The Xbox One release date is now just hours away, with Microsoft’s next-gen console and PS4 rival set to hit retailers at midnight.
With less than a day to go until the official Xbox One release date, the console looks set to be in short supply at launch, with manufacturer Microsoft having recently stated that all day-one Xbox One pre-orders of the next-gen console have sold out.
Despite pre-orders drying up, a number of leading retailers, including GAME, Tesco and Asda have all confirmed they will be opening their doors at midnight for eager gamers.
"The launch of the Xbox One is a massive event for millions of gamers around the world and the console is sure to top many Christmas present lists this year," Tesco Home Entertainment manager Stephen Owusu said recenely.
Looking at midnight availability, he added: "We have worked closely with Microsoft to ensure we have a good quantity of initial stock but we will be getting more as we get nearer to Christmas."
The Xbox One release date will precede the UK PS4 release date by a full week, although Sony’s next-gen gamer is now already available in the US having gone on sale last Friday, November 15.
"November 22 is a special day in Xbox history,” Yusuf Mehdi, Vice President of Xbox Marketing said in making the Xbox One release date announcement earlier this year. “On this day, we first launched Xbox 360 in 2005. Our next chapter begins in 79 days, when Xbox One becomes available."
The Xbox One release date will see the eagerly awaited console launch simultaneously in 13 global markets on the 22nd. Launch territories for the console include Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand and Spain. The US and UK are also included.
Although the Xbox One release date will precede that of the PS4, it will be more expensive. The Xbox One price was set earlier this year as £429, some £80 more expensive than the PS4 price tag.
With Day One console pre-orders having already sold out, Mehdi has confirmed that Microsoft will make more available giving eager gamers an extra chance.
"We are humbled and gratified by the tremendous interest in Xbox One from game fans everywhere,” he said. “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.
"As a result of this incredible consumer demand and the development progress on Xbox One, I am thrilled to share that today we are making available a limited number of additional Xbox One Day One consoles for pre-order. We have coordinated with our retail partners to make it easy for you to reserve your Xbox One today."
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