Flashing lights, wristbands, exhilarated fans waiting in long lines and loads of money exchanging hands gave the US launch of Microsoft's Xbox the feel of a rock concert.
Consumers crowded into stores as Microsoft's video game console went on sale in North America. But away from the hoopla surrounding the console's debut, some avid game fans grumbled about how a few retailers were cashing in on demand.
What especially burned up many game fans was the practice of "bundling." Some merchants, including Toysrus.com and Electronics Boutique, would only sell the Xbox in packages with software and additional hardware, allowing them to charge more.
As he walked out of an Electronics Boutique store in San Francisco, computer technician Daniel Yee, 28, said he "hated" having to pay hundreds extra for his Xbox bundle.
"I know that's how they make money, but just the same, I didn't want to pay more," Yee said.
News source: ZDnet
