Microsoft plans to sell 5 million Kinect units this fall
updated 06:15 pm EDT, Wed November 3, 2010
Estimate raised from 3 million
Microsoft is now expecting to sell 5 million Kinect sensors through the holiday shopping season. The revised forecast marks a significant jump from the company's initial expectations, which called for shipments closer to 3 million units during the same time period.
"Presales have exceeded expectations," said the head of Microsoft's entertainment unit, Don Mattrick, in an interview with Reuters. "People are coming to us and saying this is must-have holiday item."
Research group IDC recently published a strong forecast for the Kinect, which analysts expect to outsell the PlayStation Move controller. IDC's numbers, ranging from 2.5 million to 3 million units, were closer to Microsoft's September estimate, however.
"We're anticipating that some of our partners will be sold out at points of time this holiday, and that's something we'll do our best to work through," Mattrick added.
Kinect will reach more than 30,000 retail locations, with midnight events scheduled at 5,000 stores for the launch. The standalone sensor sells for $150, while a bundle with the console can be purchased for $300.
