How Japanese PS3s were dispatched

4:08 AM on 11.13.2006   |   Niero

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A Kotaku reader sent in a chilling observation of the retail Japanese launch day of the PlayStation 3. Besides the gruesome long lines and the ambiguous mob-like crowds formed to snatch up the units, the man observed how the majority of the buyers were hired cheap labor -- most were poor Chinese immigrants, senior citizens, and students who would not purchase games with their consoles or were even able to answer questions about what they were aspiring to play. The first man to purchase one didn't even speak Japanese and did not buy a game with his system. This would happen various times throughout the day as shoppers that secured the core and deluxe consoles rushed to enterprising businessmen whom would reportedly compensate them with a few thousand Yen for their weary and laborious services.

Meanwhile, the hardcore gamers whom would love to have them are left to pay a premium price, or left empty handed. Behold, the ugly face our industry -- and I'm not just talking about Kutaragi.