Australian gamers face longer wait for Xbox 360

Console launch delayed by three weeks

Microsoft has announced that gamers in Australia and New Zealand have even longer to wait before they can get their hands on the Xbox 360, citing high demand and manufacturing problems as the reason for the delay.

The console was initially slated to launch in ANZ on March 2nd, but that date has now changed to March 23rd.

In a statement, Microsoft said the slip was due to "unprecedented global consumer demand and short-term manufacturing issues due to component shortages stemming from challenges in ramping supply."

According to Microsoft, the shift to a new launch date will ensure that " the markets will have an adequate supply of Xbox 360 consoles to meet demand at launch."

The Xbox 360 launched in the US last November, with European and Japanese launches following in December. Demand is still outstripping supply in many territories, a factor which Microsoft cited earlier this week when lowering its 90 day sales forecast. However, the company still expects to sell between 4.5 million and 5.5 million units by July.