The upcoming Xbox One and PS4 release dates will ‘likely’ be plagued by stock shortages of the eagerly awaited consoles, industry analysts have warned.
Suggesting the ‘complexity’ of a global console launch will see certain markets struggling to meet early demand, Robert W. Baird analyst Colin Sebastian has claimed that “it is more likely than not that there will be initial shortages” of both the Xbox One and PS4.
With both manufacturers issuing retailers allocated pre-order stocks, a number of key sales outlets, including the likes of Amazon, have reported they are already sold out of the imminent Xbox 360 and PS3 replacements.
Discussing the ‘complexity’ of a console launch, Sebastian told Gamespot: "This also partly explains why the manufacturers have been somewhat judicious in allocating pre-sale units to retailers, so that there won't be a lot of unhappy customers from day one.”
While neither Sony nor Microsoft have yet to reveal precise launch dates for their consoles, Sebastian has suggested that the two will be in a race to get their next-gen gamers first.
"In terms of who goes first, it would certainly be ideal to launch first, and gain all of the initial attention and momentum,” he said. “Console launches are really the only equivalent of a 'red carpet' event for the industry.
"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.”
At present a Xbox One release date has been confirmed for November 2013 with the console to set wannabe owners back £429 in the UK. Although the Sony PS4 is £80 cheaper at £349, its arrival has yet to be narrowed down beyond the 2013 holiday season. Both manufacturers are expected to confirm more precise release dates during next month’s Gamescom expo in Germany.
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