Xbox boss Phil Spencer says console shortages will continue into 2022

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Spencer says there are several "pinch points" keeping Xbox Series X and S consoles away from store shelves

Xbox Series X
(Image credit: Microsoft)

Xbox boss Phil Spencer now says to expect Xbox Series X/S console shortages to continue through the rest of 2021 and into 2022.

In an interview with TheWrap (thanks VGC), Spencer says it isn't just the global chip shortage that's making it hard to keep retailers stocked with enough Xbox Series X and S consoles to keep up with demand.

"I think it's probably too isolated to talk about it as just a chip problem," Spencer said. "When I think about, 'what does it mean to get the parts necessary to build a console today, and then get it to the markets where the demand is', there are multiple kind of pinch points in that process. And I think regretfully it's going to be with us for months and months, definitely through the end of this calendar year and into the next calendar year."

"The thing that's most disappointing is just the fan disappointment," Spencer continued. "People really want this new generation of consoles—they're good consoles, both from us and the other platform holders—and they want the new functionality. We're working hard to bring them to market but it's going to be a challenge that we'll work through for quite a while."

Just because there's a console shortage doesn't mean it's impossible to find out, but you'll want to keep up with our Xbox Series X stock updates guide to better your chances.

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.