Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has been a busy man leading up to and through the launch of the Xbox Series X/S. While the launch of the next-gen console has been seen as a success, scarcity is something that has been difficult to deal with for many. It is an issue that Spencer has tackled head-on multiple times, and in a recent interview he talked about the fact that his team is constantly working on building more consoles for consumers.

In a podcast with Xbox Live's Larry Hryb, also known as Major Nelson, who recently unveiled an Xbox Live Series X Jenga set, Spencer talked about the difficulty of staying ahead of demand with the Xbox Series X/S. It is a good problem to have, fans lining up at the door (both physically and online) to purchase an item, but Spencer would like to be able to produce the consoles at a faster pace.

Spencer talks about the fact that fans often ask him questions about why Xbox has not made consoles faster, why the company did not start making console earlier, why more consoles are not being built, and so on. Spencer says Xbox is not holding anything back, and the team is working as fast as it can. In the past, it had been communicated that the Xbox Series X shortages would continue through early 2021, and that seems to still be the case.

Spencer says in the podcast that it comes down to physics and engineering. The team is building consoles as fast as it can. In fact, a few days ago Spencer thanked Xbox team members for working over the holidays ensuring that things like Xbox Live are up and running.

With assembly lines in place and teams working hard, Spencer said he appreciates the patience of those who are waiting for their own console. He also notes that this is not simply a problem for Xbox, as the PS5 shortage issue is ongoing too. It is clear that the demand for the next-generation of consoles is something that supply cannot handle at this time.

One thing that could help is putting a ban on scalping, which the UK is working on. If fewer individuals took advantage of online infrastructure on buying sites, purchasing dozens and even hundreds of consoles only to mark them up for a major profit, perhaps more consumers would be able to enjoy the consoles at the standard retail price. Hopefully, the shortage issue will be taken care of soon for both the Xbox Series X/S and the PS5.



Posted: Jan 02, 2021 11:28 am
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: https://gamerant.com/phil-spencer-xbox-series-x-consoles-major-nelson-podcast/