Since its inception, the Google Chromecast has been a very popular device. Not only is it small and very affordable, but it also delivers a boatload of features which is awesome for what you pay. A few days ago there were reports that some Best Buy stores may have been stocking and selling the new Google Chromecast before its actual release.
More tweets from other people seeing them on shelves have surfaced as well.
Another Best Buy with the new Chromecast out. Not sure why they’re doing this when the device doesn’t come out until the 9th. pic.twitter.com/eryOYKw4jM
— Kyle Funk (@Incr3dibl3Funk) October 3, 2018
Below is the quote from the original Reddit post:
I went to Best Buy earlier to pick up a Chromecast for my new TV, then I noticed the packaging and design was different from my first one. I thought it was just a design refresh taking queues from the Chromecast Ultra. Then when I was at the cashier, they couldn’t scan the item because it wasn’t in the system yet because the release date is on the 9th of October (Same day as the 2018 Google event) but I guess they put it out too early. But since I already had it in my hand and was the same price as the 2nd generation Chromecast, they let me have it under the old SKU.
Upon setting up at home and comparing it to my 2nd gen Chromecast, it seems a little thicker. The top is no longer glossy and the Chrome logo has been replaced with the G Google logo. Still micro-USB (sad right). They did remove the magnetic HDMI connector on the tip and base of the Chromecast which is a bummer.
Today, we confirmed ourselves that at least another Best Buy store was displaying the new device on the sales floor. So we figured we’d try and buy one! Keep in mind that the device was on the sales floor displayed for customers to grab and look at.
Below is video of our attempt to purchase the Google Chromecast early from Best Buy.
As you can hear, the sales rep wouldn’t allow the purchase to go through as the POS system wouldn’t allow it until October 9th (the release date). When asked why the device was being displayed the rep says the Best Buy warehouse is directing stores to display the merchandise anyway. Even more interesting is the sales rep claims the Best Buy warehouse instructed them to display the new Surface Pros as well. Strange indeed. So it is confirmed that Best Buy is at the very least, displaying the new Chromecast. But it will be a hit or miss if you can actually buy one. In our case, we were not able to.
What do you think of Best Buy displaying the new Google Chromecast early? Have you tried to go buy one? Let us know in the comments below or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
