Microsoft Delays Xbox One Launch to 2014 in 8 Markets to ‘Meet Demand’
It's been several years since Microsoft or Sony launched a major new version of their respective consoles, but lest you've forgotten what that's like, it usually entails a frenzy of sales followed by a shortage of units, which then leads to grossly inflated prices from secondhand sellers on eBay and Craigslist. Some people actually pay those obscene premiums in order to get their hands on a newfangled console in time for the holiday season, while the rest of us just wait things out.
We bring this up because Microsoft today confirmed that it's delaying the launch of its upcoming Xbox One console in eight markets until 2014 in order to better serve the 13 other markets that will see the console in November as originally planned, including the United States (hooray!). The other dozen territories that are unaffected -- but may see more inventory as a result -- include Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
If you live in one those territories, congratulations, the Xbox One will be ship on time and likely in greater quantity since Microsoft won't be spreading itself quite as thin. However, if you happen to live in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, or Switzerland, you're being forced to take one for the team and will see the Xbox One launch "as soon as possible in 2014." If it's any consolation, Microsoft is at least sympathetic to your plight.
"While we wish we could launch Xbox One simultaneously in these markets, there are many factors that determine the timing of specific market launches. This includes work to localize the Xbox One dash, incorporate additional voice and languages, and build partnerships to bring apps and meaningful local content to each country," Microsoft said. "We understand this will be disappointing news for our fans in the impacted countries, and we are doing everything we can to bring Xbox One to you as soon as possible next year."
Sympathy only goes so far, and if you live in one of the affected areas where the Xbox One is being delayed and you already pre-ordered a Day One Edition, Microsoft will throw you a bone in the form of a pack-in game with your console when it launches.
We bring this up because Microsoft today confirmed that it's delaying the launch of its upcoming Xbox One console in eight markets until 2014 in order to better serve the 13 other markets that will see the console in November as originally planned, including the United States (hooray!). The other dozen territories that are unaffected -- but may see more inventory as a result -- include Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
If you live in one those territories, congratulations, the Xbox One will be ship on time and likely in greater quantity since Microsoft won't be spreading itself quite as thin. However, if you happen to live in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, or Switzerland, you're being forced to take one for the team and will see the Xbox One launch "as soon as possible in 2014." If it's any consolation, Microsoft is at least sympathetic to your plight.
"While we wish we could launch Xbox One simultaneously in these markets, there are many factors that determine the timing of specific market launches. This includes work to localize the Xbox One dash, incorporate additional voice and languages, and build partnerships to bring apps and meaningful local content to each country," Microsoft said. "We understand this will be disappointing news for our fans in the impacted countries, and we are doing everything we can to bring Xbox One to you as soon as possible next year."
Sympathy only goes so far, and if you live in one of the affected areas where the Xbox One is being delayed and you already pre-ordered a Day One Edition, Microsoft will throw you a bone in the form of a pack-in game with your console when it launches.
