Would you be more inclined to buy a product if there is a shortage? No, demand would decrease because of the availability of substitutes (the Xbox360, PS3, PS2, Gamecube, etc). There is no reason to believe that a company would artificially create a shortage in order to gain more sales, it does not make sense; why would a company risk losing many potential customer to create the perception that everyone wants one and it is sold out because of that. The customer will not desire the product more because there is a perception that everyone else wants it but rather if there is the perception that everyone else wants it (therefore it is a desirable product); it fits their taste and price range; and it is readily available.
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