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[Varteras]

The only shortages MS is facing is the lack of demand, not the lack of supply or components. The sooner people face the reality, the better it is for their mental health. There is no turning things around for MS this generation, even after the Activision Blizzard deal concludes. Its just wishful thinking at this point.

The only X factor will be introduced when the Switch 2 will be launched. Otherwise, the sales results will be the same from now on till next generation launches. Rinse and repeatedly for the next 5 years.

I'm inclined to agree, and have said before, that this generation is already "over". PS5 came in with a mountain of momentum from the PS4 and the brand legacy in general. It brought high quality games right off the bat and delivered regularly. It had great marketing, even in a pandemic. There were no real missteps on pricing, perceived value, or restrictions. Now with its stock issues gone, I just don't see a path forward for XBS to win enough mindshare to change things within the next 4 or 5 years. It would take some kind of absolute disaster for PS5, and I don't even know what that would be outside of Sony just completely stopping all development.

 

[Woopah]

Yeah, that is the way it has been. Don't think Sony ever released PS4 Pro numbers separately. I don't know. I can see arguments for and against breaking XSS numbers out from XSX, but it doesn't really matter since Microsoft doesn't release numbers regardless.

Yes that is another barrier! Nintendo is the only one who gives us numbers for each SKU I believe.

 

[TheGodfather07]

Naw, lol. Aint nobody chasing a company to throw money at them, when they took money to cut off 45% of their community. Going out to spend 500.00$ for one game, with stiff animations, poor FPS controls and glitches in 2023......when they can play games like Spiderman 2, GT7VR or HFW DLC.

nobody cares. if the game is good, it will sell systems.

 

[Joramun]

Xbox Series consoles. Both.

Cheers for the clarification.

 

[Ozzie666]

If this is the thought process, then I feel bad for those Activision devs if they do get bought out by MS.

Don't get me wrong, fun little game and it deserves some sales. But I think in this case game pass would have cannibalized sales for PC. I reckon as good as it is, very little people actually purchased it. Diablo IV for example, may do well regardless, with battle pass purchases to cover the gap and non-free expansions. I don't think it will impact PC too much. But overall, your right, age old question of how game pass is sustainable for anyone other than Microsoft.

 

[Henry Panic]

The only shortages MS is facing is the lack of demand, not the lack of supply or components.

When you have several retail experts at Top companies that are in the know saying otherwise for most of this year so far, it may be time to give up on the lack of demand play for the X.

Now even NPD is saying it, adding to the pile.

If it's lack of demand you don't have this many people expressly saying the opposite, they aren't even being vague about it.

 

[Nothing1234]

When you have several retail experts at Top companies that are in the know saying otherwise for most of this year so far, it may be time to give up on the lack of demand play for the X.

Now even NPD is saying it, adding to the pile.

If it's lack of demand you don't have this many people expressly saying the opposite, they aren't even being vague about it.

They are only speaking from a US perspective though. That won’t be enough for MS to close the gap.

 

[MasterCornholio]

Internally.

But from the outside the X looks much simpler than the PS5.

I think that's what's been throwing off the layman folk who are still surprised X is having these problems because on the outside it's a shoe box compared to star trek tower.

Sony has changed the insides of the PS5 to make the console even easier and less costly to make more than once.

For some reason either Microsoft is being stubborn and refuses to do the same, or they are in a position where there's little they can do.

It's really only the plates that make the outside look more complex. You take that away and it looks very similar to a traditional console.

But like you said i don't think the cases are anything complicated. It's the internal that are especially with the Series Xs split motherboard design. Not to mention Microsoft has two very different SKUs to make so that complicates production even further. The regular PS5 is just a PS5 DE with a disk drive slapped on with a slightly different panel on the side. A lot more simple than going from a Series X to a Series S.

 

[Henry Panic]

They are only speaking from a US perspective though. That won’t be enough for MS to close the gap.

US isn't the only region making the same claims. This has been going on for months.

 

[mckmas8808]

Sales have never been about the number of people "playing current gen games at their highest resolutions and features". Its about the number of boxes sold.

This is 100% true. But I'm talking about the actual experience the average current-gen gamer is having. When websites do comparisons for Xbox Series games vs. PS5 games, we should keep in mind that half the Xbox current gen owners don't even have the XSX.

 

[Dolodolo]

US isn't the only region making the same claims. This has been going on for months.

Time plays against Microsoft
It's not an industry issue that Microsoft still can't clean up their shit when Playstation has done so since the beginning of the year.
And if you think that with large shipments of xbox series x the situation will change a lot, then I'm afraid I have bad news for you.

 

[Kvally]

The only shortages MS is facing is the lack of demand, not the lack of supply or components. The sooner people face the reality, the better it is for their mental health. There is no turning things around for MS this generation, even after the Activision Blizzard deal concludes. Its just wishful thinking at this point.

 

[Dolodolo]

You can't tell him anything about the case, and you post memes, seriously?

 

[Kvally]

You can't tell him anything about the case, and you post memes, seriously?

I hope that's ok?

 

[Dolodolo]

I hope that's ok?

Well, I would like to hear your opinion on this, since your gif implies that he is a very naive person

 

[Kvally]

Well, I would like to hear your opinion on this, since your gif implies that he is a very naive person

I'll bite. Take what he wrote, and make it exactly opposite, and that is my opinion.

 

[mckmas8808]

I'll bite. Take what he wrote, and make it exactly opposite, and that is my opinion.

If it's not a demand problem, then why isn't the XSX selling for more than the MSRP on 2nd hand websites?

 

[Tiago Rodrigues]

I mean...PS5 is selling more than double in MS's home country and much more than that everywhere else. You think the Activision deal will make people forget about Spider-Man 2 and everything else that's coming?

What we know is hardware sales are lacking even with a console that's on sale for half the price of a PS5 and Gamepass doesn't have a subscribers update since it reached 25M over a year ago, meaning it never reached 30M in like a year and 2 months.This is a subscription service available in consoles, PCs, etc... We also know that for 2 years in a row Gamepass growth has not met MS's expectations, including last year where they expected it to grow 73% and ended up growing only 37%.

How do you think this is getting any better this generation?

 

[Kvally]

If it's not a demand problem, then why isn't the XSX selling for more than the MSRP on 2nd hand websites?

I have no idea, but MS is struggling to keep it in stock. And MS didn't have any games in 2022, so why would there be a huge demand? Consoles won't sell if you aint got games.

 

[Kvally]

I mean...PS5 is selling more than double in MS's home country and much more than that everywhere else. You think the Activision deal will make people forget about Spider-Man 2 and everything else that's coming?

What we know is hardware sales are lacking even with a console that's on sale for half the price of a PS5 and Gamepass doesn't have a subscribers update since it reached 25M over a year ago, meaning it never reached 30M in like a year and 2 months.This is a subscription service available in consoles, PCs, etc... We also know that for 2 years in a row Gamepass growth has not met MS's expectations, including last year where they expected it to grow 73% and ended up growing only 37%.

How do you think this is getting any better this generation?

Xbox needs a consistent flow of AAA games. Having none in 2022 is a fail. MS acquiring studios over the past few years and now finally getting some exclusives out gives console gamers a reason to enter the Xbox ecosystem. Halo Infinite and Forza isn't all that gamers want. I was let down in 2022 for my Xbox and it sat dormant for the most part. If I didn't have an Xbox, and I saw what is coming in 2023, I would very well buy one.

I hope one day that MS can put out an onslaught of games half as good as what Sony puts out.

 

[Henry Panic]

If it's not a demand problem, then why isn't the XSX selling for more than the MSRP on 2nd hand websites?

It was until recently so this is an odd take.

You're forgetting the Forza bundle is $60 more so why would someone by a standalone SKU for more than $499?

 

[Topher]

I'll bite. Take what he wrote, and make it exactly opposite, and that is my opinion.

I'd say it is combination of factors. Demand isn't overwhelming supply as both XSX and XSS are available for purchase online. I'd say the lack of supply is showing itself in retail stores not having very much stock.

 

[Kvally]

It was until recently so this is an odd take.

You're forgetting the Forza bundle is $60 more so why would someone by a standalone SKU for more than $499?

I just looked on Amazon, and 2nd/3rd parties are indeed marking up Series X bundles as well.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Xbox needs a consistent flow of AAA games.

Now you know why they are playing takeaway from traditional storied third party franchises that are decades and decades old.

 

[EverydayBeast]

I love ps5 if you want to troll their fan base fine.

 

[Kvally]

Now you know why they are playing takeaway from traditional storied third party franchises that are decades and decades old.

Sounds like MS!

 

[Kvally]

I'd say it is combination of factors. Demand isn't overwhelming supply as both XSX and XSS are available for purchase online. I'd say the lack of supply is showing itself in retail stores not having very much stock.

And people need a reason to buy an Xbox. Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush aren't going to sell an Xbox. Games like Starfield, Avowed, Fable, etc will push sales of Xbox consoles to console gamers. But those games are not here. The longer MS waits to push these games out, the more people will end up becoming invested in a competing product because they aren't going to wait.

 

[Topher]

And people need a reason to buy an Xbox. Pentiment and Hi-Fi Rush aren't going to sell an Xbox. Games like Starfield, Avowed, Fable, etc will push sales of Xbox consoles to console gamers. But those games are not here. The longer MS waits to push these games out, the more people will end up becoming invested in a competing product because they aren't going to wait.

I could see Microsoft holding back retail stock until those games hit starting with Redfall next month frankly.

 

[Kvally]

I could see Microsoft holding back retail stock until those games hit starting with Redfall next month frankly.

Possibly. Is that truly a thing? Not just with game consoles, but with electronics or appliances in general?

 

[Topher]

Possibly. Is that truly a thing? Not just with game consoles, but with electronics or appliances in general?

Maybe? I know companies hold back stock for stuff like Black Friday. Obviously I'm just guessing. I don't think component shortages make sense as the rest of the industry isn't having those problems. So where is the stock?

 

[Kvally]

Maybe? I know companies hold back stock for stuff like Black Friday. Obviously I'm just guessing. I don't think component shortages make sense as the rest of the industry isn't having those problems. So where is the stock?

True. But a little off topic, WHERE ARE THE CARS? Those things should be in stock by now, holy hell. I can't believe I had to order the car I just got.

 

[mckmas8808]

It was until recently so this is an odd take.

You're forgetting the Forza bundle is $60 more so why would someone by a standalone SKU for more than $499?

Because if people really want it, they'll be willing to pay a high price for one, if you can't buy it in a retail store.

 

[Henry Panic]

Because if people really want it, they'll be willing to pay a high price for one, if you can't buy it in a retail store.

But you can buy the Forza one in more places.

Also the other poster showed they are marking the original and the Forza bundle up so yeah, they are charging more.

 

[Henry Panic]

Possibly. Is that truly a thing? Not just with game consoles, but with electronics or appliances in general?

Isn't that what they did with the X for Black Friday?

I recall that news going around.

 

[X-Wing]

I could see Microsoft holding back retail stock until those games hit starting with Redfall next month frankly.

That ain’t it. The console is widely available.

 

[onQ123]

The problem with claiming that it's only a supply issue is that Xbox Series X never shoots to the top of the charts when the supply comes in.


Series X is maybe half of Series sales which would mean that they only had to supply about 150k this month for the US their biggest market & you want me to believe that MS can't produce 150k a month for the US going into year 3?

They are doing this by choice they're not going to over produce consoles that's losing money.


Right now they scared as hell that PS5 is going to get a price cut before they can redesign them Series X's

PS5 already have a deal on the God Of War bundle & Xbox haven't reacted to it by lowering the Forza bundle.

 

[Henry Panic]

The problem with claiming that it's only a supply issue is that Xbox Series X never shoots to the top of the charts when the supply comes in.

Which means there's a supply issue lol.

Them having nothing and having 1000 come in, is not the same as them having nothing and having 100,000 come in.

I would believe the damand issue if there were not a ton of agencies and people connected to retail all saying the same thing.

I think people don't want to admit Phil Spencer and the Xbox team screwed up. They had two years of COVID restrictions to make a revision to keep sales going, like Sony did more than once, and they didn't.

Can only blame Microsoft for that.

 

[MrA]

If it's not a demand problem, then why isn't the XSX selling for more than the MSRP on 2nd hand websites?

probably because the demand just isn't there, though ps5 units now sell basically at or slightly below cost on ebay at auction so I'd say by late-february ps5 also satisfy pent-up demand and now it will just sell the new demand generated month to month,
means march will be interesting on the ps5 as it is the first month when it will have been readily available the entire month.

600k+ in march? this is peak wii level shit.

peak wii in march is 721k, equalling that would be quite something, best march ever is switch 2017 at 960k, but launch month and then switch 2020 at ~760k but that was pandemic and animal crossing boosted .

 

[Topher]

That ain’t it. The console is widely available.

To me, widely available means I can go to my local Best Buy and get one right now, but that isn't the case for me. Anecdotal, but still it seems XSX retail stock isn't where it should be.

 

[X-Wing]

To me, widely available means I can go to my local Best Buy and get one right now, but that isn't the case for me. Anecdotal, but still it seems XSX retail stock isn't where it should be.

That doesn't mean that there isn't stock. If demand is low retailers may opt by not having the system on sale.

 

[DeepEnigma]

To me, widely available means I can go to my local Best Buy and get one right now, but that isn't the case for me. Anecdotal, but still it seems XSX retail stock isn't where it should be.

I did see them in a Central Florida Target the other day. 2 X's and like 5 S's.

No PS5s though at the time. Just that pricey Edge controller. About 4-6 of those or so.

 

[Kilau]

I just looked on Amazon, and 2nd/3rd parties are indeed marking up Series X bundles as well.

Weird, at those prices the sellers are losing money and since it’s in stock on Amazon from Amazon, why would anyone buy those lol

 

[mckmas8808]

Which means there's a supply issue lol.

Them having nothing and having 1000 come in, is not the same as them having nothing and having 100,000 come in.

I would believe the damand issue if there were not a ton of agencies and people connected to retail all saying the same thing.

I think people don't want to admit Phil Spencer and the Xbox team screwed up. They had two years of COVID restrictions to make a revision to keep sales going, like Sony did more than once, and they didn't.

Can only blame Microsoft for that.

While I disagree with you on some things, I do think the bolded is correct. Regardless of what the demand is, it's obvious that the supply of the XSX should be higher in America at least.

 

[Topher]

That doesn't mean that there isn't stock. If demand is low retailers may opt by not having the system on sale.

You think retailers are opting out on having Xbox on their shelves? I don't buy that.

I did see them in a Central Florida Target the other day. 2 X's and like 5 S's.

No PS5s though at the time. Just that pricey Edge controller. About 4-6 of those or so.

Yeah, availability seems to change greatly from one area to another.

 

[Kvally]

Weird, at those prices the sellers are losing money and since it’s in stock on Amazon from Amazon, why would anyone buy those lol

Up until recently, Series X stock at Amazon was by invite only (as of at least 2 weeks ago). Could be residual from when sellers were trying to capitalize on the invite only status at Amazon.

 

[Topher]

Up until recently, Series X stock at Amazon was by invite only (as of at least 2 weeks ago). Could be residual from when sellers were trying to capitalize on the invite only status at Amazon.

That was for the non-bundle Xbox Series X. The Forza Horizon 5 bundle has not been invite only.

 

[onQ123]

Which means there's a supply issue lol.

Them having nothing and having 1000 come in, is not the same as them having nothing and having 100,000 come in.

I would believe the damand issue if there were not a ton of agencies and people connected to retail all saying the same thing.

I think people don't want to admit Phil Spencer and the Xbox team screwed up. They had two years of COVID restrictions to make a revision to keep sales going, like Sony did more than once, and they didn't.

Can only blame Microsoft for that.

It all goes back to demand PlayStation can do these new models because they are actually selling enough units for it to make sense for them to invest in a new model Xbox on the other hand already have the sales split between 2 console models & so far produced about 10 million of each so they couldn't waste R&D on small changes like what Sony did with PS5 so far, they're waiting for 4nm or 3nm .

Also another problem is that games are not selling on Xbox the way they are on PlayStation & Switch so the return on investment isn't the same as it is when Sony & Nintendo sell PS5 & Switch so they are not going to over produce Series X consoles when it's better for them to wait for a die shrink.

 

[jm89]

Xsx defintley seems low on stock in the USA, although not impossible to get.

Not sure if this was posted this what mat said about stock



What's crazy is PS5 still can do better.

 

[Kvally]

That was for the non-bundle Xbox Series X. The Forza Horizon 5 bundle has not been invite only.

Correct. I should have specified.

 

[Kilau]

Up until recently, Series X stock at Amazon was by invite only (as of at least 2 weeks ago). Could be residual from when sellers were trying to capitalize on the invite only status at Amazon.

Fair point but some of those prices are barely break even and that’s assuming they didn’t pay sales tax when they bought it.

Hardly worth the effort but that’s what they get.