Proof that all you need is music and love.

With last Christmas season being one of the best years for music games (read: Guitar Hero), it's no surprise that this holiday, the hottest sellers are once again Guitar Hero and Rockband.  Gamespot reported this week that Guitar Hero continues to be the top seller since it's launch with a total of 534,000 units sold in October, while Rockband 2 follows with 238,000 units.  The Xbox 360 was the platform of choice for both games.  The interesting statistics is for Konami's Rock Revolution, which only pulled in a total of 3000 units for October - and sold only TWO copies for the Wii.

The real issue at hand, however, is not that these games are selling, but that they are selling at the MSRP and often times above MSRP.  I was lucky enough to secure a copy of the Guitar Hero Band Kit for the 360 earlier this month.  The 360 version has been sold out at most retailers since launch not unlike last year.  However with the reported drum kit issues for GH: World Tour, I opted to resell it myself (since it was already past the return date) and see what offers would come in.  This SKU retails for $219.99 in Canada.  I was offered up to $350 cash for the kit.  Obviously this is a no brainer and before you judge me, this was not a case of scalping but a case of buyer's remorse with no way of returning the item.  I opened with a starting bid of less than MSRP since the package was already opened but after the bidding war started, it was out of my control.

What I have a hard time understanding is why there are consumers that are willing to pay up to 2X MSRP for an item that they could easily get in stores just a few months later, at MSRP or lower.  I know there are lots of people that simply want it and want it now, but is there really that much disposable income for you to drop $400 on a GAME?  That's why for the last few years, I've resorted to getting gift cards for my friends and family, if what they want is likely going to be on sale after boxing day.  It has been a pleasent change for everyone and over the holidays, instead of rushing everywhere to find that perfect gift, we take the time and enjoy the season with friends and good food.  Remember people, it's not an impersonal gift if you make it personal (more on that closer to December 25th).