Concerning.
It's Pachter again!
While Microsoft is keen to tell consumers they're running out of time to grab a Kinect for Christmas – in fact, according to the company you've already missed your chance – not everyone is so sure, particularly industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan.
Speaking to IncGamers, Pachter claims that the company has in fact got plenty of Kinect stock out on store shelves, but it's in the form of bundles rather than standalone units:
Yes, I think both companies would very much like for consumers to believe that their devices are highly sought after and difficult to obtain. That usually works to spur demand.
Pachter believes that by making its product out to be desirable and in short supply it can excite customers who might otherwise be indifferent to the sensor's appeal, and if the options on the shop shelves happen to be bundles rather than standalone sensors you don't have to be an industry analyst to see where Microsoft's train of thought is headed.
Have you had any difficulty finding a Kinect for a loved one or as a Christmas present? Let us know in the comments!
User Comments
1. Token Girl
29 Nov 2010, 21:21 GMT
Duh. Companies do it at Christmas time and at launch to make products seem like it's in more demand they may be. Also, if a parent promises their kid a Kinect or Move, and they can't find it; they still need to find something to put under the X-mas tree (possible extra game purchase). PLUS they can't break their promise, so in January and February when stores are stocked again, they buy Kinect or Move. It all just translates into more sales for Sony/Microsoft.
2. Algorhythm
30 Nov 2010, 01:56 GMT
I actually agree with Pachter on this one. I got a Kinect, day one because I thought there would be a shortage. Everywhere I go there are plenty, not just the bundle but the stand alone unit. And I live just outside of Chicago - one of the biggest cities in the US. Get it if you want it...if not...don't. But then you probaby wouldn't be on this site then.
3. Magi
30 Nov 2010, 12:44 GMT
It's getting harder and harder to find them around here. As Pachter said, the ones that I do find are in the bundles.
4. SUPERGHOST
01 Dec 2010, 00:33 GMT
I am sure Johnny Lunchpail and Suzy Housecoat are paying attention to Pach-man. They are out trying to find the Kinect because it is hot and scarce (I have seen it for myself amongst my non-core gamer friends)!
5. Crunc
01 Dec 2010, 18:58 GMT
The fact that amazon is discounting all Kinect games $10 already and it's not shown to be a sale, doesn't seem to bode well for Kinect game sales and perhaps the sensor either. They said 2.5 million have sold, which sounds good, but that's still only a fraction of the Xbox market, let alone the Wii market, and one wonders how many of those purchases were from people hoping to sell for profit rather then actually use it. I hope it's a big success, because it's such cool tech. I want to get it, but am worried it might prove to be a long term flop.