There are many rumours on the Net that Microsoft has finalised the European Xbox release date. The date mentioned is March 15th 2002, around the same time as the Nintendo GameCube is expected.
A Microsoft spokesman said: “We have not yet been given any instructions to announce a launch date for the Xbox and to the best of my knowledge a date has not yet been set. We have confirmed that the machine will go on European release in Q1 of next year and that is all we know. We will make an announcement when we receive official instructions from the American office.”
This news could be one of two things. It could be a colossal mistake on the part of the American super-company or a little taster of console war subterfuge. Microsoft have just been pipped at the post by Nintendo for the American launch of the two company’s new machines. The effect of this is likely to be fairly dire for Microsoft and will definitely have a negative effect on sales. If Microsoft has let the European date escape into the public domain it could be looking at a similar situation.
However, Microsoft has been known to play the market a little in the past and it could be that this is a sneaky move to force Nintendo’s hand. We are now embroiled in a waiting game between Nintendo and Microsoft. Neither company wants to give the other the advantage of an earlier release date.
A Microsoft spokesman said: “We have not yet been given any instructions to announce a launch date for the Xbox and to the best of my knowledge a date has not yet been set. We have confirmed that the machine will go on European release in Q1 of next year and that is all we know. We will make an announcement when we receive official instructions from the American office.”
This news could be one of two things. It could be a colossal mistake on the part of the American super-company or a little taster of console war subterfuge. Microsoft have just been pipped at the post by Nintendo for the American launch of the two company’s new machines. The effect of this is likely to be fairly dire for Microsoft and will definitely have a negative effect on sales. If Microsoft has let the European date escape into the public domain it could be looking at a similar situation.
However, Microsoft has been known to play the market a little in the past and it could be that this is a sneaky move to force Nintendo’s hand. We are now embroiled in a waiting game between Nintendo and Microsoft. Neither company wants to give the other the advantage of an earlier release date.
Companies:
Microsoft
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