"Microsoft has reportedly started to replenish stock of Xbox 360s in American retail channels. For whatever the reason or decision based on infinite wisdom, Xbox 360 has been in agonisingly short supply since the console's November 22nd launch, but GameSpot and GamesIndustry report that some of the remaining pre-orders are now being filled. For those who don't know, there are people in the US and UK sitting in pre-order queues waiting for their Xbox 360, or being forced to go with a Core unit. While in Japan, Xbox 360s overflow in warehouses, Joe Blow is selling his Xbox 360 at stupendous premiums on Ebay laugh at the fact that Microsoft were trying to sell Xboxs this Christmas.

Microsoft UK declined to comment as to whether the situation is to be reflected on their side of the Atlantic. "Xbox does not announce details of shipments, but I can tell you that we're on track to meet our 90 day forecast of 2.75 to 3.0 million units," a spokesperson said.

The US line is that Microsoft is "working around the clock to deliver as many Xbox 360 consoles as humanly possible". Unforunately, this still doesn't account for the fiasco that was both the shortage in the US and UK or the excess of units in Japan." [more]

Just in time for Christmas!