Xbox 360 Launch: Does Microsoft “Make the Grade?”

The launch went smoothly, despite system shortages and giveaway winners receiving their systems three days prior to those who pre-ordered.
System Availability Here is where things take a turn for the worse. Now, the first thing that I must say here is that system shortages have occurred with almost every home console released in the last twenty-five years. Quite simply, it’s a fact of life. I cannot penalize Microsoft for the shortage itself, but there is an issue that needs to be addressed. That is the giveaways.

I understand that the marketing department wanted to generate some hype and publicity for the 360, but quite honestly giving away a new Xbox 360 every ten minutes is just too much. This is especially true when you consider that Microsoft had to admit that they were delivering less than half of their projected number of units for launch day. The issue is not that the giveaway made so much of a difference in the number of units that would be available on launch day. The issue is perception.

For example: Let’s say that someone opens a particular type of soft drink and finds that they have been lucky enough to win an Xbox 360. That’s terrific for them, although they may never have purchased a single Xbox system or game in their life. What’s worse, he or she is going to get their system three days ahead of all those who preordered.

What’s the perception here? The perception is that Microsoft didn’t care about the cash paying customer who supported them when they went up against the PS2 a few years back. That means gamers who preordered a system and games months ago were left empty handed on November 22nd. The “giveaway gang” however were happily playing as early as three days prior to launch in America, and even earlier in Canada. The moment that Microsoft knew they wouldn’t be able to fulfill preorders they should have publicly stated that the freebie units would only come after they had satisfied the demand for all preorders in North America. I’ve been watching the message boards for the last several days and loyal Microsoft gamers are echoing these same sentiments. Sorry, Mr. Gates. The first rule of business is to do everything possible to take care of the cash paying customer first…FAIL.

Future Potential.

From a technological standpoint at least, the Xbox 360 seems poised to go toe-to-toe with Sony and their much hyped PS3. Microsoft’s edge lies in the online arena. With the virtual marketplace and ability to download ultra cool content, they will certainly find acceptance with the online gamer. Sony has recently announced that they will not have a unified online service, which basically means they are approaching online gaming in the next generation as they did in this generation. At this point, that seems to be a mistake on Sony’s part. Microsoft seems to have covered most all of their bases with the Xbox 360, so all indications are that the future will only get brighter…PASS.

The most important thing Microsoft can do is to get systems into the hands of those who have yet to get their pre-orders filled. They risk alienating the same gamers that kept them competitive in the last generation by trying to be too ambitious. I understand the temptation of trying to have a simultaneous three-region launch, but you have to take care of those who took care of you first and foremost. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, it will be interesting to see if Microsoft can do just that by making certain gamers get what they want: a 360 under their Christmas tree. Regardless of the initial shortages, supply should improve somewhat in the lead up to Chrismas. Whether that will satisfy demand or not is another issue. Only time will tell.Article by Michael Harris.