James Delahunty
2 Dec 2005 13:45
The launch of the Xbox 360 console in Europe has gone ahead with too many gamers disappointed by limited stock. In the UK and Ireland, many stores which had taken pre-orders for the console didn't receive near as many units to fill the demand. For example, when I went for my Xbox 360, I learned that the store I had pre-ordered mine in had just four; nowhere near the huge number of pre-orders they had taken and were convinced they could meet (lucky I was first in queue then?).
More than 200 gamers queued for hours in the rain for the midnight launch of the console at Game's flagship store in London's Oxford Street. The first man to get one there, Kevin Sage, had been waiting since 14:45 GMT. "We have been waiting in this queue for hours and hours and now I can't wait to get home and play this game," he said. "I've made so many new friends through this, it's a surreal experience and I will remember this for the rest of my life."
Many more gamers turned up at retailers at the usual opening times, but most weren't lucky enough to get one. Retailers blame Microsoft for failing to provide enough supply to go around. "As predicted, we counted them in and counted them out quick as a flash. Someone at Microsoft seriously needs their ears Xboxing for failing to give us enough to go round." said Tony Page, Asda, non-food director.
As with the U.S. launch, some complaints are being made about the consoles crashing or being defective in some other way. Microsoft has acknowledged these problems after the U.S. launch and instructed gamers to contact the company's technical assistance.
Source:
BBC News