Xbox’s Phil Spencer Discusses Xbox One Elite Controller Availability

'Demand has exceeded our planning.'

When Microsoft launched the highly modular and customizable Xbox One Elite Controller earlier this year, they probably didn’t expect it to take off- after all, the controller costs a whopping $150 (you can get a new 3DS and a game for that price, for context)- who would want to spend that kind of money on one?

Apparently, a lot of people, because it sold out almost instantly, and has remained hard to find ever since. Much like the Gamecube controller situation for the Wii U last year, around the launch of Super Smash Bros., the Xbox One Elite Controller has remained hard to find. But Microsoft is working on fixing that soon, says Phil Spencer on Twitter.

“We are working to get more in stock, sorry they’ve been so hard to find,” he said in response to question, before adding, “I don’t want to overpromise. Demand has just exceeded our planning. If you find one and you want it, pick it up, sorry.”

I suppose I appreciate the honesty, if nothing else. I can hardly blame Microsoft too, but now that the demand for the new controller is clear, I really hope they step their game up. The last thing we want is another Amiibo situation.

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