The gaming world has been no stranger to shortages over the past few years, as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to a short supply of a variety of resources. The widely publicized chip and semiconductor shortage have heavily impacted the world of technology with the PS5 and Xbox Series X launches in 2020 particularly affected. With Intel's CEO recently suggesting the scarcity could last another two years, companies have struggled to keep up with consumer demand. Now, Microsoft has recently confirmed another major Xbox-related shortage.
Microsoft's most recent lack of supply has become a common hindrance for Xbox fans looking to pick up the gaming juggernaut's newest hardware. The previously mentioned chip shortage has plagued the Xbox Series X since its release, leading to low stock and a scarcity of consoles among retailers. Xbox CFO Tim Stuart also recently confirmed that Xbox's ongoing supply issues will likely continue into 2023. Now, a recent statement from Microsoft has officially confirmed Xbox Series X controllers are in short supply throughout multiple regions.
The controller shortage has seen several retailers, particularly in Europe, running low on Xbox Series X controllers with many completely out of hardware. Supply issues have been noted by Xbox fans across a number of regions including the UK, Germany, and France with Microsoft recently making an official statement on the dilemma. Microsoft attributed its controller-related woes to "supply disruptions," reaffirming that the company is working with its manufacturers to correct the issue. The low supply has also seen an increase in scalpers with many official outlets unable to provide controllers.
While Xbox has experienced its fair share of woes related to the ongoing supply problems, Nintendo and Sony have also been heavily impacted. Sony's PlayStation 5 has been notoriously short in supply as PS5 restocks for retailers like Wal-Mart have become major events for fans waiting to pick up a console. The Switch has also seen issues related to the semiconductor shortage with the recent OLED model being affected by the short supply.
Though widespread shortages have impacted sales for many of gaming's biggest names, the gaming industry has also looked to take a creative approach to work around the supply issues. Sony reportedly pushed the manufacturing of PS4s as an alternative due to the less advanced hardware required to make PS4s. Hardware companies like Nvidia and MSI have also looked to relaunch old graphics cards as a way to skirt around the shortage. As the tech industry struggles to deal with its supply woes, gamers looking to pick up a shiny new Xbox controller may have to look a little harder for the time being.
Source: VideoGamesChronicle