Things are looking good for the Xbox Series X and Microsoft, as stock will likely be limited until at least April.
This is according to Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, who spoke about the success of Xbox during a January 26 earnings call with investors. During that time, Nadella confirmed that the Series X has been the company’s most successful console launch ever.
The company has also seen subscriber numbers increase for Xbox Game Pass. Which is now at around 18 million subscribers. Stock of the next-gen consoles was bound to be limited to begin with. And it has been. Both Sony and Microsoft stated before the consoles launched last year that stock would be constrained going into the holidays. And that it would continue into 2021.
High demand for the Xbox Series X has bled stock dry
If you’ve tried and failed numerous times to buy the Xbox Series X, or any of the next-gen console versions, you know how hard it’s been to snag one.
Popularity for the Xbox Series X and the PS5 has been through the roof since launch last Fall. And it’s shown no signs of slowing down anytime in the immediate future. Nadella confirmed that yesterday with the earnings call. Saying it would be at least March 31 before stock of the hardware is more readily available.
The high demand for the console alongside scalpers looking to cash in and make a quick buck has made it nigh impossible to secure a unit. But at lest now, consumers know what they’re looking at.
They have a time frame on when stock should fill up to normal levels. So long as Microsoft is able to live up to that expectancy, things should be fine in a few months. That of course does nothing for the consumers who don’t want to wait that long. So if you’re still trying to get a hold of one, keep trying.
Stock is being replenished at a faster pace
It may still be a few months before stock is normal. To a point where you don’t have to stalk the retail websites where they’re being sold just to have a chance at completing an order for a new console.
But stock is replenishing at a faster pace than it has at the tail end of last year. Following the launch there were not many restocks. But leading into 2021 retailers like GameStop and Walmart have been putting out more and more console units. Allowing more people to potentially acquire one for themselves.