NEWS - Thursday, March 31, 2005
Xbox ’pulled’ rumours quashed?
Xbox Live director of programming Larry Hryb flatly denies the recent run of rumours claiming Microsoft is pulling Xbox from stores and making way for its new Xbox 2 console. The internet has been awash with stories in recent days, quoting a number of ’anonymous sources’, claiming that Microsoft is winding down Xbox production to make way for its new Xbox 2 console, expected in November. And that worldwide Xbox stockpiles are now down to 2 million with no more supplies on the way. However, Larry Hryb contests this via a post on his website, where he writes: "There are a few stories floating around this vast thing we call the Internet today that say Xbox has been pulled from retailers. Furthermore, people are saying that we have ’reached our targets and want to get ready for the next console’. Let me be perfectly clear: We are not pulling the Xbox from stores. "Xbox consoles being in short supply due to popularity and stopping production are two very different issues. Don’t believe the misinformation that is filling your browser/inbox/rss feed. Now, back to your regularly scheduled rumor-mongering," he added. While this isn’t an official press release, it seems unlikely someone in Larry Hryb’s position would deny claims in such a strong manner, using a medium such as his own website, unless he was completely sure that what he is saying is correct. Still, the stock levels do speak for themselves and the latest ChartTrack information tends to disprove Hryb’s comment about Xbox being in short supply because of its unrelenting popularity. According to ChartTrack, 4,838 Xboxes were shifted last week, compared to 27,917 PS2s, which does suggest the shortages are actually a result of a lack of supply, rather than high demand.Source: http://gamesradar.msn.co.uk/news/
