Amazon warns Xbox Series X preorders may arrive as late as December 31

Microsoft's new Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles hit store shelves over the next 24 hours, following hotly demanded preorders that stripped stock in seconds. Interest in the two next-generation Xbox systems has left stock hard to find, but now Amazon even warns existing buyers that it may be unable to deliver promised preorders until December 31, 2020, at the latest.

The update impacts those with reserved Xbox Series X units through the online retailer, with many until recently assuming they'd locked down consoles for launch day. The company contacted those with orders facing the delay, as reported by The Verge, with less than 24 hours before devices were expected to arrive on November 10.

Amazon reportedly states it expects to deliver the consoles "in the coming weeks" as inventory becomes available throughout November and December. But that anticipated window extends through to the end of the year, likely to upset budding owners waiting for launch day.

"We're contacting you with an update regarding your order of Xbox Series X," the email reads. "We expect to ship your console in the coming weeks as we receive more inventory in November and December. At this time, we anticipate that you will receive your Xbox Series X by 12/31 or before. We are making every effort to get it to you as soon as possible and apologize for any inconvenience."

The demand for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PlayStation 5 seen console makers scrambling to meet demand, likely seeing all three devices as a hot commodity into early 2021. That comes as more people find themselves stuck at home than ever, with platform holders seeing record growth throughout recent quarters. Amazon is also far from the only retailer failing to hit launch day targets, although such an extensive delay will prove disappointing for many.