One of the hottest items this holiday isn’t a game or a console — it’s a $150 joypad.
The Xbox One Elite controller is still very hard to find online and in stores, and it’s going to stay that way through the remainder of the year, according to Xbox boss Phil Spencer (via Reddit). The Microsoft executive took to Twitter to let some curious fans know that his team is still working to get more in stock, but he stopped short of making promises.
@NiTr0ian We are working to get more in stock, sorry they've been so hard to find.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) November 27, 2015
One person explicitly asked about the chances of getting one before the Christmas holiday. Spencer explained that the hunger for the device has completely caught Microsoft completely by surprise. But even as the company works to address those market desires, it seems unlikely that it will have enough on store shelves to satisfy everyone.
@ZeZZeX It's tough as I don't want to overpromise. Demand has just exceeded our planning. If you find one and you want it, pick it up, sorry
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) November 27, 2015
We’ve already talked about our love of the Xbox One Elite controller (read our review), and it seems like many of you were convinced and rushed out to buy one. The Elite was barely out for a day before the first shipment sold out online and at retail stores. At that time, Microsoft said it was going to replenish stock for the holidays, but it still hasn’t caught up enough to keep any retailer stocked with Elites.
The popularity of this controller didn’t just catch Microsoft unprepared. Most people figured this was a device that would only appeal to pro gamers and people with a lot of extra money to spare. But the Elite has proven that the console-gaming space has a significant number of consumers who want to play with high-end gear. This is a market that PC hardware manufacturers, with their $200 keyboards and $100 mice, have long served.
If Microsoft and other companies can produce more devices on par with the Elite, it’s possible this gamepad is only the beginning of a new trend toward higher quality for a higher price.