Flaw could delay Microsoft's XBox game
( 2001-08-15 13:50 ) (7 )

A suspected flaw in Microsoft's Xbox computer game machine could put a dent in supplies of the much-anticipated rival of Sony and Nintendo.

According to analysts at the investment banking firm of Thomas Weisel Partners, a glitch on the Intel-supplied computer chip is causing manufacturing headaches for the 299 dollar gaming device, due on store shelves November 8.

A spokesman for Microsoft, who asked not to be named, confirmed to AFP that some defects have been detected on chips destined for the machines, but added that the flaw will not delay the launch of the machine.

The investment bankers said in a report to their clients that Microsoft expects to sell 1.5 million Xboxes by year's end.

The XBox faces stiff challenges from Nintendo's GameCub and Sony's Playstation 2 for the multi-billion-dollar computer gaming market.