S&S News: Expect 'initial' PS4/Xbox One shortages, says analyst

Colin Sebastian of Robert W. Baird says due to "complexity" of coordinating platform launches, gamers can expect initial shortages at retail, so bad news if you expect to get a system by Christmas if you haven't pre-ordered one already.  

Speaking with GameSpot, the analyst said due to the "complexity" of coordinating the launches, "it is more likely than not that there will be initial shortages."

"This also partly explains why the manufacturers have been somewhat judicious in allocating pre-sale units to retailers, so that there won't be a lot of unhappy customers from day one," Sebastian said.
"From a timing perspective, both platforms will want to launch before Thanksgiving/Black Friday, and ideally at least a couple of weeks in advance of that in order to replenish the retail channel," Sebastian said.

"In terms of who goes first, it would certainly be ideal to launch first, and gain all of the initial attention and momentum, as console launches are really the only equivalent of a 'red carpet' event for the industry," he added.

The $500 Xbox One is slated for a launch in November, while the $400 PS4 is confirmed only for holiday 2013.