@Slimebeast.

Whilst Microsoft would still be beating the PS3 comfortably without shortages in the USA, the victories would not be as substantial as they used to be. While I agree that the probable price drop around GTAIV is Microsoft's primary sales weapon, I would suggest it's possible Microsoft felt the need for a smaller gesture two months out from GTAIV to boost sales. Far from a certainty, but possible nonetheless.

Yeah but given the trouble MS had getting the 'fat' 360 working right I'm none to convinced they know how to produce a working slim version.

If they do they good for them.  But the odds seem against it.  At the end of the day, next to Samsung, Toshiba and yes, Sony, MS are small fry as an electronics manufacturer and are still very much in learning mode (as the RROD issues show).

I still think there are too few leaks and other indications of something like a new SKU (at least one that required major technical changes).  At most I could see better bundles, a price drop and maybe a BR addon given current market coverage.

I'm still not convinced they didn't just make too many Arcades and too few of anything else and paid the price in January.

They do? Yay, that really suggest one of those three things above will be announced, or something major related.

You also mentioned you believe there will be other announcement by MS at GDC. What are your bets, any examples (more specifically than just "new games")?

There are actually about 5 reasons there is a real, legitimate shortage of Xbox 360's in America. Where I live (MS central, in Ohio), I rarely see Prem. X360s. They've been out of stock since early December. Before I state the reasons, I will re-iterate that there are legimate reasons for the shortage, but although the reasons are there, MS should try harder on not creating shortages.


#1. Retail chain. The chain from factory to the store is very, very long. It takes around 3 months for a unit to get from Factory to Store. Therefore, if Microsoft knew shortages were there, it could take that long to get new units rushed to stores.

#2. Overstock led to shortages. Last year, there were absolutely, positively no shortage of units. As stated, retailer confidence in the X360 was most likely lower against the fact the PS3 had a price cut, and the Wii was selling so well. Remember: The X360 outsold itself in the US (via NPD) by around 500,000 units in Nov-Dec.

#3. SKU mix-up. As stated, there is an overabundant supply of Arcade SKUs, and leftover Halo 3 SKUs. When the Arcade launched in October, it sold out very quickly if you remember. Microsoft issued statements that the Arcade was selling much quicker than anticipated. MS might of then stuffed the channel of Arcade SKUs in December, sacrificing the now better-selling Premium SKU, which is the obviously understocked SKU right now.

#4. Manufacturer problems. Microsoft just recently phased out Winstron as far as I know, or one of the other manufacturers in favor of Flextronics as far as I know. This was rumored to take place this fall, which could cause shipment issues of Premium SKUs and such, while Flextronics increases production capacity to meet the new X360 demand that wasnt forecasted.

And of course, these 4 reasons don't include phasing out inferior SKUs, holding back hardware for a new game, or other smaller reasons. Either way, there are a number of reasons there is a legitimate shortage.

Having said all of that, MS should of done more to fix such a shortage. Lets hope it doesn't last too long.

True, GDC is conveniently around the corner and announcing something about the box is in fact quite likely, even if it was just to make some noise. However, I am still sceptical about any major SKU updates let alone new SKU coming to stores before summer. The current shortage is more likely to be just a misclaculation of the demand, imbalancing the market for the elite/premium and arcade / halo versions. The investors want stability and predictability, major updates to products need some time to sink in before they are actually sold to anybody which is why we always hear rumours from known/trusted sources well before anything is on the market.

While it is always a joy to speculate, I think that mrstickball pretty much covered the reasons for this particular shortage.

 Knowing how people think, I'm willing to bet that when the new SKU for the box does come out, some people will still be saying "SEE!! THIS IS WHAT THE 360 SHORTAGE IN JANUARY WAS ALL ABOUT!" even if it comes for the holidays.

Are you pissed you spent Valentine's Day curled up with your PS3? Heavenly Sword? Calling all cars? You disappoint me, son ...

They want to sell off their old stock ... and roll out the newer, more reliable models AND create a demand for them. As I stated, it's hard in New Mexico to find a 360 on a retail shelf. That POC 40gb PS3? Not so much ... 

huh? what did you fix? i don't see a difference lol

lol