Looks like fans looking to get their hands on an Xbox console won’t be powering their dreams anytime soon, as Vice President Phil Spencer confirms the console shortage will continue well into 2022.
During an interview with The Wrap, Spencer revealed that there is a chip shortage. However, that is not all. Spencer goes on to say that overall the problem is not only the parts availability, but also what all goes into creation of the console and then being able to get those consoles to “... the markets where the demand is, there are multiple kinds of pinch points in that process.” So, if you were looking to get a new Xbox for Christmas this year, you may want to tell Santa to try again next year, as Spenser says Xbox will more than likely continue facing shortage issues “...through the end of this calendar year and into the next calendar year.”
In other Xbox news, Microsoft revealed new features to assist players during Xbox Accessibility Showcase yesterday. Some features will include an accessibility panel on listings. Details regarding Night Mode were also discussed during the showcase. The feature will allow you to control the brightness of your screen, as well as the enable a blue light filter and control the LED brightness on your controller or power button. The full video can be viewed on the official YouTube channel for Xbox.
Additionally, rumors regarding the amount of subscribers for Xbox Game Pass have been cleared up. On a podcast, Strauss Zelnick - CEO of Take-Two Interactive - recently claimed that over 30 million people were subscribed, however, its seems as though Zelnick’s assertions were a little off - by about 9 million. Industry insider Jeff Grubb states that the number is a little closer to 21 million.
Lastly, if you already own an Xbox and are a fan of life sim game, you’re in luck. Developers White Owls recently released a new demo on Xbox One for the upcoming RPG The Good Life more than a week ahead of its October 15 release.