The highly anticipated Xbox One was launched in Sydney last night, tipped as the “biggest launch in Australian gaming history” as first day sales reached dizzy heights, and fears of shortages emerge.
Australian and New Zealand gamers were the first to get their hands on the console, with launches also taking place in New York’s Times Square. Xbox One is sold at EB Games ($599) and JB Hi-Fi ($598) stores and online. JB opened over 55 stores at 12 pm last night, for the game-tastic launch as did 317 EB Games stores, which hosted seven official launches including at MacArthur Square, NSW; Knox City, VIC, QLD; Tea Tree Plaza.
Scott Browning, JB Hi-Fi Marketing Manger told CN, “the launch is going strong as expected.”
“Based on the initial uptake, it is likely that the market will sell out its supply before Christmas,” he warns.
A 3D green Xbox One projection even lit up Sydney’s Harbour Bridge to honour the coming of the console, last night.
More than 300 attended the official launch event at Sydney’s Luna Park last night with music from The Presets.
“This was officially the biggest launch in Australian gaming history,” said Shane Stockwell, EB Games, Merchandising Director.
“EB Games has been operating in Australia for over 15 years, and we have never seen anything remotely like this before – it’s an extremely good time to be a gamer.”
Stockwell advised anyone looking to purchase an Xbox One for Christmas to move quick, based on overwhelming demand. “Demand for the console looks like it will outstrip supply in a few days. It is looking very likely that we will be sold out of stock extremely soon.”
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“When you’ve got literally thousands of people showing up to hundreds of stores across the country, you know that the gaming industry is a bigger deal than it has ever been before”, Debra McGrath EB’s National Brand, Event Manager.
McGrath also attributed the success to the number of games with new XBox including: Forza Motorsport 5, Ryse: Son of Rome Day One Edition and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – Buccaneer Edition.“Gaming is back on the top of Christmas wishlists, and has never been so affordable at launch – which is great, as it is doing a lot to stimulate the entire industry.”
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