Australians are going to have to wait another 2 months as Microsoft has announced that it is delaying the launch of its next generation console - the Xbox360 in Australia due to product shortages.

In a statement from the software giant, the company blamed “unprecedented global consumer demand stemming from challenges in ramping supply for a complex product like the Xbox360”.

Australians will now have to wait until 12:01am on 23 March 2006 before they can get their hands on the new console.

However, they shouldn't be so glum, reports in America are suggesting that shortages of the console means that any gamer wanting to pick up the latest gaming experience are likely to have to wait until then elsewhere in the world where the console is available. The reason?

“Unprecedented global consumer demand stemming from challenges in ramping supply for a complex product like the Xbox360."

Despite all these set backs, Microsoft is still confident that it is on track to meet its year end forecast to ship between 4.5 million and 5.5 million consoles worldwide by the end of June 2006.

>> Microsoft - Official website of Microsoft