The annual Q4 stock headache

The more positive among you may consider it to be a glowing endorsement of the unprecedented demand for Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo consoles.

Conversely, you may think of it as scandalous that the three biggest platform holders are already warning that there may be some consumers who are disappointed this Christmas.

Whatever your opinion, it’s a headache that seems to return each year. Even the two-year-old 360 is struggling to meet demand.

David Yarnton is right, of course, when he says that you can’t just turn on a tap when it comes to hardware supplies – but that won’t stop the frustration for retailers if they’re forced to turn Christmas customers away.