I doubt REM was talking about a PS3 launch when they penned their lyrics, but the fallout from last nights event can be heard around the United States.
Wal-Mart PS3 Fight
Palmdale, Ca - a fight breaks out because PS3 line waiters must move outside to finish their long wait for the launch. Those in line are angry that they have to go outside and begin to knock over customers and products in the store.
source: kotaku.com
Kentucky PS3 BB Gun Shooting
Kentucky - A local news station WKYT was in the middle of recording a piece on PS3 campers outside of a Best Buy. Someone rode by in a truck, fired off several rounds from a BB gun and took off before police could arrive on the scene.
source: 1up.com
Sony's PS3 Line Cutters in NY
New York - A peaceful line of PS3 folks gets a bit out of hand when late comer's try to cut in line. One PS3 waiter said, "People are just jumping the line, there were even fights last night. It's totally messed up." Apparently the local Circuit City doesn't grasp the concept of line management which causes people to get a bit out of control. Some of the initial waiting folks are 100 feet back in line from where they started do to late entries cutting in line.
source: gamespot.com
Downtown San Francisco's 750 gamers
San Francisco, Ca - A few gamers seem to be anxious about the next release from Sony. Fans started lining up around 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Why such a big line? They're all in front of the PlayStation Store in San Fran just waiting. Each gamer has a wristband, the mark that says "I will own a PS3" - while non-wrist band holders are simply observing the crazy amount of people. Thus far, Sony has managed the crowd and no huge incidents have been reported.
source: 1up.com
And eBay?
We've seen some sales for the product at USD $20,000 and one at USD $89,000. The auctions "ended," but we're unsure how valid they really are. That seems a little intense given auctions are pushing anywhere between USD $1,500 and USD $4,500 per console - many are still pending completion. Most auctions, on average at this point in time, seem to be closing around USD $2,100 with minutes to spare. Some rise in the last 30 seconds to hit the 4K marker.
[update1]Gamer Shot in CT
Putnam, Connecticut - Two armed men rob people in line waiting for the PlayStation 3 launch. One man is shot for refusing to give up his cash - no word on his condition yet. The gunman have not yet been located but are believed to be teenagers.
source: abcnews.com
