American Technology Research analyst PJ McNealy, indicates that Xbox 360"s shortage is almost over.
"We surveyed 125 retailers late last week, and 21 percent had at least
one Xbox 360 Core ($299 version) console in stock," McNealy wrote.
"Most also reported receiving shipments last week and are now seeing a
relatively steady flow after stock-outs abounded for most of December
and January."
ATR found that 26 stores had Xbox 360s to sell, but 21 of those
only had Core units, and most had only one to three units in stock. Of
the 125 retailers, McNealy suggested only two had "decent inventory,"
with one store having 10 Premium units, and another having seven
Premium and six Core.
"We heard commentary from several retailers that is consistent
with what we have heard from industry contacts over the past six weeks:
Inventory is expected to flow better in late February, and by late
March inventory levels should be consistently filled," McNealy wrote.
As a result of the finding, McNealy said ATR"s Xbox 360
estimates remain unchanged, expecting nearly 6 million units to ship by
the end of June, and 10-12 million by the end of the year.