Feeling famous

I participated in a news discussion about Microsoft’s “shortage” of the XBOX 360. What I essentially told the reporter is that it’s all a ruse to manipulate the laws of economics and to generate publicity. Microsoft leaks or says “we may not have enough to go around” and people run to the store.

Russell Page, a technology marketing consultant based in Utah, says it’s no secret that Microsoft is trying to gain momentum with its new offering to overtake Sony as the No. 1 game system in sales in America. Microsoft is now second.

Page said that Microsoft could be welcoming talk of shortages this holiday season.

“This idea of a shortage sends consumers to the stores with their pocketbooks,” Page said. “The Xbox (360) is likely going to be hard to find because it creates a marketing buzz.”

via [ Akron Beacon Journal ] - XBOX 360 is the talk of the game world

Even better, look at what happens to the perceived value of the XBOX 360. Suddenly, $399 doesn’t sound like so much when $699 is a good deal on eBay.