Microsoft has blamed a lack of capacity and components for shortages of its Xbox 360. It is now expected to miss its target of shipping 2.75m-3m of the game consoles in the 90 days following its launch on November 22.

Analysts estimate shipments at 1.3m worldwide by the end of 2005, with shortages predicted for January. The situation has leftgamers frustrated and meant limited sales of 360 titles for video games publishers and retailers.