Xbox One, PS4 Shortages Predicted for Launch

Quite a few popular gaming retailers have been slow to take PlayStation 4 and Xbox One pre-orders. With the massive demand for these upcoming next-generation consoles, people are unsure as to whether everyone who wants a new, high-tech piece of hardware in their home will actually be able to purchase one. We’ve heard reports from AMD that the production of all the pieces and parts will be just fine on their end, but Colin Sebastian, an analyst of Robert W. Baird, doesn’t think this will initially be the case.

Speaking to GameSpot on the issue, Baird pointed to the "complexity" of coordinating the launches as the reason for the likely shortage early on.

"This also partly explains why the manufacturers have been somewhat judicious is allocating pre-sale units to retailers, so that there won't be a lot of unhappy customers from day one," Sebastian said.

We’re still unsure when either the PS4 or Xbox One will even be available at retailers. Both are expected this fall, but in Baird’s eyes, the console that launches first will enjoy the biggest benefits.

"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 continued. "In terms of who goes first, it would be 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."

The Xbox One has November locked down, which could give the PlayStation 4 an opportunity to swoop in late October. We'll just have to wait and see who makes the first move later this year.