Microsoft learns from Sony’s mistakes

Even though the PlayStation 2 is released in Europe it is impossible to find one in the shops. Sony came nowhere near to meeting demand for the console in England and that has angered a lot of customers. Initial shipment sizes kept on dropped below the initial claims of 200,000, and many people believe that even Sony’s final claim of 165,000 machines was exaggerated. Even some early adopters that pre-ordered a console did not receive a machine before Christmas.

One of the main reasons for the shortages of PlayStation 2s was manufacturing problems and Sony swapping production plants. Microsoft, on the other hand has already started setting up multiple manufacturing plants in three locations around the world. The European Xbox producing plant will be based in Hungary.

There are two positive sides to this story. Firstly, if you want to buy an Xbox and let’s face it, who doesn’t, there will be loads on the shelves when the console is released, no pre-orders and no shortages. Secondly, Hungary’s economy is set to receive a welcome boost. The Xbox may well become one of Hungary’s main exports, helping the financial state of the country, with the creation of thousands of jobs.