Xbox One delayed in several countries

Technology giant Microsoft is preparing to launch its highly-anticipated Xbox One console across several countries in November, but while most of North America will be receiving the units, Microsoft announced yesterday that eight countries will experience a delay.
“We want to ensure our customers get the best Xbox One experience the first day it is available. In order to meet initial demand and deliver the best product and experience for consumers, we are narrowing our November launch from 21 countries to 13,” Microsoft said in a statement.

Countries in the Nordic region will be the hardest hit, with Russia, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark having to wait until next year to purchase their units.
“Xbox One will launch first in the US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland and Austria in November 2013. The system will launch in other markets, including Russia, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark in 2014.”
The company is trying to make up for the delay by including an Xbox One game into any pre-orders that were placed in the affected countries before today.
“We understand this is disappointing news to our fans in those markets. To show our appreciation for their patience, customers who have already pre-ordered an Xbox One Day One system before today in those countries will also receive a pack-in game with their system when it launches.”
There has been no confirmation as to when the Xbox One will be launching in South Africa, but there is strong speculation that it will also only launch in 2014.