Hardware shortage warning issued to retail

All three platform holders have told MCV that stock of PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii hardware may not meet demand over the festive period.

After a storming year with Wii and DS, Nintendo UK general manager David Yarnton said: Every year it seems to happen with stock being tight, and I don’t think that this year is going to be any different. We’ve got regular stock coming in. In terms of demand, we can’t predict whether that will be enough at the moment – probably not. But you can’t just turn on a tap with hardware.”

With PS2, PSP and PS3 to manage this year, SCE UK is expecting difficulties too. This year the challenge for PlayStation UK is logistical,” a spokesperson told MCV.

It continues to be tight, but we continue to do our best to ensure a flow of stock is available to our customers in this all important buying season.”

Microsoft’s regional VP Chris Lewis added: We’re working hard to make sure that shortages don’t happen. Inevitably the odd pocket of the EMEA region will have the odd blip, but we’ve got a lot better at this over the years.”