Despite acknowledging a number of "challenges" in the run-up to this November's Xbox One launch, Xbox Live director of programming Larry 'Major Nelson' Hyrb insists the console hasn't been rushed to market.

Microsoft said last month that Xbox One's launch had been delayed to 2014 in eight European countries due to Kinect localisation issues rather than supply problems.

Xbox One will now launch in 13 markets this November, although Kinect voice commands will initially only work in five countries, while the console appears unlikely to support external storage upon release.

Responding to suggestions that Microsoft has rushed the console to market, Major Nelson said on Reddit: "The Xbox One program has been in development for years, so calling it 'Rushed' is incorrect.

"Did we have a few challenges between May and August? Sure. But we are working on our own schedule - not any one else's. At Gamescom, every game in the Xbox booth was running on final Xbox One hardware. Every. Single. One. That would paint a very different take on the being 'rushed.'"

Xbox One is targeted for a "late November" release, according to the terms and conditions section of an upcoming promo campaign for which PepsiCo and Microsoft have partnered to give away an Xbox One every two minutes. The Xbox One price has been set at £430 / €500 / $500.

Posted: Sep 03, 2013 6:40 am
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/427517/xbox-one-hasnt-been-rushed-to-market-says-major-nelson/