Microsoft has announced that the XBox console will launch Nov. 15, not Nov. 8 as had been originally announced. While the company would not offer any specific reasons for the change, many suggest it is a strategic move rather than a production issue.
Microsoft has consistently denied reports released last month from investment banking firm Thomas Weisel Partners, that flaws in the Xbox's motherboard could result in delay of the production of finished units.
Experts suggest that whether the Thomas Weisel report is true or not, chances are that some production issue is responsible for the delay. Funnily enough, Nintendo announced last month that it would also be delaying Gamecube's launch by two weeks, making the official release date, the 18th of November.
The 700,000 Gamecube units will therefore be on a face to face battle with Microsofts promised 1 million to 1.5 million Xbox consoles for North American retailers this holiday season, with replenishment of more than 100,000 Xbox units each week.
This turn of events is almost certainly a dissapointment for Nintendo which will not only have to compete with the XBox machine, but with the gradual build - up of the XBox legend, through the ongoing $500 million Xbox marketing campaign.
One example of the machine in action was the immediate sale of the XBox through advance orders placed at Toys "R" Us. "Enthusiasm for Xbox is really taking off," said Wayne Yodzio, vice president of Toys "R" Us. "Microsoft is delivering what it takes to make this a great holiday season for us - namely a great lineup of Xbox games, a rapid replenishment plan that will keep our shelves filled with Xbox systems every week, and quantities for the holiday season that will translate the excitement about Xbox into strong sales."
With the XBox already being manufactured in Guadalajara, Mexico, one thing is certain, this will be a very interesting holiday season.