Xbox One Launch Date Arrives: Microsoft Fans Celebrate Around The World

Excuse me while I quote Shang Tsung from “Mortal Kombat…”

“It has begun!”

The next-gen console war, that is.

The Xbox One became officially available for purchase as of midnight on Friday, and millions of eager Xbox fans participated in the global launch of the new gaming system from Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). SpikeTV even aired a live countdown to the late-night launch.

From Los Angeles to New Zealand, fans gathered in various locations to celebrate the launch of the Xbox One. Auckland’s Sky Tower pulsed green while fans partied at cruise ship terminal and event space Shed 10. In New York, zombies, Roman soldiers and supercars hung out in Times Square. Billboards glowed green, and musical artists Ryan Lewis and Macklemore performed at the Best Buy Theater. In Hollywood, well-known gamers strolled the Red Carpet and interacted with fans -- while listening to house music performed by deadmau5.

“We have the best community of gamers around the world, and this was on full display last night,” said Marcus Whitten, chief product officer of Xbox. “The launch of Xbox One is truly Day One. Today is the beginning of the future of entertainment, and we could not be more proud to deliver the Xbox One to fans around the world.”

The launch of the Xbox One hit precisely one week after the release of Sony’s Playstation 4. The PS4, which is still sold out in many online media outlets and some stores, went on to sell 1 million copies within 24 hours of its launch.

Which system will be the best seller this holiday season? It’s up to the consumer. With its earlier availability and lower price point, the PS4 has already been a fan favorite. However, with all the hype surrounding the Xbox One, the console could easily tip the scale, edging out Sony's console. Are you one of the lucky buyers to land an Xbox One? Leave a comment below.