Earlier this month we reported that the local distributor for the Xbox 360, MI Digital, had gone into liquidation.
Apparently MI Digital had been in financial trouble for some time, and according to a representative from another local distributor, the closure had been a long time coming.
Microsoft operates separately from MI Digital in SA. Much like how AMD and other hardware companies have local representation separate from local distribution, Microsoft runs the marketing and PR side of things while MI Digital handled the distribution.
The closure of MI Digital is not related to the performance of Microsoft SA in any way. Microsoft SA representative John Press told MyGaming at the time of MI’s closure that the company was looking for an interim distribution solution until Microsoft could appoint a new full-time distributor for its gaming console.
Press also confirmed that Powercare would continue to run the return and repair process for Xbox 360 consoles in South Africa. This means that despite initial concerns, owners of Xbox 360 consoles need not panic as their machines are still covered by the relevant warranties.
Press today informed MyGaming that an interim distributer has been appointed to distribute the Xbox 360, as well as a number of Microsoft published games such as Halo 3 and Fable 2, titles which have been in short supply at retail stores over the past few weeks.
A company called Comztek has taken over distribution of the console until Microsoft is able to appoint a new distributor. Comztek has a long standing relationship with Microsoft SA and has been distributing Microsoft hardware and software for years.
This means that we should start seeing new Xbox 360 console stock as well as select Microsoft published games trickling back into retail soon.
