Xbox One launch delay explained by Microsoft

Last Updated: August 15, 2013

xbox-one-close

Yesterday we posted about the Xbox One launch being delayed in several European countries. We also said you might wanna look into importing a console.

Well EuroGamer got in touch with Microsoft for some comments on that point and Microsoft then issued the following statement:

When the console launches this November, we will support Xbox One in 13 markets. Xbox One may be used in all countries, including the non-launched markets. In addition, Xbox One games are not region locked. Any Xbox One game purchased at retail can be used in any country on any Xbox One.

That said, there needs to be a valid payment method corresponding to a supported launch country in order for any transactions to occur over Xbox Live, and some content may not be accessible outside launch markets due to geographic content restrictions imposed by content right holders.

So, that’s something to bear in mind – you will need to have a valid form of payment in any of the supported launch countries to purchase over Xbox Live.

In addition, after speculation about the reasons for the launch delay continued , Albert Penello (director of marketing for Microsoft) stepped in on NeoGAF and said it wasn’t really a matter of not having enough consoles available to launch. It was more a software issue of getting the proper local language and voice support in the dashboard (for the European countries which have been delayed).

Launch volumes are not really an issue. This was simply a software issue in terms of getting local language and voice support in the dash. it’s pretty straightforward, but disappointing I know for people who are missing launch.

Obviously, I support people waiting for the official supported launch in the affected markets for the best experience 😉

Makes sense to us. Just make sure you have your payment methods sorted if you do plan on importing an Xbox One.