There seems to be little end in sight to the supply chain issues for the Xbox Series S/X.
- High Demand for Xbox Series X Leaves Stock Squeezed
The problem that has dogged the release of the Xbox Series X and Series S shows little sign of abating. Ever since the November 2020 release, demand has far outstripped supply – with pre-orders the first batch sold out within a few hours. And the situation remains unchanged a few months down the line.
Consumers are finding that every restock is gone within the day, leaving many eager gamers empty-handed and frustrated. Anyone still eagerly awaiting the latest next-gen Xbox console may need to occupy their idle hands elsewhere for now – maybe in one of the real money casinos found at https://new-casino.ca/real-money. Because Microsoft have recently announced that stocking issues are expected to continue until the end of March or beyond.
- Record-breaking release
Doubtless Microsoft are pleased with the sales performance of the Xbox Series X/S, with CEO Satya Nadella confirming that the launch was the most successful in their history. The company’s reported 17% revenue increase in the first quarter of 2021 has been largely down to the pandemic-driven boost to the gaming division.
As well as the latest consoles selling more than any other Xbox release in history, there was good news for the Game Pass subscription service. Users now number more than 18 million, suggesting that their heavy investment in the service has paid off. Despite the hardware shortages, sales have reportedly also risen by 86%
- Danger from scalpers
One of the factors contributing to the supply shortage appears to be due to scalpers profiteering from the high demand. Using bot scripts to check stock and make automatic purchases, the scalpers are able to steal stock from honest customers and resell with an exorbitant markup.
The situation was even more acute before Christmas, with many so desperate to get their hands on a console that they were willing to pay two or three times the asking price. Online marketplaces like eBay are still full of listings for overpriced Xbox Series X/S. For reference, the correct price tag for the X is $499, and $299 for the S.
- Production woes compound supply issues
Meanwhile, hold-ups on the production end are exacerbating the problems brought about by the increased demand. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), the California-based producer of processors and related computing technologies, has announced that both of the next-gen Xbox consoles will be affected by production shortages.
These are expected to continue until at least the second half of the year. It is not entirely clear whether the issues stem from a production slowdown or from a packaging and distribution backlog. Either way, console gamers are likely to be the consumer group that is the most affected.
- Buyers urged to hold off
Although there are many players itching to get their hands on the newest consoles, industry experts are counselling impatient customers to wait until they can buy from a legitimate source. Giving in to the temptation of buying from scalpers simply provides further incentive for resellers.
More than one gamer has pointed out that there is little urgency to upgrade from Xbox One at this time. For the next couple of years, all releases from Xbox Game Studios will be compatible with the older console as well. The graphics and look may be sharper on the X or S, but there are at present no games that cannot be played just as well with the Xbox One.
Of course, first-time console buyers may not be comforted by this information. But until the supply issues smooth themselves out, the only thing to do is keep checking official sale sites for a new batch. Failing that, a second-hand Xbox One may be the way to go for now.
