Xbox One release set for November 22
Microsoft sets simultaneous launch for 13 markets
The Microsoft Xbox One will launch in 13 markets, including the US and UK, on November 22.
"We're now in a position to share that Xbox One will be available on November 22, 2013 in all 13 of our initial launch markets - Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, UK, and USA. Many more markets will follow in 2014," confirmed Yusuf Mehdi, vice president of marketing, strategy and business.
"We sold out of our pre-order supply faster than at any other time in our history and we are on path to have the biggest launch of an Xbox ever"
The date puts Microsoft behind its rival, the PlayStation 4, in the US, but a week ahead of it in the UK. Sony has set a US launch date of November 15 and a UK launch date of November 29.
"We are humbled and gratified by the tremendous interest in Xbox One from game fans everywhere. We sold out of our pre-order supply faster than at any other time in our history and we are on path to have the biggest launch of an Xbox ever. We look forward to celebrating with millions and millions of gamers this holiday."
Microsoft has not confirmed its pre-order numbers but Mehdi added that limited number of additional Xbox One Day One consoles would be made available today.
"November 22 is a special day in Xbox history - on this day, we first launched Xbox 360 in 2005. Our next chapter begins in 79 days, when Xbox One becomes available. We built Xbox One to bring you the best games, unrivalled multiplayer and more entertainment than ever before. It's nearly time to say 'Xbox On' and open a new world of games and entertainment."