SEATTLE -- With sales of the Xbox 360 gaming console expected to top 3 million in the first three months after its launch, the EMS firms building the units are primed for a busy quarter.

The XBox 360 is scheduled to reach stores on Nov. 22. Microsoft said yesterday said it expects to sell 2.75 million to 3 million units in the first 90 days after the launch date.
Some analysts believe demand for the new XBox will be even greater. "The 3-million-unit number that Microsoft quoted today is extremely conservative," said Rochdale Research analyst David Eller, in a Reuters report.

The demand should benefit the three EMS firms contracted to build the consoles. Flextronics International and Taiwan's Wistron Corp. are reportedly building the first runs. Celestica is expected to begin production on the units in early 2006.