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XBox One launch scaled back, 8 countries delayed until 2014
By Peter Bright
Aug 14 2013, 5:55 P.M. EDT
One of the many things that Microsoft initially claimed about the Xbox One is that it would launch in 21 countries when it goes on sale in November. Like with the always-online, Steam-style DRM and a permanently attached Kinect before it, this plan too is being walked back.
Xbox One will now launch in just 13 markets. Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, and New Zealand will all receive the console in November.
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland, originally also due to be part of this first wave, have now been pushed back to 2014.
Microsoft cites extra work localizing the software, partnering with local companies to create apps, and supporting additional voices and languages as the reasons for the delay.
As a small consolation, anyone in one of these delayed countries who has placed a pre-order for the console will be given a game when the device eventually ships.
By Peter Bright
Aug 14 2013, 5:55 P.M. EDT
One of the many things that Microsoft initially claimed about the Xbox One is that it would launch in 21 countries when it goes on sale in November. Like with the always-online, Steam-style DRM and a permanently attached Kinect before it, this plan too is being walked back.
Xbox One will now launch in just 13 markets. Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, and New Zealand will all receive the console in November.
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland, originally also due to be part of this first wave, have now been pushed back to 2014.
Microsoft cites extra work localizing the software, partnering with local companies to create apps, and supporting additional voices and languages as the reasons for the delay.
As a small consolation, anyone in one of these delayed countries who has placed a pre-order for the console will be given a game when the device eventually ships.
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