Microsoft claims it sold out of Xbox 360 consoles during December and predicts shortages for January and February.
Ahead of tonight's NPD sales data for the US in December, Microsoft's Larry Hryb said that the shortages meant he didn't expect the company to "win" against Sony and Nintendo during the Christmas month.
"NPD tomorrow. I found out we ran out of consoles at end of the month so don't expect to win Dec," he said via Twitter.
"Jan/Feb supply is tight as well. Likely amazing YOY growth numbers for Xbox."
Analyst firm Wedbush Morgan has predicted Microsoft sold 2.5 million Xbox 360 units during December, up 92 per cent year-on-year, with rivals Nintendo shifting 2.6 million Wii's and Sony 1.2 million PlayStation 3 units.