Microsoft Scaling Back Launch Markets
When Microsoft announced the Xbox One earlier this year, they were already at a bit of a disadvantage when they revealed that they wouldn’t be launching in the Japanese market in 2013. With that being said, they still had 21 markets they were planning on launching in this year. It looks like that 21 markets was a bit too much for Microsoft to handle, as they’ve announced that they’re scaling back the launch markets a bit.
Instead of 21 markets, Microsoft is now planning on launching in November in 13 markets. Those markets that will see the Xbox One this year include Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States and New Zealand. The markets that were originally going to get the Xbox One, but not anymore include Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
So what gives? Microsoft won’t say, other than that they were apparently too aggressive in their goal to get the console out to as many countries as possible. In other words, my guess would be that they’re suffering from shortages. This should give Sony yet another advantage with their PS4, as so far they have not announced any sort of scaling back. Luckily, if you’re in one of the countries that isn’t getting the Xbox One on launch day anymore, but you have a pre-order, you’ll be getting a free game with your trouble. No word yet on what that game will be.
