Dubai: Microsoft is launching its latest gaming console — Xbox One — in the UAE on September 5, after a gap of seven months.
The device was launched worldwide in many markets on November 22, 2013.
Aman Sangar, interactive entertainment business category lead at Microsoft Middle East and Africa, said that the device will be rolled out in 20 new markets worldwide. It will be available only in the UAE on September 5.
When asked why so much delay in launching the device in the region, he said, “We make sure that we roll out the console based on when we are ready to offer our full services and full support”.
More than 50 games will be available for the launch, including AAA titles like Forza Horizon 2, Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Halo 5: Guardians multiplayer beta.
The standalone Xbox One console will be available for Dh1749, which features a 500GB hard drive, Blu-ray player and built-in Wi-Fi — one Xbox One Wireless Controller and a free 14-day trial of Xbox Live Gold for new members.
The Xbox One with Kinect at Dh2,199. Fans choosing this version will be able experience a number of games and entertainment experiences exclusive to Xbox including gesture controls, biometric sign-in, controller paring, Skype video calls, instant personalisation, instant scanning of QR codes, and enhanced features only available with Kinect in games such Kinect Sports Rivals, Dead Rising 3, and Project Spark.
The key features on Xbox One are Game DVR/Upload where gamers can capture and record their greatest game moments and Upload Studio makes it easy to edit and share clips with your community; TV on Xbox One to watch live TV from your cable, telco or satellite set-top box through the device.
“Consumers will also enjoy the recently announced updates to Xbox Live giving anyone with an Xbox access to all entertainment experiences without an Xbox Live Gold membership. Just like with Xbox 360, we’ll continue rolling out regular updates like these to deliver new features and platform experiences to delight fans,” Sangar said.
