Well it looks like the rumours of an NZ and Aus Xbox 360 launch delay are true. I didn’t want to believe it but from what I’m reading over on the Xbox forums (btw go sign up it’s a great community and we always want new members) and Xbox360fanboy.com. While I’m not big a rumours with the growing level of evidence and a lack of feedback from Microsoft officials it seems very likely that this one actually has some legs.
I guess at the end of the day if there is a launch delay (the rumour is it will be pushed back from March 2nd to March 23rd) then I’m sure there’s a good reason. As far as I can see the only reason for a delay would be lack of supply. Personally if the delay means that everyone gets their preorder on the launch date then I’m happy with that. Nothing would be worse than having paid in advance only to watching others walk away with their consoles’while you twiddle your thumbs.
EDIT: Well it’s now officially delayed, check out the email I just got from xbox360vip.com
“Dear Glen,
The Australian and New Zealand Xbox 360 launch has been pushed back to the new proposed launch date of March 23 at 12:01am. I can assure you we went to great lengths to secure consoles for the region on the initial date of March 2; however, it recently became apparent that the date would need to be adjusted.
Globally our biggest challenge has been manufacturing enough Xbox 360 consoles to meet the incredibly strong demand for the product. As typical for a video game console launch of this magnitude, we faced some short term manufacturing issues due to component shortages stemming from challenges in ramping supply.
We believe that these challenges are short term in nature and have taken steps to resolve this in time for the new Australian and New Zealand launch. Next month we are bringing on a third manufacturing facility, Celestica, and expect to meet strong consumer demand in the near future.
The Xbox team is as disappointed by the delay as no doubt you are, as we believe the Xbox 360 will be one of the most exciting things to happen to gaming and home entertainment in ANZ.
Australian and New Zealand gamers are among the most loyal of Xbox supporters. It is therefore extremely important that we avoid any additional disappointment for gamers such as yourself in the lead-up to the launch. Because of this we are now concentrating our efforts during the coming months in two main areas.
The first area is working closely with manufacturing and distribution teams to ensure adequate day-one stocks and on-going supply. In addition to our new manufacturing partner, we’re working at a local level to have adequate levels of Xbox 360 consoles at launch, and to regularly replenish stock in stores during the following weeks and months.
The second area we are focusing on is creating special gaming opportunities for our local Xbox fans before launch. We want to give you the chance to play the Xbox 360 yourself ahead of the revised launch date. In addition to putting demonstration units into participating retail stores in February, we’re also in the process of finalizing additional opportunities for some of our valued customers. We will be announcing more during the coming weeks.
Finally, I want to let you know that we’ll keep you informed about activities leading up to the launch date. You can receive this information via the Xbox 360 VIP desktop alerts, xbox.com.au or regularly reading any of the leading gaming sites and publications.
Regards,
David McLean
Regional Director
Xbox Australia and New Zealand”