Microsoft Says Xbox 360s Are Running Out
Nintendo's not the only company having trouble forecasting demand.
It's not just Nintendo that's having trouble keeping up with demand for its hardware. Microsoft has been speaking out this week on its own failure to meet unexpectedly high demand.
After selling well over a million Xbox 360 over the Christmas period in the US, Microsoft now appears to be running low on stock of the two-year-old console.
"We are really running short of product here in the United States," Microsoft's Jeff Bell told Reuters. "You could say we misjudged demand."
Bell said that the unexpected surge for Xbox 360s means that there will likely be fewer consoles available during February than the company would like.
He added that by the spring, Microsoft would be able to meet demand.
And just in time too. Grand Theft Auto IV, a game many reckon to be a contender for the biggest game of 2008, is due for release on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in April, and with Sony starting to catch Microsoft in certain regions, the last thing Microsoft wants is to leave potential customers hanging.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare