Xbox One to launch November 22

Microsoft will officially kick off its Xbox One on Friday, November 22.

The new console will be available on that date to consumers across all 13 of Microsoft's initial launch markets, Larry Hryb, aka Xbox Live's Major Nelson, confirmed in a blog posted Wednesday. Those markets include the US, the UK, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, and Spain.

The Xbox One will land in more countries starting in 2014, Hryb added.

Gamers can preorder the $499.99 console through Microsoft's online store, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers.

Early buyers who act fast enough can pick up the Xbox One Day One Edition at no extra cost. That version comes with a commemorative controller, an Xbox One chat headset, a code to unlock an exclusive Day One achievement, and special-edition packaging.

Microsoft revealed on Tuesday that the Xbox One will support eight controllers at the same time, allowing for greater group gameplay. The current Xbox 360 can handle just four controllers concurrently.

:story: c|net