There is little doubt that the Xbox One X is primed to have a good launch. Pre-order numbers have been strong, and there have been sellouts reported throughout the world. Generally speaking, there is a level of excitement in the air for the new console.
However, in part, that might have to do with there simply not being enough consoles to go around. As MCV UK is reporting, multiple British retailers have stated on the record that there simply does not seem to be enough stock of the console, especially to keep up with what appears to be strong demand and interest. Retailers are warning that as of right now, pre-ordering may be the best and only bet to be able to get a console on time this year.
Exertis, the distributor for Xbox products in the UK, said, “We are seeing very high demand for Xbox One X and while we are doing our best to keep up with that demand, unfortunately it is the case that, as with any new console launch, there is a limited amount of stock available. This is not specific to independent retailers and we are finding that every retailer would wish to have more Xbox One X stock for launch, which is reflective of the strong pre-order performance we are seeing.”
Harvey Eagle, Xbox UK and Ireland Category Director, added: “We are seeing very high demand for Xbox One X. We are doing our best to keep up with that demand but unfortunately it is the case that, as with any new console launch, there is always a limited amount of stock available at launch. We are doing everything we can to address retailers’ short-term requirements for launch, as well as working very hard to keep supply flowing in the weeks immediately following launch.”
So it sounds like there is a general shortage of consoles to go around- and that that will cause backorders, and sellouts, for the console come launch. At the very least, this should help contribute to the excitement surrounding the console and its launch. The Xbox One X launches November 7.