Xbox One delayed in your country? Microsoft confirms importing could work

Yesterday's disappointing announcement that the Xbox One would be delayed in eight countries might have a possible workaround. As confirmed back in June, the Xbox One is region free, meaning the system and its games could technically be imported by neighboring countries with no limitations. Turns out, that's only half true.

Microsoft confirmed to Eurogamer that importing the console to a country where it is currently not released could work, but explained that "some content may not be accessible" due to "geographic content restrictions."

"When the console launches this November, we will support Xbox One in 13 markets," Microsoft said. Those markets are the United States, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

"Xbox One may be used in all countries, including the non-launched markets," the company continued. The eight markets in which the Xbox One has been delayed until 2014 includes Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and Switzerland.

"In addition, Xbox One games are not region locked," Microsoft acknowledged. "Any Xbox One game purchased at retail can be used in any country on any Xbox One.

"That said, there needs to be a valid payment method corresponding to a supported launch country in order for any transactions to occur over Xbox Live, and some content may not be accessible outside launch markets due to geographic content restrictions imposed by content right holders."

Glass half-full, I suppose? It's not a perfect workaround, but for those who just can't wait until 2014, at least it's somewhat of a solution. At the very least it seems you'll at least be able to enjoy disc-based retail games until the local currency is supported.

For those affected by the delay, do you plan on waiting until 2014 for an Xbox One or will you import your system? Or do you forego the Xbox One completely and purchase a PS4?

[Eurogamer]