Spring 2014 makes more sense for Xbox 720 release, says Pachter
Means core gamers won't have to compete for launch stock with 'moms buying gifts at holiday'.
Xbox 720 is now more likely to release in the spring of 2014 than later in 2013, Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter has told X360.
"If I were a betting man (and I am), I would say a spring 2014 launch makes more sense, since hard core Xbots could get a console without having to compete with moms buying gifts at holiday, and it is likely that they won't manufacture more than a few million units for launch," said Pachter.
With Microsoft showing very little of their Xbox release schedule beyond Gears of War: Judgment, the general opinion had been that the platform holder would launch its successor late in 2013.
VideoGamer.com Analysis
We don't really agree with Pachter's logic. Selling out at launch can help drive increased demand for a product – just look at the success of the sold-out Wii compared to the widely stocked PS Vita.
Also, consumers are much more willing to buy high value items in the holiday season, leaving room for Microsoft to lower the cost of the next Xbox the following summer when demand has slowed.
User Comments
Clockpunk
altaranga
Rubbish.
The only reason MS will delay the release until after Xmas is if the product isn't ready, and what with all the problems they had with the 360's rushed launch I would say they'd be wise to play it safe this time. This idea about the core gamer is utter bollox though, especially as the 720 will be designed to appeal to the casual market more this time. They'd be mad to miss the Xmas rush.
MJTH
Then suddenly, E3 comes along Microsoft has their best conference in years with games and bundles galore, making it a very desirable object. Stocks goes up! Sales are up! And then Christmas and October/November games season comes knocking and this is where the Mums buying gifts for holidays sales kick in.
A very optimistic view of what could happen, but makes sense.
Woffls
Core gamers want Xbox 3 already, so a supply and demand trick over Christmas isn't going to do anything for them. What they want is the knowledge that they can just go and pick one up from their local store after work and take it home.
Microsoft's aim should be getting that box into as many homes as humanly possible before PS4 launches and make people think twice about their decision. Feigning supply constraints is of absolutely no benefit to them when attacking the core market.
It will, of course, leave Wii U to sweep up entirely for two Christmas periods in a row. The real question is whether Microsoft are going head on with Nintendo straight away, or leaving it for later once they've established the core user base again.
Batmamerc