Questions surround Xbox 360 shortage. Microsoft's global launch strategy will limit supply

Video-game consoles will be scarce and lines could be long upon next week's North American launch of Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 -- with some retailers warning that they won't even have enough at first to fill all the orders placed by customers months ago. On the surface, a mad scramble for the souped-up machines could boost the Xbox 360's bid to become this year's hot holiday gift. But among gaming enthusiasts, the situation has fueled a conspiracy theory: Is Microsoft purposefully holding back on shipments, trying to create an artificial appearance of extraordinary demand? Sid Shuman, producer for the GamePro.com video-game site, said he is inclined to believe Microsoft when it says it isn't purposefully creating shortages. The buzz factor aside, the company risks losing sales if it's not able to meet demand for an extended period of time. "They like the rumors of shortages," Shuman said. "They don't like the actual shortages."

Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer Reporter

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