Console launches are quickly becoming more than just simple "hand-over-the-cash-and-here's-your-system" affairs. Nowadays, gamers are plopping down hundreds of dollars on systems months before they come out just so that they can get the gaming machine the first day it's released.

　　For Tuesday's launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft is holding Zero Hour, an invite-only event in the middle of the Mojave Desert. GameStop will be open at midnight, but is only selling the 360s to customers who preordered the console, as supplies are thin.

　　Best Buy has announced that it will open its doors early as well...although not that early. All stores in the US will be open at 9 a.m., typically one hour early for the average store. Gamers who line up early will be given priority to buy one of the consoles.

　　For those who would rather get down than line up, EB Games is holding its own event at its flagship store on the Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles. In addition to several demo stations and a gathering of like-minded gamers, there will also be events and entertainment from the Tylenol Ouch! street team. The event will take place Monday, November 21, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.