Today it has been confirmed that the Xbox One has been delayed in eight countries, pushing the launch date back in those regions to “as soon as possible in 2014”.
The announcement was made over at the official Xbox Wire site, here’s the important bits that you need to know:
“Our priority is ensuring our customers get the best Xbox One experience the first day it is available. To do that, and in order to meet demand, we have adjusted the number of markets that will receive Xbox One in November to 13 markets, including Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand, in November.
We remain committed to launching Xbox One in Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, as soon as possible in 2014.”
This is a drastic change from the previous 21 markets that they had previously committed to and a huge blow for Microsoft fans in those countries, this is not the next Microsoft 180 that they wanted. Fortunately for them if they ad already pre-ordered the system they will be entitled to one free game when the console finally releases, although I assume they will all have the PS4 by then.
The numerous reasons given for this delay unfortunately do not seem great enough to justify it, here’s what Microsoft said “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.” These reasons will not sit well with people who just want to play the newest games. I’m sorry but it does not take months to localize the Xbox dashboard and delaying a gaming console because it doesn’t have localized TV apps is like delaying a washing machine because it you can’t wash your kids in it. Ridiculous.
Rant over. Please let me know in the comments what you think about this move, I’m interested in hearing what ya’ll have to say about this sucky situation.
