Xbox controller stock has been spotty, at least here in the UK, for a good few months now. In fact, since Microsoft revealed the 'Deep Pink' Xbox Series X|S controller, it's never actually been available to buy over here. Well, the company has now shed some light on the whole situation.
Microsoft recently provided a statement to VGC, explaining the reason for the shortages:
"We know it may be hard finding Xbox Wireless Controllers right now due to supply disruptions [...] We’re working as fast as possible with our manufacturing and retail partners to improve this. Please check with your local retailer for availability."
Right now, that local retailer situation isn't looking so hot here in the UK. Amazon has the standard 'Carbon Black' controller in stock at £54.99, but every other colour is nowhere to be seen. At other UK retailers, even the black one is missing as well.
Although there's a roughly month-long delay on shipping with Xbox Design Lab, that appears to be the best bet for the moment outside of Amazon, at least here in the UK. Controllers are still available to be designed and ordered there, as each pad is made to a customer specification.
Have you noticed Xbox accessory shortages? How do things fare in your region? Let us know down below.
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[source videogameschronicle.com]
Comments 19
Blame Gary Whitta
"UK Stores Out Of Stock"
.04 seconds later
" Amazon has the standard 'Carbon Black' controller in stock at £54.99"
LOL, yeah, yeah, I get it, it's a shortage of color options, but it's just funny that the headline says there's a shortage just as it says Amazon has normal inventory of the default color
@NEStalgia haha yeah, they are out of stock (of most options 😆).
To be fair, that Amazon one has gone in and out of stock through the day too, so stock ain't reliable wherever you go (aside from maybe design labs)
@NEStalgia I was just about to argue that the default colour this gen is white. Then I realised I bought a white one Day 1 to match with DualSense and have been using it ever since on Series X. Built up that lie in my head and completely forgot the default one is Black. lol. Though the Series S default controller is white.
The black one usually sits in a carry case and has become my mobile, cloud and PC controller.
@Kezelpaso Don't worry, it's only a matter of minutes until @Dezzy70 is here give everyone the list of all the stores in the UK that Xbox controllers can be seen just sitting on shelves unsold.....
@themightyant LOL, yeah, for S owners white is indeed the default again, so you didn't totally make up the head-canon. S has outsold X so you're not technically wrong, really.
@NEStalgia And that, worryingly, there are five Series X consoles available on the shelves somewhere, collecting dust for up to one hour.
@NEStalgia
This is not new, Xbox series controllers have been out of stock for a good while, there a good few elite 2 controllers available but that’s a luxury expense.
Oh well you will have to buy a series s or series x console to get another controller, thousands of those sitting on shelves in the UK right now😊
@Dezzy70
I haven’t noticed but I also haven’t looked for Xbox controllers here in the US. I did order a controller from the design lab last week and it said to expect it in 3-5 weeks before I get it.
@NEStalgia
😂😂😂
Here in the US I haven't noticed any controller shortages. Over the past few months I bought a Pulse red, 20th anniversary, and Elite Series 2 controller. The only one that's out of stock that I want is the Halo Elite Series 2 controller...
Thats why places like CEX are selling used ones at stupid prices. Though I was going mad the other day when I looked at what they had in stock.
I discovered this before not-e3, Amazon and argos didn't even have them if you searched, I was hoping it meant there was a new version being stealth dropped.
But nope, good old stock issues.
I have 13 controller all 11 series x controllers (VARIOUS EDITIONS AND COLORS) and 2 elite controllers.(1 HALO EDITION)... I'm g for the next 10 years at least
Will agree lots of shortages in the UK market, I wonder why? Maybe giving US priorty I guess.
Got to also account for the fact that these controllers are not just Xbox controllers, they are extremely popular Windows PC controllers too. And now also used on iOS devices not just for xCloud but for gaming in general.
All the brand new XSX on shelves unsold (don’t @ me @ dezzy70) should have the controllers taken out and sold. Supply and demand.
I have both the 20th anniversary one and Forza so I’m set. Both are lovely.
Hate my standard controller, maybe I should put it on Ebay whilst there's a shortage!
Have two Forza special editions as they feel far superior in hand to me and the misses, so we prefer to use them despite the funky colours
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