Xbox One launch in China has been delayed, possibly until 2015

The Xbox One’s launch in China has been delayed, Microsoft says, to give the console “a bit more time to deliver the best experiences possible for our fans” there. Originally slated to launch Tuesday, that date now has been pushed to “by the end of this year,” Microsoft said. “At Xbox, we pride ourselves on delivering first-rate gaming and entertainment experiences, and to allow us to deliver on that promise, we need to reschedule the launch of Xbox One,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to Polygon. “Working with our partner, BesTV, we look forward to launching in China by the end of this year.” Xbox’s general manager for China promised that those who pre-ordered the console will be “the first to receive Xbox One, along with an added bonus.” A launch event planned for Monday at Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower still will go forward as planned, as will the giveaway of 100 Xbox One consoles there. “We are excited to bring game and entertainment innovation to China,” said Yusuf Mehdi, the chief marketing officer for Xbox. “We have an ambitious vision and we’re working hard with our partners to deliver Xbox One and great games and entertainment to China.” This spring, changes to the law inside the Shanghai Free Trade Zone allowed for the legal sale of video game consoles made by a foreign firm for the first time in 14 years. Microsoft quickly announced a partnership with Chinese entertainment firm BesTV to launch the Xbox One in the country.