Still no sign of Xbox 360 …

Despite Major Nelson’s assurances that Microsoft is shipping Xbox 360 units to retail weekly (supposedly starting with this weekend), every retailer I’ve talked to (save one) isn’t expecting to have any more until next year.  Yes, I know its misinformation, but the one that actually has received a second shipment (GameStop) got seven units.

Seven!

It’s time to face facts: Perception is reality and the current perception is that Microsoft just doesn’t have its act together and has made major mistakes in launching the Xbox 360.  The stories I’m hearing from various retail employees about what’s happening is really incredible.  Most are made up (Microsoft is selling them on eBay themselves), but they wouldn’t be able to make up stories if they were too busy selling product.

At this point, it would be fair to say that I’m fairly disappointed with the way Microsoft has handled the launch.  I understand that it’s a logistical nightmare to launch in three territories at the same time.  So why do it?  What did Microsoft gain by such a move?  As far as I’ve seen, all this did was have Microsoft short-ship in three territories leaving unhappy potential customers everywhere.  No one would have minded waiting.  People do mind wanting one and either not getting one, or paying an eBay scalper through the nose for one.

Microsoft employees are quick to point out that they don’t get preferential treatment over retail customers; they have to go buy one at stores just like everyone else.  Then again, Microsoft basically called a holiday of sorts so that their employees could go wait in line with the rest of the rabble (more than half of the people waiting in line at the Bellevue Best Buy were Microsoft employees).  That is, unless you were on the Xbox 360 Launch Team.  Then, not only did you get one for free, but you got a customized one that must have cost about $50-100 over the regular cost to produce.  Pictures are all over, and it’s getting a little sickening to keep hearing about how cool these are when the rest of us can’t even get a “normal” one.  I like the idea of rewarding employees who worked hard to get a product on the market.  I don’t like the idea of flaunting it when the rest of us are empty-handed.

Finally, Microsoft gave away a ton of 360’s in various contests, promotions, and to influential A-list celebs.  It really turns my stomach to see Paris Hilton flaunting her Xbox 360 goodie-bag at the Hollywood launch, knowing that the stupid spoiler whore doesn’t even know how to turn one on.  What purpose does giving a celebrity serve when you’d get more mileage out of a diehard fan evangelizing it to all his gamer friends??

Speaking of advertising, that’s the real sore spot.  Microsoft continues to promote the hell out of the Xbox 360, even knowing that they can’t fulfill any of the demand generated by their promotional efforts.  Some people have already been complaining about this very subject, and I know Microsoft had heard the complaints.  Yet, the promotional onslaught continues.

As a journalist, I was actually supposed to have had a 360 so that I could review the games sent by Microsoft and other game publishers.  As it currently stands, I have a pile of games sitting here and nothing to review them with, because Microsoft’s PR company can’t get units out to anyone other than the A-list websites and outlets.  Despite being syndicated in hundreds of college publications, that doesn’t give me enough leverage to get one through the normal channels.  I’ve nearly come to grips with it, though, because as important as having reviews ready for a product launch are … what’s the point if the people you’re giving this advice to can’t buy the product?!  Of course, that doesn’t help me do my job …

So the situation is that there are Xbox 360 units at retail for people to play, and no way to capitalize on the enticement.  There are reviews of Xbox 360 games that most people can’t play.  There are pictures of celebrities with this holiday’s hot new toy, and no matter how much you might want to be like them, you simply can’t buy one.  Making the situation worse, while some people are Microsoft are sensitive to the situation, others are being counterproductive … and in some cases, it’s even the same person (albeit, unknowingly).

Sadly, even my rant isn’t going to accomplish much.  No matter what Microsoft says, the likelihood of my (or anyone else) getting an Xbox 360 before next year is simply not good.