04-18-2006, 03:35 PM
Microsoft claims it is now in a better position to become the gaming console industry leader, after Sony delayed the release of its next-generation console, the Playstation 3, from Spring to November.
Speaking with CNN, Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer said that going on past results, the Xbox 360 was now in a with a better chance to become the top home entertainment gaming system.
“In every other generation, the first guy to 10 million consoles was the number one seller in the generation,” he said.
“Did we just get an even better opportunity to be the first guy to 10 million? Yeah, of course we did.”
Ballmer said that Microsoft would not alter its market projections and would maintain its focus on increasing Xbox 360 production, which he identified as the key to taking advantage of the Playstation 3 delay.
“It’s not going to be that way forever, but we’re clearly in the phase where it’s about how fast we can make them,” he said.
In order to do so, Microsoft needs to first fix the production problems that resulted in the severe stock shortages that has plagued it since the Xbox 360’s release late last year.
According to Ballmer, Microsoft’s goal of selling 4.5-5.5 million units by the end of June is still on track though, even with sales hampered due to lack of availability.
“We’re sort-of on track, though it would’ve been nice at Christmas to have one for everyone who wanted one,” he said.