Xbox 360 shortages continue to plague US retailers

Despite continued reassurances of a steady retail supply from Microsoft, US retailers continue to suffer shortages, with GameStop yet to fulfil approximately 30 per cent of its launch day pre-orders for the Xbox 360 console.

According to videogames website Gamespot, an internal memo from GameStop informed retail staff that almost 70 per cent of pre-orders for the next-generation console had now been completed. The company expects to complete all remaining pre-orders during February, furthering the disappointment of hundreds of eager games fans who had hoped to receive their console at the time of launch in November, 2005.

According to the source at GameStop, an increasing number of the lower-priced Core System units (shipped with a wired controller and lacking a hard drive) have begun to appear on store shelves for immediate purchase, though the majority of customers appear to be holding out for the more comprehensive package, which includes a number of additional peripherals for USD 399.

The pre-order completion estimates do not take account of online orders, or those coming from Electronics Boutique, which recently merged with GameStop.

Stock shortages have plagued the Xbox 360's market debut, partly due to Microsoft's ambitious tri-continent launch strategy, releasing the first next-generation console in three global territories within a matter of weeks.

The company recently stated that plans to sell 3 million units in the first three months remain on track in spite of the wide-spread shortages, and Microsoft has repeatedly promised a continued supply of units to retail in each territory - its manufacturing plants operating on a 24-hour basis in an effort to meet consumer demand.