Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has announced, in a post on Xbox Wire, that the Xbox One will be launching in 28 new markets this month. Key new markets include countries such as Japan, China, Sweden, and The Netherlands.
Alongside the announcement, Microsoft provided a list of the Xbox One console launch dates by country, as reproduced below:
- 2nd September: Chile and Colombia
- 4th September: Japan
- 5th September: Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Arab Emirates
- 15th September: Israel
- 23rd September: Hong Kong, India, Korea, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, China
- 26th September: Russia
Microsoft has a special message for gamers in Argentina, saying it will have "more to share on our launch plans shortly". We would guess that means Argentina will be added to the release schedule 'shortly'.
The most significant launch date above might be 5th September, when fans from 16 new countries will be able to finally get their hands on the Xbox One. However, the launch in China is seen as a significant as, with the Chinese government only lifting a 14-year ban on foreign consoles sales in the country recently, it will be the first time that a console made outside of China has launched in the country.
By the end of the month, the Xbox One will be available in a total of 41 territories. Even with its geographically limited availability, Microsoft has sold an estimated five million Xbox One units worldwide. In comparison, the Sony PlayStation 4 is available in 58 markets, with 48 of them having received access to that next-gen console since last year. Will Microsoft's distribution move help it catch up with Sony's PS4 sales, or is it too little too late? Please share your opinion in the comments below.
