Microsoft has confirmed the upcoming Xbox One console will launch in November in 13 countries instead of the initially planned 21.
Microsoft had committed to a simultaneous launch in the 21 markets at the E3 gaming conference back in May. However, Microsoft now calls this an "aggressive goal," and says it has decided to scale back those ambitions.
Consumers in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, the US, and New Zealand will still receive the console on day one, meaning sometime this November (there still is no confirmed launch date).
However, eight previously planned markets--Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland--have had their launch plans delayed to 2014.
Why the delay?
"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," according to a post on Xbox Wire site.
Also notable is the fact that Japan is not on either of these lists. The Xbox has traditionally fared poorly in Japan, and Microsoft has previously gone on record describing Japan as a "Tier-2" market.
Those who've preordered in the delayed markets are advised to contact the retailers they placed an order with for advice on what to do next. If you keep your preorder, Microsoft promises to include a pack-in game when the console launches--although there is no word yet on what game.
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