Xbox 360 sells 400K; Only 3% of units defective
by Blake Snow 
{ Dec 1st 2005 at 12:45PM }
According to Next Generation, technology research analyst P.J. McNealy estimates
300,000 to 400,000 Xbox 360s have been sold in the U.S in the last week. The analyst went on to say, "I
think [Microsoft] would have been happy to have sold another million if they could have. They just didn't have
them."
Apparently, major retailers have been left in the dark regarding replenishments, including Circuit City. And with the
upcoming European launch this weekend, shortages could be even worse.
In related news, Microsoft says the number of faulty Xbox 360s is less than 3% of total
units, this being below the average for new consumer electronic products.
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
watership @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Not Impressed (Dmitri) said:
>Personal survey:
>11 of my friends ONLY want the PS3
>5 of my friends ONLY want the Xbox360
>27 of my friends ONLY want the Revolution
>And... Well... 53 of my friends just don't give a >shit.
>You do the math.
53+27+11+5=96
I did the math. There is no way you have 96 friends.
Laughing Man @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
#41 - Okay, okay I admit, I was incorrect. The N Gage was the worst launch ever.
However... The N-Gage launch was hilarious. You had to stop and wonder how stoned the Scandivians were when they put it together. You had to marvel at the sheer stupidity of it all. Anyone with half a gut instinct knew that thing was going to tank like an Abrams dropping off a cliff.
What's so dissapointing about the 360... Is that in concept and hardware it is a beautiful machine. I am not a slavishly minded fanboy - I posted immediately after E3 that I couldn't believe online reactions to E3... The PS3 demos were inspiring but TOTALLY BOGUS. There were developers on the floor who could name the Scottish animation house who produced the Killzone video. But I didn't see the broken games journalism machine challenge Sony on this. They let them answer vague and had them remain unaccountable.
Meanwhile, the 360 behind closed doors demos blew me away. I posted about how it had one of the most comfortable controllers I'd ever held.
But I do not for one second understand the loyalty beyond reason that comes to branding of video games; whereby system choice is something that is a side you take and defend no matter what.
As far as this launch resembling all others - look, all product launches have defects and shipping logisitical problems. What I'm talking about is the massive perception of a launch that is actually more important than what's happening. As someone said, the PSP sold 500k in its first week. But the zeitgeist were news stories about how it was not selling out; ergo, it was not a hot product or Sony had done something wrong. That's the perceptory element I'm talking about.
And it's neither here nor there when it comes to customer support. MS are doing a fine job replacing all those defective Xboxes for all intents and purposes, but given their track record of denial and shady dealings with the previous Xbox, I trust them about as easily as I can get my hands on a 360. The defects we're seeing are not minor. They are serious and many seem to be on the software side. This is not UNCOMMON FOR MS PRODUCTS.
Look, if I had the time I'd cut together an ad, and it would be Xbox 360 footage from all their little web videos featuring telegenic multiethnic hipsters in expensive clothes and the MTV launch cut together with crashing screens, empty shelves, and lines at 4 am outside best buys. What you see... The perception... And what you get.
CorrectingTheStupid @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
bd(formerly b) is a prick with the intention of starting $hit with stupid comments ment to piss everyone off. Like you're so perfect...grow up!
Not Impressed (Dmitri) @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Watership. Just because you only have 10 D&D friends does not mean I cannot have 96+ friends. And this was already discussed, good work coming in late.
The1 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I can believe that 3 percent rate. I have over 30 people in my clan and 20 got X360's and all of them (X360's) work perfectly well. Furthermore, everyone on my friends list who has an X360(20 peeps) has no problems. My friends are all over the USA. I have a Prem and a CORE and nothing went wrong. Say what you want, the console is good. These haters are just bad.
fb @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"It's a fact that the N64 did much better than the Xbox 360 in an even smaller market in less time."
had there been more units availble they could have EASILY moved a million in a week rather than 400,000. Oh, and it wasnt a smaller market. That 400,000 was for U.S. alone. Europe launches tommorrow and Japan the week after.
"If my car was 'only' 3% unreliable, I would have to push it for three of every one hundred miles I drove. I would have thought 0.003% would have been an acceptable figure, and even that's poor."
if you followed the 3% it would mean 3% of all cars sold would be faulty, and would be fixed under WARRANTIES (this is why they have them, it's not like your FUCKED if your 360 is broken) It's not like everyones 360's are not working for 3 out of every 100 minutes. Not the greatest comparison.
And to ANYONE comparing other launches to the 360's...had they had 1,000,000 units in the US, they would have sold them. The fact that only 30 of 170 pre-orders at my local EB got there's on launch shows that TONS more people would have bought this thing had production been high enough.
And to the guy talking about how sony moved 16,000,000 PS2's in '04...
M$ moved 400,000 in a week in the US only. Not including other places. That 16 million is worldwide for '04, so even if M$ can move 400,000 units a week worldwide every week, they'd have over 20 million sold in a year. So 400,000 in a week in one region is nothing how?
I got a 360 on launch, and I will testify that the games are NOT lame. XBOX 1.5??? Why with the stupid 1.5 bullshit. This is a totally new system, not just a revamp of an old one. We all know who does that. Even after sony redesigned the PS2 to a true 1.5 machine it was still outsold by the big clunky XBOX last holiday season. Sure the new version of madden doesnt have the modes that the current gens do, but the gameplay and graphics are SO much better. PDZ is fun as hell in online co-op. And COD2 has a really great single player campaign. You guys act like because the system didnt launch with 100 different must have titles it is not worth it and boring. By the time I am done playing all my games (COD2, PDZ, Madden 06, Tiger Woods 06, PGR3) I will easily be a few months into 2006, and the fact that the replay value is great thanks to xbox live means they will keep entertained easily until the games really start rolling out. I'm willing to bet that 9/10 people who bitch about how the games suck havent even sat down in someone's home and played it. Your opinions are most likely based off of Screenshots and gameplay videos, or playing a demo unit in a store, which btw I have yet to see one that is actually set to 720p in HD properly, personally I think the samsung LCD tv's they use are crap for picture quality. I play on a standard def. 32" or a 42" plasma and it looks MUCH better on both. I'm no fanboy, but I just can't stand how everyone who doesnt have a certain system, or who has never played it does NOTHING but bash it for no reason.
Like or not, the 360 is and will continue to sell very strongly at least until sony releases the PS3 in the states. Given the fact that we STILL have seen so playable games for the system, or even a functioning console even now AFTER the 360 has launched (didn't sony say they were going to counter the launch with a bunch of announcements) Even nintendo has told us when they will unveil the revolution, but sony...still nothing but game trailers running on dev. kits. and some camera movements and manipulations to show it's realtime. I'm no fanboy, but as someone who doesn't pledge allegiance to a certain company it gives me the opportunity to see things outside of the box. Sony is going to be playing catchup if you ask me. Even if the 360 moves 10,000,000 units in year one, those numbers are only going to continue to grow due to price drops. I think M$ has used the first to release as an advantage pretty well. Much unlike the dreamcast that everyone thought it would be.
Matters @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
How can they say only 3% are defective?
It's way too early to say that.
How many of these machines are going to be xmas presents and haven't even been opened up yet?
What about all the people who just put up with the problem and don't do anything about it? (I know these people exist. My roommate is one of them. Our xbox 360 crashes like nobodies business but we haven't exactly called msoft to complain yet)
...and what about the people who just haven't run across the problem YET or don't know that it is a problem?
ledorky @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Plain and simple. You're an idiot if you put up with the crashes. A $500 prop is never acceptable. I personally know about 10 others lucky enough to win/buy a 360 and none of us have any problems. I'm sure there are many with one. I've been in too many launches that this is so normal. The Internet just makes things worse since the few people bitch in multiple places multiple times (not counting the lying fanboys stirring the pot). The PSP launch was a disaster for my friends and I. Much worse than this with the dead pixel problem, sticky buttons or a crappy feeling d-pad. At least MS is doing a decent job replacing units whereas Sony kept denying there was a problem at all and worse, shipped broken units back to us (for those of us stupid enough to not return the item but instead hassled Sony support enough to allow us to send in our units on our dime).
Bizarre thing is, Sega and Nintendo seems to be the place to be if you want a near-perfect launch with great quality control.
I've been thru launches since the SNES days and the worst of the lot consistently has been Sony (stayed far clear of the n-gage and 3-Doh!).
sean @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I spoke with my local Best Buy this afternoon and confirmed, the 18th is their next shipment. This seems to confirm what retailers have been saying all along, two shipments in December.
Joseph @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
You can't really take the 3% as the actual defection rate, considering many many of these consoles won't be opened until christmas morning.
But then by this calculation, 3% of US children receiving an xbox360 will have a CRAPPY CHRISTMAS.
Matt @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
"Not Impressed (Dmitri):
LOL...you're killing me man. You took the whole forum to task for spelling your name wrong and then when we point out your spelling mistakes you come back with "Why do people bother to point out spelling mistakes?"
Honestly, that's funny dude."
What he said. Dmitri, you're a hypocrit of the highest order. Congratulations.
CrAzY American @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Dmitri
Quick question-Do you go to La Cueva in Alb? This guy made a post in the newsletter by the name of Dmitri Kotlovski(sp) and was wondering if it was you. ?
Anyway, my 360 has given me no problems. Same with the 2 people I know that got one. Hopefully nothing will go wrong.
Geof @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Just so we can all put this into relation, could someone show us the defect percentage of the xbox, ps2, gamecube, ps1, and nintendo 64?
I just wanna see where it is in relation with these launches.
Sqrd @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I would doubt that 3% industry average refers to units that are basically DOA within the first week of release. More likely, it's a cumulative figure, probably reflecting an annual failure rate. If 3% are failing immediately upon receipt, I would be it's likely that the one year cumulative failure rate will be much higher (conservatively, 10-20%), which sounds like pretty awful quality control to me. Sounds like they rushed out a product that wasn't quite tweaked sufficiently.
BlackYoshi @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Just ignore anyone who says "M$". "Witty" humor like that pretty much broadcasts how much of an unimaginative dolt you are. Also, just ignore any post by Laughing Man, Mark B, b (formerly bd), and Dmitri in any Microsoft thread, as they have proved over and over again that they are relentelessly anti-Microsoft and are just flamebaiting.
Colin @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
The only person I know who was able to score one has experienced problems for no reason. It scratched up his Perfect Dark Zero disk so badly that the console couldn't recognize it anymore...
thayek31 @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
First off, every gamer should expect shortages and defects with new systems. There is nothing we can do about that, we've all gone through the PS2 launch and survived, as we all will survive this launch.
The XBOX360 is a great system, so far it offers a great launch lineup which appeals to many gamers. The hardware is very powerful and people are waiting by the hundreds to get their hands on one. As a gamer we should be happy that next gen has started. Whether the shortages are a part of a marketing strategy or whether they are true, WHO CARES, be patient and you will get your hands on one eventually, it will be that much more sweeter when you do.
Second of all, the PS3 and Nintendo Revolution will also be good systems, whether they appeal to you or not, if you don't like how the PS3 looks or how the controller looks on the REV then don't buy it, stick with your 360 and vice versa, why does everybody have to compete all the time and argue, EVERY SYSTEM HAS ITS OWN MARKET and EVERY SYSTEM WILL EXPERIENCE ITS OWN SUCCESS. Personally i'm happy with my XBOX360, I love the games and yes I can't wait to get my hands on the PS3 and the REV, Metal Gear Solid 4 for when I want to be serious, Mario 128 when I just want to have fun, some Halo when I want some online gameplay. Why, WHY! for once can't everyone just stop and realize it doesn't matter which system you want or what you and your friends think is the best, its the fact that everyone has different taste. Depending on my mood i'm always up for a different game and next christmas i'm going to have a different system for any mood i'm in.
As gamers we should be happy we're going to see 3 next gen systems all offering their own innovative features and benefits. I do not know about all of you but I can't wait to play each and every one PERIOD!
huckleberry @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
my goodness, the white is the perfect color. My boy butter will blend in better on the gaming console if i should spooge a heave of salty love goo on my system.
Joey Geraci @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
I am sure this has been said before but newegg says they will get more in at 8 in the morning on the 8th.
huckleberry @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
The console HAS to be that large for future expandability. In the spring 06, Microsoft will unveil the 33 LP adapter, making the XBOX 360 the first gaming console to play old vinyl records. A true multimedia delight!
turkdaone @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
Ok lets see first off!1) nintendo 64 didnt have three countem' 3 core processors, no ethernet plugs not even half the power of the 360's graphics card.And you expect this to mean m$ has a faulty product!Hell the 64 didnt even have a dvd drive so how can you compare a system like the 64 to the 360?Theres only 1 way you can, and thats by being a idiot!!this is sophisticated hardware!And for people having their games messed up if its vertical and you knock it over yeah the disc will scratch.Go to eb games and get insurance on all your 360 titles, its only like 3 bucks!Second sony couldnt ship a damned handheld without dead pixels, faulty buttons,discs that shoot out, and you expect the ps3 with new tech, cell, blu ray not to have any problems then your an idiot.Wake up dont hate i invested over 500.00$ so believe that im gonna take care of my 360.So keep playing your bullshit games sony fanboys,Im playing next gen now not some supposed supercomputer.And just to show how ignorant you guys are sony calls itr a supercomputer and you actually believe it is, well listen you cant afford a supercomputer!Our country is protected by supercomputers, do you really think the ps3 could protect anything?Remember the ps2 had toy story graphics and could launch missles! No solid online play, touted features that are gonna get dropped, I guess in this great country of ours the nation is being dumbed down to retards!
Ash @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
You don't like the XBox 360 because of some deep seated dislike for microsoft or some pre-pubescent crush on Ninty or Sony (Dmitri) why the f**k are you here?
I have never understood fanboys or ms haters or why they bother to troll these places because all you're doing is proving how inferior you truely are. Anyone with half a brain can see that all 3 consoles will have great games on them, will have their issues and will have horrible shortages at launch. Everyone I know who enjoys playing games would get all 3 if they could, not all can afford it, so some will go with 360, others PS3 and the rest the Rev, has any of these ever turned round and said the other consoles suck, no, why, cause they have an ounce of intelligence.
Fanboy = bigot.
As for the MS launch, I think what they've done showed that worldwide launches of consoles arent a great idea, when your average store in the UK receives 5 machines someone slipped up, a little frustrating as it means todays launch really wasn't a launch at all, but a lucky chance for some to preview up coming hardware. Do I mind, no not particularly, I just feel MS should have stock piled for another month and doubled the number of consoles for release day, as, lets be honest, you dont need your machine to come out before Christmas when you know that it will sell out on day 1 ^^.
Ash
Mark B @ Dec 18th 2005 9:02PM
BlackYoshi,
I'm not a fanboy. I own systems from all three companies.
I simply call 'em like I see 'em and I see the 360 as being LAME!!
:-D