Microsoft pushes back Xbox One launch date in eight countries

Microsoft has confirmed via Xbox Wire that it is pushing back its Xbox One delivery date to 2014 in eight countries. The company originally announced it would be rolling out the Xbox One in 21 countries in 2013. While 13 of those (including major English-speaking markets United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia) are still on track for a November 2013 release, eight of the 21 have been pushed back to "as soon as possible" in 2014. The eight countries affected are: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland. "Our priority is ensuring our customers get the best Xbox One experience the first day it is available," says Microsoft, via its Xbox leadership team on Xbox Wire. "To do that, and in order to meet demand, we have adjusted the number of markets that will receive Xbox One in November [2013]." "We understand this will be disappointing news for our fans in the impacted countries, and we are doing everything we can to bring Xbox One to you as soon as possible next year." Microsoft is also offering a free game with pre-orders in affected countries.