Found out that walmart is taking pre-orders via their layaway program. Just wanted to share with the community if any good people still want one for Christmas or whatever. I read a couple of articles then searched the walmart website and finally found some info there about pre-ordering the Wii U deluxe model. It isn't fun to go to walmart for things like this but if you really still want a Wii U deluxe model guaranteed it's worth the trial.

Totally works. I went in this afternoon and found a flyer even at the layaway counter. After asking about the Wii U preorder and even tapping on the poster that was in plain view that advertised the program it took them awhile to find the papers they needed (barcode to scan), but after 20 minutes and a few large bald men unclipping and reclipping the rope that separated me from their work space it all finally worked out. I asked then if I was guaranteed or if it was first come first serve when the order was received and he told me that as the Wii U's are scanned into the system they will go to the layaway operation right away and I will have no problem picking it up at midnight or the next day. It will be there.

I was very happy and also found out not many people know about it as I was the 2nd person to even ask at my store. So if you want a deluxe model go to any walmarts in your vicinity and ask at the layaway counter, usually in the back of the store.

Go here and look at description to see the details. It's real. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nintendo-Wii-U-32GB-Deluxe-Console-w-GamePad-Nintendo-Land-Black/21944098

Happy hunting:)

I cancelled my pre-order awhile ago but it was up for order on Amazon yesterday so I pre-ordered it. My thought process is I'll get it and not open it for a couple days to see the resale activity. If people are selling them for crazy amounts online and people are buying them because they are desperate to have one I might sell it and make some cash but if not I'll just open the fucker up and play it with my brother.

It always seems like some sort of back-room shady deal is taking place whenever I read about these layaway options, even though all it really means is that they need to fill out a bunch of paperwork to make sure you get the thing you're supposed to get.

@AndrewB: It is a hassle mainly due to the employees lack of knowledge to what's going on even in their own store of employment. But the only info they wanted was address and phone number. Once they finally found the paper with the barcode it took only a few minutes.

@Heshtodd said:

@AndrewB: It is a hassle mainly due to the employees lack of knowledge to what's going on even in their own store of employment. But the only info they wanted was address and phone number. Once they finally found the paper with the barcode it took only a few minutes.

Yeah, that too. But I don't expect much from the minimum wage, part-time workforce that is the world of retail. It's just that this isn't the first story I've hear about Wii-U layaway hassles. Sounded like even after the higher-ups were brought out, it took more effort than should be necessary.

@AndrewB: I completely agree. I knew what to expect before I went :). I guess that they have done the same program when the Wii launched and other pre-orders in the past. It's one of those loopholes but it does work.

Picked up my Wii U deluxe at Walmart tonight. Only one other guy there. Real easy other than the usual Walmart employee mishaps. I also noticed they had 8g models sitting in a cart. The guy after me was preordering another as he was buying one. So go check out Walmarts if you are still looking. May have a slight chance.

@Heshtodd: So there were a couple people there for me, only problem is that they actually didn't set aside a deluxe for me. Thankfully I still managed to grab the last one, but when I took out the layaway receipt, they realized the mistake and felt kinda bad I almost didn't get the item I've already paid for. I have a feeling a lot of people might be in my same boat, but won't be as fortunate when they show up later thinking they have one sitting there for em.

@BlatantNinja23: I'm glad you got your deluxe. I did feel nervous due to the way the store handles things misinformed. I thought they may just sell my deluxe to whoever wanted it if I hadn't gotten there in time so I got there right at 12:00. Luckily in my town there wasn't much buzz so I didn't have to wait in a line.

I just heard from a friend who is at home in California (I'm traveling for business) that the 24-hour Wal-Mart near us had over 20 8gb Wii U's in stock, just sitting on the shelf in Electronics after being stocked at midnight. No lines, no one looking for the system...I'm sure that is not the norm, but Wal-Mart does sound like a good place to look if you can't find a Wii U elsewhere.

@msavo said:

I cancelled my pre-order awhile ago but it was up for order on Amazon yesterday so I pre-ordered it. My thought process is I'll get it and not open it for a couple days to see the resale activity. If people are selling them for crazy amounts online and people are buying them because they are desperate to have one I might sell it and make some cash but if not I'll just open the fucker up and play it with my brother.

When I picked up the console and then went to a different store to get a game, they both had some in stock. I think they are out now (KMART and Bestbuy respectively), but stock does not seem like it will be that bad. Maybe the Wii situation was also a matter of a bad Nintendo supply chain rather than just the demand end of it.

Edit: Mario U is great as its finally a 2D mario game with a decent controller, something not available since the SNES w/ basic system controls. My first time playing a 2D mario and feeling like it has precise controls. Anyway, I think it is worth playing.