Xbox 360 Stock Drought Nears End

It only took a few months, but it seems that within a month (give or take a few weeks) you'll be able to stroll into a store and pick up an Xbox 360. We recommend you pay for it too.

Nearly three months after it kicked off the next generation, the Xbox 360 is still hard to find, leaving many would-be-owners empty handed and sad faced. But that unsatisfactory situation is soon coming to an end, Microsoft revealed last week, reports Next Generation.

This is what you're looking for

Speaking at the DICE Summit last week, Microsoft vice president Peter Moore revealed that relief from this particular anguish is in sight:

"Within the next four to six weeks, anybody will be able to walk into a store and buy an Xbox 360."

Microsoft has taken a beating from customers angry that they've had to wait so long to get their hands on the high-powered box. Stores across North America and Europe are only now checking off the last names on their pre-order lists.

"...It's what we needed to do to bring next-gen gaming to a global audience," said Moore. "There have been short-term shortages, but we're driving a clear advantage as we go forward. It was the right decision."

"There were component shortages, but they've been fixed. Now we're starting to cook. We're building a vibrant, rich and profitable business model for the future."

Getting the console out there is worth more to Microsoft than simply extra sales.

As Sony has been diligent in repeating, the PlayStation 3 is coming - estimates are for a spring launch in Japan with North America and possibly Europe too to follow around November. Microsoft's dragging of its feet means that it will take the company that much longer to build up an early lead.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games