Wednesday 12 June 2013
[E3 2013] Xbox One to only launch in Asia late 2014, Malaysia yet to confirm
This year's E3 saw the official unveiling of Microsoft's version of next-gen consoles Xbox One. While it has been announced that it will be launching this November in 21 countries at a price of $499 in the US and $599 in Australia, it became apparent that countries in Asia will not be part of the 21 first-launch countries.
While the likes of Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore missing out might be a surprise, let's be honest, the rest of the Asian countries really didn't stand a chance. Nevermind, at the end of the day, we have also been pretty used to waiting, not only consoles but even for some of the more popular mobile gadgets.
However, in a rather disappointing news, Microsoft has revealed that not only will we get the second-in-line treatment, but any countries in Asia, or in particularly highlighted "Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and India ", will need to wait till "late 2014" for its localised launch. This, again, is baffling for there has yet to be any word of an Xbox One launch in Japan, one of the most significant gaming market around the world as well.
And for Malaysia, well, we can't really say much as it has always been so even for the past two generations. But to be fair enough, the highlights and selling points of the Xbox One is not only about the games, but all the other online and TV services which ultimately requires a tight infrastructure and licensing issues to settle with localised industry players.
What's your take on this? Frustrated? Confused? Mind****ed? I am. But again, have this influenced your next-gen choice?
