2) Software companies putting out totally broken games as full releases at full price.

This one is pretty obvious I can site many examples her but of course probably the biggest known was of course Bethesda’s Fallout 76.  Now I’m not going to reiterate its story there has been plenty of coverage about it on YouTube.

Now before anyone starts yes I accept there is Early Access programs on Steam and the likes but they at least admit up front that the item you are purchasing is not the final game and may be subject to change.

However we are seeing more and more companies putting out games that require huge day one updates of several gigabytes.  DLC breaking game elements in major ways and live services either not working or not being able to cope with the loads.

Now I admit I am not a programmer and maybe someone who is in the game will be able to shed a better light, but it seems these major corporations such as EA, Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard and more are making millions off the backs of programmers who are expected to deliver higher and higher standard stuff in less and less time.

These guys are being forced into working extraneous “crunch” hours being put under immense stress and not really seeing much in the way of benefits.  They seem to take a lot of abuse if the programmer refuses.

2019 showed many cases of ex-employees reporting abuse.  Now I know some could be put down to sour grapes but there is a lot to be said about there is no smoke without fire.

It seems many programmers are complaining about their immense pressure to perform.  As I said I’m not a programmer so I can’t really say I know.  They seem to have no representation in their corner to help them such a union and because a lot of them are freelance many corporations see them as disposable.

This to me is ludicrous.  Without these programmers most of these corporations would not have a product to sell and equally wouldn’t exist.  So why treat them like dirt, you are cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Also for all things like Fallout 76 proved for all they released a half arsed game and took controversy.  Not once has someone said that this practice is unacceptable.

If you bought a Television and when you turned it on it showed BBC1 and BBC2 only and the rest was coming later in a software patch update.  You would complain vehemently and take back the television for your money back.

So why can software companies get away with releasing a half finished product.... Which moves us on to...

3) New Linux phones been released unfinished

Linux phones are the latest and “greatest” thing since sliced bread if you believed the hype.  Security conscious phones that don’t report everything about you, kill switches to disable base bands so you can’t be monitored at all times and of course its Linux based so the operating system is free.

All sounds good and hence why Purism Librem 5 and the Pine phone both have had a major interest shown in them.

Given all the concerns raised recently regarding Google and how it uses its data and problems such as the many data leaks of various sites.  Privacy regarding your data is being raised.

Ironically Microsoft who have admitted they are having Windows 10 report back data are not in these investigations.  But hey ho.

However its not the fact its Linux that’s a problem for me.  I like Linux but what i don’t get is this new concept of the phone is taking longer than we thought and people are worried.  SO what we will do is supply you your phone but most of the software doesn’t work but in the next few months we will implement various features to get it working.

They even give them titles such as the Pine Phone Braveheart Edition or the Librem 5 Spring.  Basically a broken p[hone which you have paid money for hoping that eventually it may work.

Once again these phones are hardly cutting edge so even if they do get it working.  Half of the tech is at least a generation back.

Now I understand creating a phone and its OS from scratch is hard work     and such processed take time.  However giving you a shell of a phone and leaving you to wait for the rest is a bit much.

This is similar to the TV but in this case because Linux is open source.  Your TV now only has two channels and they want you to write the next bit of the code to sort the programs out.  They say it’s a learning experience.

I’m waiting for someone to build a house and then if you want any windows, heating or electric you have to have to either build it yourself or wait for an upgrade.  Madness.

4) Live services...

When I started in computing my first machine was a ZX Spectrum 48K it wasn’t amazing but it was a computer.  You bought games, you could program it and it was yours to do with as you pleased.

Modern day systems both in the computing world and console world you are signed into agreements that no matter what the machine is.  The code involved is the property of X company and although you physically own the machine you can not amend it, alter it,  complain about it or they can withdraw your rights to said systems and lock you out.

What? I own a machine but if I do anything beyond your limitations you will sue me.  How did this become a thing.

It was bad enough with Intellectual Copyright bullshit but this is getting ludicrous.

They have since took it one step further in games now several of them will not allow you to play them unless permanently connected to their servers or pay an ongoing subscription fee.

Which equally they can close at a moments notice because they decide they don’t like it and you have no recompense.  How many games have we heard have been just abandoned by their publishers.

Especially in the MMORPG genre.  Games are no longer purchased like tapes with physical medium as now most are download codes in physical cases.  If you actually get a physical DVD you are lucky.

However it doesn’t mean squat if you buy the game and the servers no longer exist.  Several games have managed to allow people to have their own private servers but many of them don’t exist.

How is this allowed to exist.  How are the computer industry allowed to sell products which have no guarantee.  Also why is no one questioning this...

If Valve decide enough was enough, they were sick of being blamed for the controversial games been stuck on its site by asset flippers etc., and decided to close down the service.

Sure they would have to give people notice but beyond that they have no obligation to make sure you have access to the games you bought.  This to me seems a dodgy game.

And with more services such as the Epic Games Store, UPlay, Origin,  and Google Stadia this is only going to get worse.

We need some form of legislation to prevent this from happening.  We are losing more and more data everyday on the internet due to leaks, server closures and companies just going out of business.  Very little of this software and data is being archived so is lost.

This is a problem.  Now I understand people saying it’s my game. But equally you have been paid for said game and now they are saying we cant use it or access it.

Something is fundamentally wrong here.

I could go on with further points such as large corporations closing Software Studios making games and complaining they sold 7 million copies and didn’t sell 10 million copies. Major tech companies refusing to pay taxes but want tax breaks from major governments but that can be the topic for another day.

As I said the tech world is fundamentally broken and needs a shake up.  Why are we paying the price for their inability to sort out their problems.

Until next time ...

[aion-rsa]

Xbox Series X Pre-order Date and Time Confirmed After Chaotic PS5 Pre-orders

https://ift.tt/eA8V8J

Microsoft has confirmed when Xbox fans will be able to pre-order an Xbox Series X or Series S. Players hoping to get their hands on one of the company’s next-gen consoles should be ready to pounce on digital storefronts on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 11 am ET.

Retailers that will begin taking pre-orders at that time include Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, GameStop, and Newegg.

The details come from the Xbox PR via GamesBeat editor Jeff Grubb, who shared a screengrab of the Xbox Series X pre-order details on Twitter:

From Xbox PR about preorders: pic.twitter.com/rqpSbbX1se

— Jeff Grubb (@JeffGrubb) September 17, 2020

According to GameSpot, Xbox Series X and Series S pre-orders will begin in the UK at BST at retailers such as the Microsoft Store, Amazon, GAME, Argos, Currys PC World, Smyths Toys, and more.

“Set your alarm for the pre-order date as supplies are limited,” the press release from the Xbox PR team read. Xbox fans can only hope that Xbox Series X and Series S pre-orders will run much more smoothly than this week’s PS5 pre-orders, which turned into pure chaos when retailers opened pre-orders earlier than planned. It didn’t help that Sony barely gave its community any actual notice that pre-orders would commence on Sept. 17, sending out a matter-of-fact reply on a Twitter thread:

PS5 pre-orders will be available starting as early as tomorrow at select retailers.

— PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 16, 2020

Walmart was the first to open pre-orders ahead of schedule, launching just after the PS5 showcase on Sept. 16, and Best Buy, Target, and GameStop quickly followed suit. Amazon opened its own pre-orders right before midnight. The result was about what you’d expect. Some digital storefronts went down as they were flooded by customers scrambling to secure a PS5 pre-order. Other customers were unable to check out, while some couldn’t even put a PS5 in their carts. Most retailers sold out of PS5s within minutes. It was a mess.

This tweet pretty much sums it all up:

Sony: pre orders go live tomorrow 🙂 Retailers: pic.twitter.com/lKFTxp1IDp

— Felicia Miranda (@feliciavagabond) September 17, 2020

Even Xbox couldn’t help but take a shot at Sony, responding to the unruly PS5 pre-order process over Twitter and promising fans that they’ll “know the exact time pre-orders start” for the Xbox Series X and Series S ahead of time. The team has seemingly kept its promise.

Pre-order 👉 September 22 Worldwide launch in 36 countries 👉 November 10 Hype 👉 9000+ (don’t worry – we’ll let you know the exact time pre-orders start for you soon) pic.twitter.com/SLUrrtszyN

— Xbox (@Xbox) September 17, 2020

cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "106e33c0-3911-473c-b599-b1426db57530", }).render("0270c398a82f44f49c23c16122516796"); });

Will fans have an easier time pre-ordering the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles next week? Time will tell. But at least Xbox fans won’t be caught by surprise.

The Xbox Series X and Series S will launch on Nov. 10. The Series X will cost $499 while the Series S will retail for $299, the cheapest of the next-gen consoles on offer this holiday.

The post Xbox Series X Pre-order Date and Time Confirmed After Chaotic PS5 Pre-orders appeared first on Den of Geek.

from Den of Geek https://ift.tt/32HB0p0

[shaneedor700-blog]

What's New In Tabletop Gaming (June Edition)

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The work of downloading content material you legally own rights to could are categorized as fair use as well , as with several products the tech required to make an electronic backup (which you have entitlement to) can be beyond your own skill level on multiple levels from running the software involved to the base ability to perform basic solidering and desolidering could be acts you are unable to perform especially with age. The emulator promotes the play of illegal ROMs , NOT genuine games. The Xbox One X facilitates AMD FreeSync via HDMI, which an ever-increasing amount of monitors also support, but other consoles do not support any variable refresh price technologies. %displayPrice% at %seller% It's easy to recommend Halo 5: Forge to anyone who's searching for a solid multiplayer shooter.

In Asia, a center of video game activity and addiction, rehabilitation centers designed to stamp out uncontrollable playing have existed for years. Twenty-nine percent of game players are over the age of 50, an increase from nine percent in 1999. The intricate theme of mobile video games served with the latest technology is a pattern that never fades aside in today's mobile game advancement space. Using advanced technology for this time, added add-ons included a lightgun for a target shooting game, and a special attachment utilized for a golf putting game. Nintendo's new mini-emulator package offers 30 1st- and third-party games from the business's beloved NES console in a little, standalone package, including the initial three Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Mega Man II, Castlevania, and Last Fantasy.

PC gamers require at least a minimal degree of technical skills, even if indeed they purchased a pre-built gaming computer. If you have a good video-card and monitor I believe the PC can look better to. Counterfeiting is a significant problem not merely for Nintendo but also the whole video game industry. Console games tend to have a comparatively low learning curve. It'll be impossible to get more dick movies into video games until someone fits sexbots with high score tables. to the other fourth-generation consoles, the AES and its games were prohibitively expensive, which kept product sales low and avoided it from growing outside its market and into significant competition with Nintendo and Sega. At around once, the Sinclair ZX Spectrum premiered in the United Kingdom and quickly became the most popular home computer in many regions of Western Europe-and later on the Eastern Bloc -credited to the convenience with which clones could be produced.

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Where to buy phones in the UK: Unlock and on-contract Buying a new phone can be a minefield. Whether you’re in for a budget bargain or a high-end flagship, a hoard of brands and network carriers are all vying for your hard-earned cash. With so many decisions to make already, you’d be forgiven for not thinking beyond the basic questions. Where’s the best place to buy a phone in the UK? Is it better to buy unlocked or to buy on-contract? How much will all this going cost you? Is this the right phone? Picking out the best smartphone to buy is only half the battle, the next major decision to make is who and where to purchase it from. Fortunately in the U.K. there are a selection of high street and online retailers offering a wide range of contract and unlocked handsets at reasonable prices. This guide walks through all of the major options and discusses the pros and cons of each. In Part 1, we’re taking a look at unlocked phones in the UK – the benefits, the caveats, and where to buy phones from. In Part 2, we’re checking out on-contract options for buying phones in the UK – the top carriers, the smaller MVNOs and other things to consider. Without further ado, here are the best places to buy phones in the UK. Part 1. Buying unlocked phones in the UK With rising monthly costs and ever-higher price-tags, U.K. buyers are getting more and more market savvy, chopping and changing contracts and, crucially, carriers with increasing frequency. To get involved in the price war you’ll need one thing, however: an unlocked phone. But where can you buy an unlocked phone in the U.K.? Let’s find out. Why buy unlocked phones? Before we delve into where you can pick up an unlocked smartphone, let’s first look at why you’d want one. The best answer is freedom. Having the option to switch out your SIM card for another tiny bit of plastic with a chip in it from a different provider opens up a lot of possibilities, even if you’re quite happy with your current network of choice. For those travelling outside of the EU zone for long periods of time, it’s usually infinitely cheaper to pick up a local deal. Maybe you want to keep your phone free from bloatware and avoid inbuilt carrier apps. Maybe you just don’t want the hassle of unlocking your phone in a year or so to resell it for the maximum value. These are just a few of the many scenarios where an unlocked device can be a lifesaver, and it’s why consumer group Which? is pushing mobile providers to unlock all handsets automatically either at point of purchase or the end of a contract. We’ll get into how to unlock a locked phone in another post soon, but for now, here are a few things to watch out for when shopping for an unlocked device: Always read the fine print – Make sure you check with the sales representative or the store FAQ before handing over your cash and always read the small print! Every retailer listed below claims to sell unlocked or “SIM free” devices, but you’re still better off knowing the store’s return policies just in case. Speaking of SIM free devices… Be careful when buying an iPhone – Some “SIM free” iPhones, like those bought from Carphone Warehouse, will lock to the first network it comes into contact with, despite initially being open to all carriers. Obviously we would recommend buying an Android phone over one of Apple’s flagships (there are a few reasons why), but if you’re looking specifically for an unlocked iPhone, your best bet is to go directly to Apple. All of the store recommendations below are based on buying Android devices. If you’re buying third-party, make sure to check the seller’s ratings – If you’ve ever used eBay for more than a small handful of purchases, you’ve probably already encountered a disreputable seller or two. Checking a seller’s ratings on auction or classified-style websites should be your first step when buying third-party. Don’t risk buying a 500-plus pound phone from a poorly reviewed source. It’s not worth the risk. With that out of the way, let’s look at the best places to buy unlocked phones in the U.K.. Unlocked phone retailers: High street and online Carphone Warehouse Walk down any busy high street or through any major shopping centres in the U.K. and you’ll probably see a Carphone Warehouse, every one of which sells unlocked phones. With over 1,100 stores across the U.K. (and Ireland), a simple-to-use online store with options for click and collect or home delivery, frequent sales, and devices ranging from 50-pound feature phones to 800-plus-pound flagships from almost every OEM imaginable, there’s a reason so many people choose to spend their cash at this mobile giant. Shop Carphone Warehouse Currys PC World These two are grouped together, as both are part of the Dixons Carphone group. They even share a website. Unlike Carphone Warehouse, which also offers pay monthly plans, Currys PC World exclusively sells SIM-free phones, primarily from big name brands like Samsung, Google, LG, Sony, and more. Pricewise, Currys PC World tends to echo its sister supplier, but you can pick up different bundles than Carphone Warehouse from time to time. While you’ll find plenty of Currys PC World stores around the U.K., they don’t typically hold too much stock of mobile devices. Basically, take advantage of the click and collect feature online if you can, but don’t expect availability to be as widespread as other options on this list. Shop Currys PC World Three That’s right, one of the four major networks in the U.K. is also a superb source for buying unlocked devices. Whether on contract or bought SIM free, all phones purchased from Three via its retail or online store will work with any network straight away. The CK Hutchinson subsidiary made the decision to sell all devices unlocked standard back in early 2014 and is still the only non-MVNO network to do so. While it doesn’t always bring the best SIM free offers to the table, there’s no doubting Three is one of the best places to buy an unlocked phone on the high street — especially if you’re after the Three-exclusive Razer Phone. Shop Three John Lewis Surprised to see John Lewis on the list? You shouldn’t be. It offers something you won’t find elsewhere. Ask any savvy buyer where to buy an ultra-expensive TV and you’re likely to hear John Lewis mentioned thanks to its unmatched five-year warranty guarantees. What most don’t know is that John Lewis also offers a two-year warranty on essentially all items in its electronics department, including every single one of its fully-unlocked mobile phones. Combine that peace of mind with 49 store locations across the U.K. and a stellar online service, and you’ll see why so many people go to John Lewis for their tech purchases. Shop John Lewis Argos Most shoppers will already have a love-hate relationship with Argos. The wait-for-your-number catalogue system felt ridiculously outdated over a decade ago and in-store stock levels are inconsistent at best. That said, if you get lucky with stock, Argos is a great place to pick up pretty much anything you can think of on a whim, including unlocked mobiles. The Fast Track collection service is a ridiculously speedy way of picking up a brand new device in a nearby store and helps avoid delivery fees. Another potential positive is the “buy now, pay later” Argos Card which lets you spread the cost of a new phone over three to twelve months. Just be careful of the hefty APR hike and interest charges for any missed payments. Shop Argos CeX Is it “see ee ex,” “kecks,” or “sex”? Who knows. What we do know is CeX stores sell plenty of unlocked phones. Everyday customers can head to one of over 300 CeX stores to trade-in DVDs, video games, consoles, and, crucially, locked and unlocked smartphones. As these are second-hand devices, you usually won’t have to pay anywhere near as much as for a brand new phone. That’s especially true if you opt to buy a device with a lower condition grade. For buyers that can live with a few scratches or marks, buying a “B” or even “C” graded phone can knock as much as 100 pounds off the overall price of a handset. It’s worth noting all devices are covered by a two-year warranty regardless of the grade. The downside to buying phones from CeX is it doesn’t guarantee the phone you want will be available. You can check online, but CeX’s online store is incredibly rough around the edges. Shop CeX Tesco Tesco Mobile is one of the most popular MVNO networks in the U.K., but unfortunately all of its devices are sold locked. However, that’s not true of the grocery chain’s online service, Tesco Direct. At Tesco Direct, you can pick up hundreds of different unlocked phones from popular brands like Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG, and many more, as well as relatively obscure brands in the U.K. like WileyFox, Xiaomi, ZTE, Meizu, and STK. As an added bonus, you can also collect and spend Clubcard Points on every purchase. Shop Tesco Game The U.K.’s largest high street video games retailer has offered smartphone trade-in and reselling services for a few years now. Most stores have a cabinet full of phones, many unlocked, in the front window. Much of what we said about CeX applies here, too, although in our experience Game sometimes won’t accept trade-ins on lesser-known manufacturers. As a result, your buying options may also be somewhat limited. Game’s online store is also a complete mess. It includes “Game fulfilled” listings with click and collect or home delivery options, as well as offers from third-party sellers. Make sure you’ve double-checked who you’re buying from, and remember Game will only give you a one-year warranty. Shop Game Virgin Mobile While Virgin Mobile technically sells unlocked phones, the unlocked part only applies to devices bought on contract. Pay as you go customers aren’t so lucky. If you’re after a contract phone anyway then the EE-supported MVNO may be worth a look. Shop Virgin Mobile Unlocked phone retailers: Online only Amazon U.K. Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. As the world’s largest online retailer, Amazon should require no introduction. All of the usual Amazon perks apply here, especially for Prime members who get access to one day delivery as part of their membership. With regular discounts, thousands of well-reviewed resellers, and arguably the widest selection of available handsets, there is no shortage of reasons why so many people all over the world choose Amazon when buying a new, SIM-free phone. Shop Amazon Clove Dorset-based e-retailer Clove stocks a huge variety of unlocked devices, including those from more niche names in the U.K. like OnePlus, Alcatel, Honor, Asus, and more. It also sells Android tablets, refurbished phones, and plenty of accessories to go with your new purchase. Shop Clove Giffgaff Giffgaff prides itself on offering a consumer-friendly MVNO carrier service with freedom from lengthy contracts, so it shouldn’t be surprising that all of its phones come unlocked. As well as bonuses like free next day delivery, O2’s sister network also sells refurbished and pre-owned devices far cheaper than their brand-new counterparts. You can also pay in one lump sum or in installments over a two year period. Shop giffgaff Mobiles.co.uk / E2Save We’re lumping these two together as they are both owned by Dixons Carphone. E2Save tends to stick to mid-range or entry-level devices, but Mobiles.co.uk has a much broader scope. Best to check both if you’re shopping around for the best deal. Shop Mobiles.co.uk Shop E2Save eBay Any buying experience you might have on eBay is solely defined by the reliability of the seller. If a deal seems too good to be true, it may well be just that. If you find a top-tier seller with a solid track record, there are certainly bargains to be found either in auctions or “Buy It Now” listings. Our big tip: always use PayPal for extra protection. It’s worth noting some of the companies we’ve already mentioned, like Argos and Tesco, sell unlocked devices (with exclusive offers) through eBay outlets which tend to come with extra guarantees. Shop eBay Gumtree If you’re after an unlocked phone immediately and don’t fancy walking down your local high street, you could always take a gander at Gumtree’s classifieds and find a nearby seller. Much like eBay, if you get a good seller you’ll have a great experience. If the seller is bad it can be even worse, as Gumtree doesn’t offer any kind of support for buyers. Think of it like a car boot sale: you might snag an absolute bargain, but there’s a chance you might end up with a load of old rubbish. Shop Gumtree AO There are plenty of electrical appliance retailers that also sell SIM-free phones, but very few are as well regarded as AO. On top of free 30 day returns, next day delivery, and finance offers, AO also offers an excellent price match service that can be applied before purchase or up to seven days after delivery. Shop AO Sky Mobile Another O2 MVNO! While Sky doesn’t sell devices outright, you can sign-up for a pay monthly plan safely knowing the phone you’re getting is unlocked. Just don’t expect to see a wide variety. Sky Mobile currently only stocks Apple, Samsung, and Sony devices on its website. Shop Sky Mobile MobileFun If you’re looking for Android accessories, there are very few U.K.-based sites that can match MobileFun. What you might not know — it’s very well hidden on its website — is MobileFun also sells SIM-free phones and quite often has some great deals. Shop MobileFun Very While you should always be wary of heavy interest rates and late payment fees for finance deals, Very offers a fairly decent range of unlocked phones from major OEMs and less-known brands, like STK and even CAT. Shop Very As you can see, there are plenty of retailers to choose from when shopping for an unlocked phone in the UK. They all offer a variety of deals and perks. Part 2. Buying on-contract phones in the UK Contract options are still the most popular way to buy phones in the UK, bundling handset and data costs into a single monthly payment plan. Although there’s still a strong market for SIM-free handset for customers looking to stick with their existing data plan. In this rundown we’re going to be looking at the UK carriers and retail chains that also offer contract and/or SIMs along with their handsets. The big four Your first stop for the latest and greatest handsets is likely to be directly at one of the U.K.’s big four carriers. EE, O2, Three, and Vodafone all have their own online and physical retails stores dotted up and down the country, making them arguably the best places to visit to try out the latest and greatest models as soon as they hit the market. Not only that, but it’s also the best way to directly check out all of the contract and SIM offers from the country’s network operators, to make sure you’re getting the latest deals. The drawback here is that some phones will be locked to the network you buy them from, making it difficult to switch to a different service. Read: Picking the best network in the UK Of course, picking the right network for you is another topic in and of itself. As a general rule of thumb, EE offers the fastest and broadest 4G LTE coverage in the U.K. but charges a little more than others. Three is a good choice is you’re after all you can eat data, Vodafone offers some interesting roaming deals and bundles, while O2 Refresh is worth a look at for more flexible upgrade routes. For the best deal when looking where to buy phones in the UK, it’s a good idea to browse through all these available options online first, so you can discuss exactly what you’re after if you pop into a store. And it never hurts to play the networks off against each other for your custom. Shop EE Shop O2 Shop Three Shop Vodafone Outside of the big four, the Carphone Warehouse is the single largest high street presence for smartphones and other mobile gadgets, with over 1,100 stores across the U.K. (and Ireland). The company also has its own online store featuring the same selection of handsets and deals. The benefit of visiting the Carphone Warehouse is that it’s the fastest way to compare a selection of contract and SIM-only offers from across the four major network operators. Simply pick out a phone you like, and then have the Carphone Warehouse help pick out the best or most affordable contract option to suit your needs. The Carphone Warehouse also occasionally grabs exclusive contract options and offers for its customers, such as limited time exclusivity on the stylish Moroccan Blue colour option of the LG V30. If you’re more interested in SIM-free handsets from some of the industry’s leading brands, then you might want to check out the other half of the Dixons Carphone retail group – Currys PC World. Again, there are numerous stores up and down the country, but stock mostly the deals tend to mirror the Carphone Warehouse, so instead it’s a handy way to pickup online purchases locally. Although occasionally you might find the old unique offer. Shop Carphone Warehouse Shop Currys PC World Smaller MVNOs When it comes to places where you can buy phones in the UK, the country has a vibrant marketplace for mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), some of which offer physical store presences and many more which operate exclusively online. Contract and SIM options tend to be more flexible with MVNOs, and prices can often be a little cheaper too, especially if you bring your own handset. If you’re keen to get your hands on some smartphones for a physical browse before committing to a purchase, the options are a little more limited but certainly not hard to come by. Supermarket chain Tesco runs it own MVNO on the Vodafone network, and you’ll often find a selection of handsets from popular manufacturers in its larger stores, including Samsung, HTC, LG, and others. Flagships, mid-tier, and budget handsets are all usually on offer. However, it’s worth considering that the handsets sold in its stores are are locked to the Tesco Mobile network, but they’re aren’t when buying from its Tesco Direct online service. Shop Tesco Virgin Mobile, by comparison, doesn’t have anywhere near the nationwide store presence, but if you’re located in a city there’s a good chance there’s a Virgin Media store somewhere nearby. While also showcasing the company’s range of TV and broadband packages, the company’s stores showcase a range of smartphones available on its network. Virgin Mobile piggybacks on EE’s network, offering customers excellent 4G LTE coverage and speeds. It’s a rather good option if you’re looking for flexibility too, as it’s free to shift up and down tariff bands each month and unused data rolls over every 30 days. Shop Virgin Mobile Other MVNO’s in the U.K. only offer online purchases, with the exception of the iD Mobile which is operated by the Carphone Warehouse and so can be picked up in their stores too. A number of the county’s broadband and TV providers have moved into the carrier space over the years, with BT, PlusNet, and Sky all offering SIM-only options and payment plans for handsets. You don’t have to be a broadband customer to buy a SIM from these companies, but there are often notable discounts for those who are. Outside of the broadband race, GiffGaff, which runs on the O2 network, has gained a considerable following, offering low cost data SIMs and monthly payment options for many of the latest flagship and mid-tier handsets. GiffGaff has become a popular choice for those who prefer flexible month-to-month contracts, as the carrier allows customers to switch plans at will and cancel at any time. Here’s where to find deals from the U.K.’s most popular MVNOs. Shop BT Mobile Shop Giffgaff Shop iD Mobile Shop Sky Mobile UK carriers overview – Choose yours below! O2 UK network review: Everything you need to know Vodafone UK review: Everything you need to know Three UK network review: Everything you need to know EE network review: Everything you need to know And that’s a wrap! We’ll keep our guide on where to buy phones in the UK up to date. This is by no means an exhaustive list, so if you have a store recommendation for your fellow phone buyers, let us know in the comments! , via Android Authority http://bit.ly/2IhlYtI

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The mysterious nature of Amiibo

Amiibo have easily become one of Nintendo most unique, creative and questionable ideas in years. While the rest of the Industry has pursued a path of downloadable content that is easily reachable, with a few simple clicks from the comfort of your sofa, you can download a plethora of DLC that's available. Nintendo however, decided to take a different direction for this.

Nintendo, always looking to take a distinct approach, constantly thinking outside of the box, decided to take a play from its roots. While it's commonly known, people often forget, Nintendo was a Toy company. Well, technically, Nintendo was many things throughout the 1900s, getting most attention in the 1960s, making playing cards and then in the 70s really started to plant the first gaming seeds, which would grow into the company we recognize it of today.

So Nintendo making Toy figures of everyone favorite characters is actually a brilliant idea. Who doesn't mind official, beautiful crafted figures right? Nintendo then takes a modern approach by applying a simple NFC chip inside the base of each figure, when placed atop of the Wii U Gamepad or New 3DS, reads the chip information and unlocks new content with compatible games. 

Many called it Physical DLC, and on paper it does appear that, but what I do enjoy is that where DLC is strictly attached to one game, Amiibo in theory can be universal. Long as Nintendo supports an Amiibo figure, you can unlock additional content across multiple titles. But as I said, long as its supported that is. 

When first hearing about Amiibo and learning about the course Nintendo was taking with them, I was delighted but not sold on it. I would much rather spend my money on other things and honestly, at the time, only one game supported Amiibo anyways. Not really something worth burst through store doors to get. Though the whole idea of figures unlocking content was a pretty novel idea, you would figured it be pretty cut dry and simple. Nintendo makes figures, you buy it, tap it on your Wii U and your done. 

Oh, how quickly everything went off the tracks.

Is Nintendo cursed, or is it Nintendo can't get a single project off the ground smoothly, whatever the reason, Amiibo, when releasing out to the public has been nothing short of a frustrating train wreck that for the life of me, couldn't quite understand. I kid you not, I wouldn't be surprised in the least if a Hollywood producer somewhere is writing up a story around these little figures and just how painful they are to come by for the fans, and for the fans who actually own a Wii U.

Let me break down the odd reality of the world with Amiibo.

"Previously, you couldn't purchase all the Amiibo from one source"

So let's say, you recently purchased a Wii U, and eagerly excited to start collecting Amiibo figures to use. Well, I hope you have plenty of gas in your tank cause you will be driving to multiple different stores. Nintendo cooked up this brilliant plan to have various Amiibo's exclusive to different stores. For example, if you wanted Shulk, you would have to shop at Gamestop, if you wanted Rosalina, you have to go to Target. What's that? You want Lucario? You have to find a ToysRus for that. 

Why did Nintendo come up with this idea? !@#$ if I know. Basically, in the end, for a few different Amiibo's, all conveniences are simply stripped away, You will have to put in some serious effort on foot if you wanted to purchase in-store, that is if a store even has availability. Not to sound lazy, it's not difficult to drive up to a store or two, see what they have in stock. But when it comes to Amiibo, you'll find yourself traveling across town, several times over just for a few. 

While it's tempting to simply shop at Amazon or other online retailers, you will end up paying prices far above MSRP listing for it. Making it incredibly frustrating, when you simply want to buy select Amiibo for the price Nintendo gives on it. So either you cave in and buy from Amazon or Ebay or you'll be driving across the state in hopes to find that at least one retailer has the figure you're looking for. 

Nintendo barley prints any, let alone restock

You're stuck in the office, the meeting will run over the scheduled time and won't be able to leave till much later. Not to worry, very skillfully, like a Ninja, you pull out your phone, slowly and carefully, you shop online to place an order to buy an Amiibo. What's this? The availability is none? There must be some mistake. You try to remain your composure, or the boss will notice your not writing down notes. You start feverishly looking for in-store availability, but alas, all stores with-in a 100 mile radius, also show none available...

Story aside, for many Amiibo figures, it's like winning the lottery. Which absolutely no one saw coming. Why no one expected Amiibo to be so big? Simple, to date there's been 9.2 million Wii U units sold and only the New 3DS units can use Amiibos. Realistically, world-wide, there's only around 10 million people who actually have a need/use for Amiibo. If I were to break down the numbers down to per region, per state, per area code. There's only a few people in each area that have a specific need for Amiibo.

And yet there's literally people waiting outside stores to open, to be the first at a chance to buy Amiibo. Worse yet, Amazon had to list very specific instructions on how to purchase Amiibos; when they're available, and for only certain time slots of listed days. 

What the hell? I'm just trying to buy a plastic figure that costs around $12.99, this isn't Super Bowl tickets or VIP concert tickets. And yet magically, despite there only being so many Wii U owners, the mass amount of traffic online, for when the next wave of Amiibo comes out, has caused stress for online retailers. 

Who knows the reasons, but Nintendo is either asleep at the wheel or they feel the need to only produce a limited amount, which sadly, are the perfect conditions for a certain species to breed...

Amiibo are a Scalpers paradise

Nintendo more or less gave all the key ingredients for Scalpers to have a prime opportunity to make some easy serious cash. We know there's only so many Wii U/New 3DS owners, not near enough to cause online retailers' server problems or every store in the country to have Amiibos stripped off the shelves.

No, this is the massive success of Scalpers. Nintendo over the past few years have truly been the go-to company for Scalpers, due to Nintendo silent cryptic nature when it comes to availability and stock. Are the prime ingredients for anyone wanting to make a quick buck selling online. What also makes it so easy is the low cost investment. While $12.99 for a single figure might be expensive if you were just wanting a new outfit for an in game character, but for a scalper, that's friggen cheap compared to buying cell phones or consoles. 

To highlight just how targeted Amiibo are, in the UK a truck filled with special editions Splatoon Amiibos was stolen. 

Now, yes, there's plenty of other people who have interest in Amiibos that don't own a Wii U or New 3DS, and there's nothing wrong with that, like I said, who doesn't want a cool figure of a Pokemon or Link? It's just the combination or limited release with Scalpers that make it hell for anyone.

Nintendo remains quiet on how it handles Amiibo

As if the scalpers, multiple store shopping and limited quantity weren't a headache already, if you were looking answers from Nintendo, you won't get many. Rare is it for Nintendo to publicly state on Amiibo orders, quantity and releases. With each coming wave of Amiibo launches, Nintendo continues to promise the same broken song, that next time, it will be better. Same results every time. 

Its why Scalpers love Nintendo, the company does little to address issues known or relies on retailers to react to customer complaints. Now, it is possible, Nintendo had no idea Amiibo were going to be this big, that the amount it pinned to make would previously thought to be more than enough. However, the amount of people being vocal across social networks is pretty alarming. Too big for a company like Nintendo to ignore. 

Or maybe it's a brilliant play from Nintendo, an extreme measure of supply and demand. Have it appear they're making Amiibo raining from the sky and the demand is just so hot, there's no possible way they can produce enough. I'll give Nintendo a slight benefit of the doubt on this, but judging just how pressed everyone is for various Amiibo figures and being little hard facts from Nintendo to go by. Tells me Nintendo is dangling the Amiibo carrot in front of everyone. 

Amiibo Rare? Collectors items?

Generally, whenever something hot hits the market, Toys, cards, electronics ect, and because the items are tough to get a hold off, people quickly presume its because it's extremely rare and should be held as collectors items. Always makes me cringe when I hear Collectors Item, as so often history has shown, it's not. 

I remember how Tamagotchi, Furbies, Pokemon Cards, Beanie Babies, and so on, were held as collector items back in the day. That they would hold value and be worth something great years later. Yet here we are today, and many of the hot previous toys of yesterday, really haven't held their value, though not to say all are worthless, there will always be a few select items out of the batch that fans are willing to shell out for, but the mast majority, you'll be lucky to break even. True collectibles are rare in nature, and generally don't become collecting worthy until many years later, long past the hot crave. For example, let's look at Rosalina, the rare and limited released item to Target. Let's just see how rare it is on Ebay.

Well, would you look at that over 190 Rosalina Amiibo available. Not really something I would consider "Rare", and if you have been paying attention to prices, as more and more become increasingly available, prices drop. If you want to talk about Rare, try collecting Neogeo AES titles, then get back to me. 

And sadly, most of those figures remained sealed with their packaging, never to breath the fresh air and be used on a Wii U. Truly a shame. 

Wrapping up

Ok, I've ranted on long enough. Amiibo has been one of Nintendo most successful and over complicating, frustrating product in years. It's getting attention and being very profitable for Nintendo, but It all depends on your definition of success. For me, once again I find myself at odds. I've mentioned this again and again, at how I would love to buy in, drink the koolaid, become a believer in Nintendo methods, but, I just can't. Even owning a Wii U and actively enjoy it. Amiibo remains something I can't connect with, nor do I want to deal with the issues surrounding it. 

As I really don't need Amiibo, seeing how some of the best additional content for Super Smash Bros has all been DLC, I can simply unlock from the comfort of my sofa, with a few simple clicks I now have Mewtwo unlocked to play. No need to rush around stores, wait hand n foot in-front of a computer screen, watching the clock tick down on a retailers website. Nope, none of that is necessary or required.  

Now what does worry me as Nintendo started to flirt with games being entirely based around Amiibo figures, such as Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival. Which seeing how difficult and painful Splatoon Amiibos have been, I can only imagine the Hell it will be for Animal Crossing if Nintendo doesn't straighten out, which honestly, don't see any time coming. 

[ultralifehackerguru-blog]

New Post has been published on http://www.lifehacker.guru/in-store-availability-is-never-accurate/

'In-Store Availability' Is Never Accurate

A couple weeks ago I drove myself mad looking for a Nintendo Switch. I checked store after store—12 in total—using the “available in-store” listings you find on retailer’s websites as my guide. Each one would say they had a few consoles up for grabs, but when I got there, nada. So I began to wonder if you could ever really trust a store’s website for item availability. The answer, it turns out, is a resounding “nope.”

Now, I knew that finding a Switch was a long shot, and I knew trusting a store’s website was a little naive. I’m not an idiot. If I really wanted a Switch, I should have preordered like everybody else. But this highlighted a problem I’ve had many times in the past. I search for an item online, perk up when I see that it’s in stock nearby, then excitedly skip my way to the store with my pretty wicker basket only to be disappointed when it’s not actually there. A bookstore’s site says it has a book but when I show up they tell me “Oh, I’m Sorry, we must have sold it earlier today.” An electronics store says it has a movie but they tell me “Sorry dude, our count must’ve been off.” A toy store says it has a hot new toy but they tell me “Sorry sir, that sold out in minutes and you shouldn’t be buying Hatchimals because you’re a grown man.”

So what gives? Why do stores offer you insight into their store inventory if it never seems to be accurate? As much as I’d like to think that it’s some sort of evil ploy to get you in the store, then make you feel sad so you buy other stuff to feel better, it’s probably less sinister. It’s meant as a service, and for items that aren’t flying off the shelf, it usually works pretty well. “Does that Target have the cough medicine I need? Yep, tons in stock.” And it’s kind of impossible for retailers to be 100% accurate anyway because of theft, breakage, inaccurate shipping counts, preorders that accidentally get listed as regular stock, and employees occasionally nabbing things for themselves first (no judgement here). Retail systems aren’t perfect, so their services can’t be perfect either.

Even so, I decided to do some digging and see how accurate some of the more popular store sites are. After all, the less accurate they are the less useful the service is.

Walmart: Updates every night at 12 a.m., according to the Walmart website. So, the later in the day it is, the less likely that item count is accurate. Always call ahead.

Target: Their site doesn’t’ say exactly when they update, but one former Target employee told me they update a store’s inventory every day at 8 a.m. So, like Walmart, the later you check the less accurate it is. To double check, I called Target.com customer service. The rep I spoke with said an item listed as “available for in-store pickup” should be there. But they quickly backpedaled, stating that if the count looks low—like less than 10—or you see the words “limited availability,” you should absolutely call a store before heading in; something echoed by the Target.com site’s help section.

Best Buy: BestBuy.com’s help section offer’s even less information about in-store inventory. The Best Buy Canada’s help page, however, does suggest that their “system updates numerous times throughout the day to show you which Best Buy stores have a product you’re looking for.” But “numerous” probably means two or three times a day at most: maybe opening, midday, and closing. Always call ahead.

Toys “R” Us: They don’t say when their site updates, but you can tell if an item is in stock if it has a “free store pickup” option, especially if it gives a small time frame like “free store pickup in an hour.” That said, don’t place your pickup order and rush out the door! Wait until you get a confirmation email from them, as they do say “In-stock status is approximate and may not reflect recent sales.”

Home Depot: The “more doing” store’s online inventory works similarly to Toys “R” Us. If an item is listed as available for “pick up in-store” it’s probably there. But again, the only way to be certain is to use the pickup in-store option and wait for a confirmation email before you head out.

Staples: Same as Toys “R” Us and Home Depot. If it says “pick up today” for your store, it’s probably there. And if it says “pickup today — in just one hour!” you can be sure the item is on hand. Still, wait for that “ready for pickup” email just in case. If you don’t reserve it, someone could buy the last one while you make your way to the store.

Barnes & Noble: The bookstore chain will list whether a book is in stock or not on the product’s page after you enter your zip code. You can then click “reserve” to get them to hold it for you. Like with other stores, though, they don’t guarantee that a book listed as “in stock” is truly there. Fortunately, you can sign up for a text confirmation while reserving so you’ll know if someone there was actually able to find it and place it aside behind the cashier’s desk for you.

Gamestop: The major video game retailer does things a little differently. When you look at an item’s product page, you might see a “Pick Up at Store – check availability” link. If you click it, you’ll pick your preferred store from a map or after entering your zip code, then have to fill out a form with your name, email, and phone number. If they have it, they’ll reach out to you saying it’s in stock and being held under your name. Seeing the “Pick Up at Store” link definitely does not mean they have the item on hand, though. Gamestop’s site explains that their online inventory updates “periodically,” but they also strongly caution that you should always call ahead or try to reserve a copy online before driving to the store.

Overall, you can assume that most stores only update their online inventory once a day, usually at closing or opening. That’s never going to be accurate, especially for stores in high-traffic areas where stock numbers can change from minute to minute. For high-demand items like the Nintendo Switch, that daily update will be even less accurate because they sell out so fast. And the information listed on inventory tracking sites like Zoolert, BrickSeek, StockInformer, and NowInStock are all using that same information, so don’t assume those tools know any better.

Bottom line, you should always call before you go anywhere. Or, at the very least, use the in-store pickup features and wait for your confirmation. Don’t even leave your house until you’ve double-checked. You probably already sort of knew that. I knew that too. Everybody “knows” that. But what I’m trying to say here is that it’s not some loose guideline you can shrug off thinking “well, maybe this time I’ll get lucky.” You are literally gambling with your all-to-precious time and energy—and the house usually wins. Do yourself a favor and just pick up the phone.

If it’s a really hot item you’re after, you can probably trust the sales associate on the line to know if they have it off the top of their head. Why? Because you’re probably the thousandth person to call asking that day. If you ask them to please check again, they’ll probably glance at their computer inventory and tell you what they already knew. And if you ask them to “go check in the back,” they’ll probably do what I did when I worked retail: put you on hold, check their text messages for a minute or two, then pick back up to tell you that they are, in fact, sold out. But hey, at least you’ll save yourself some time, and that awful drive of shame home.

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