Xbox One Release Confirmed: November 22

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The next generation gaming console from Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will hit store shelves on November 22, according to a statement from the company. The Xbox One will launch on that day in thirteen separate markets, including the United States.

Xbox One Release Confirmed: November 22

The announcement of the launch date puts an end to speculation about how ready Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is to launch the new games console. The company has not shown itself able to deal with the gaming population in a manner it appreciates through the period leading in to the launch.

Xbox One launch

The thirteen markets that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will launch the Xbox One in are the U.S., U.K., Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, and Spain. There is little surprise in that list, as Microsoft has not been successful in getting its hardware off of the ground in Asia in the past.

It is unclear how many consoles Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will be able to get on shelves by the launch date. If the launch of the Xbox One is anything like a standard console launch, models will run out in may stores in the first couple of hours. Stocks will be resupplied several times before Christmas, however.

The Xbox One will cost early adopters $499, but those picking it up on launch day will get a couple of goodies included. The launch will bring with it an exclusive Day One Xbox One. The model will have a free headset and a special controller among other things.

Xbox One and the future of Microsoft

The November 22 launch date means that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is launching its console a full week after Sony Corporation. Microsoft is facing big changes right now, with Steve Ballmer resigning as CEO of the company, and its acquisition of the Nokia Corporation (NASDAQ:NOK) handset business.

These changes have led some to speculate about the future of the Microsoft entertainment business, which is dominated by Xbox revenue. Though the Xbox has been a force in the games market, it has not been a financial success at Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). Margins at the business are too low, and the business is risky to its core.

Xbox One might be the last console that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) ever makes, particularly if it is not successful. The idea of spinning off the Xbox has been kicked about many times by analysts.

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