Big 360 Sales Predicted as Games Hit Stores
Microsoft is confident that it's going to be able to keep stores stocked during the early months of its next-gen console.
Whether it's the doomsayers' predictions of immediate stock shortages or just that Microsoft still hasn't got around to announcing the final launch line-up, things could be better for the Xbox 360 right now. But Microsoft is putting an upbeat spin on the news and rumours and has revealed that it's still got its sights set on big numbers in the next six months.
Microsoft's Bryan Lee told investors this week that the company is hoping to make put paid to any shortages that crop up over the early months of the consoles lifespan, GameSpot is reporting.
Lee said Microsoft is hoping to get the Xbox 360 into 2.5-3 million homes around the world within the first three months after the console's debut in the US on 22 November. This will, Microsoft predicts, swell to 4.5-5.5 million by the end of June.
And it's consoles that are currently the only thing missing from the Xbox 360 party. In the US, retailers are already selling games and accessories, letting gamers stock up before the crush of the console's US launch in a fortnight. (The Xbox 360 will launch in Europe on 2 December.)
Strangely, despite some games already hitting shelves, Microsoft still won't commit to saying what titles will definitely be available on day one, but the company is expected to reveal all next week.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
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