Imagine: struggling through virtual crowds to pre-order the new Xbox Series X, searching for inventory, refreshing a web page that kept crashing, and finally getting it. The order confirmation arrives and all you have to do is sit back and wait. But as the release date approaches, your console is nowhere to be found.

By November 10, some retailers may not have enough stock to cover all the pre-orders, which may be the case for some. At least, UK retailer ShopTo is warning its customers.

ShopTo has sent an email to customers informing them that it will not be able to fulfill some pre-orders for the release date because its stock allocation for the Xbox Series X is not sufficient to cover the number of pre-orders; according to VGC, the email says:

"From Microsoft We have received your allocation details and regret to inform you that we will not be able to fulfill your pre-order on the first day/launch date.

This is a bit embarrassing for ShopTo, as ShopTo was one of many retailers that had to send an email to customers who pre-ordered the PS5 after a similar issue arose. In doing so, ShopTo informed customers whether their PS5 pre-orders were safe and offered affected customers the opportunity to switch to the PS5 Digital Edition if it became available.

ShopTo does not appear to have done so this time, but has asked those affected not to cancel their pre-orders, either from Microsoft itself or in the event that other pre-orders are cancelled, as this could increase inventory.

VGC notes that Amazon is having similar problems with the Xbox Series X, and it is clear that this problem is not limited to a single UK retailer. If you have an Xbox pre-ordered, it would be worth checking to see if it is scheduled to arrive on November 10, regardless of which store it is from.

And if you haven't pre-ordered yet, don't panic. Some retailers have stocked up, and Microsoft has promised to bring in additional Xbox Series X and S consoles. You may not have to wait until next year. We will keep you updated on Xbox Series X pre-orders as new inventory arrives.