Microsoft learns the hard way, worldwide launches are tough

If there's one thing the Xbox 360's launch has taught us is that worldwide launches, while cool aren't the greatest idea. Apart from shortcomings in every continent but Japan the 360 has actually hurt Microsoft financially. Although to be expected when selling consoles at a loss, the system's lack of availability and glitches affected Microsoft's stock value, increasing only 9 percent this quarter (2 less than expected) the Xbox 360's flop-launch has proven to be more than just an annoyance. Although the launch of the console puts Microsoft nowhere near troubled waters yet, expect them to be trying doubly so to produce systems before the rest of the next-gens come out.

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