The only time I got a system at or near launch was when we had a discount through Activision to get Wiis (that were supposed to arrive before the launch date...and then they arrived several weeks later). But yes, I paid less than full launch price, which was the important part.
--
Cats land on their feet. Toast lands peanut butter side down. A cat with toast strapped to its back will hover above the ground in a state of quantum indecision