It appears as though that absurd rumour that the Xbox One would be delayed until 2014 wasn’t completely false after all, with Microsoft confirming that while the console will still release in 13 of its 21 intended markets this year, eight markets will have to wait until next year for the system.
So, the console will be releasing in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand in November, but won’t see a release in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland until 2014.
That’s quite a big chunk of European countries. The problem seems to be localisation issues, with Microsoft saying:
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.
It’s all okay though, as Microsoft are “doing everything we can to bring Xbox One to you as soon as possible next year.”
Next year. That’s quite the wait.
Amphlett
I work in the business section of the large IT company and we’re often having squeaky meetings where bad news has to be discussed (bad things happen), but I can honestly say that that MS delay meeting would have been an absolute killer for the poor guys to utter the bad news. There will be some major repercussions going on now about this.
Tuffcub
Have they announced any “meaningful local content” apart from the sports crap for the U.S.?
Dar-Kaus
Deal with it Europe
ABlokeCalledDaz
I expect they will, by buying a PS4.
Matthijs
Whats europe? I know some individual countries on a continent named that. What’s up North America!
DividSmythe
They won’t and can’t be expected to really sell well now in these countries.
Pedromr
No problem. In a week they will change their minds. Xbone will be available in november 2013 in all countries, Atlantis, plus Mars’ north hemisphere. Suck it, southmartians!
TSBonyman
Now Microsoft themselves are a timed-exclusive … ;)
gazzagb
Seems odd to blame it on languages then exclude Belgium when most people there speak German or French. I guess they’re just focusing on their biggest markets and it must be some sort of supply issue.
Andrewww
Same here in Switzerland, no way it will ever be anything else than German, Italian, and French. So, it can’t be about language localisation, it can’t really be about more demand than they can cope with. What is it then…?
But I honestly think we owe them for one of the most entertaining console launches in history.
gazzagb
Forgot about Switzerland. But yeah, it seems very odd, I doubt demand for the console is that high considering everything that has gone on.
Klart
We speak Dutch or French (very few Belgians speak German).
Tanzil
Well, That’s pretty much ruined their chances in the UK.
pitbullmern
I’m a little confused by your comment
How has it ruined their chances in the UK when its releasing here in November?
Wouldn’t have bothered me if they had delayed it as I’m going for PS4 anyway but I had to read the story again to make sure I hadn’t read it wrong :)
damoxuk
They aren’t going to delay UK as here is Xbox fanland. 2nd only to the US but in ratio to 360>ps3 is even more schewed.
Us UK people have no taste :D
PS4 launch with Xbone next year when a price cut.
Tanzil
Yikes, I should’ve read my comment before posting it!!!
ABlokeCalledDaz
Could these markets that are missing out on the November release get round it by preordering from a company in a market that will supply them? The Belgians could easily get one from France if they can lower themselves to hop over the border.
Starman
All the people saying MS have no chance because it releasing a few months later, have you forgotten about the PS3 launch?
a inferior race
You are spot on with that. However, I would like to know how long it took ps3 to catch up in Europe