More Than 1 Mil. Xbox One Units Sold in Day After Launch

Microsoft on Friday crowed that more than a million Xbox One consoles were snapped up within 24 hours in 13 countries after hitting shelves for the first time in the morning.

The U.S.-based technology titan described it as the biggest launch in Xbox history, setting a new sales record at the company.

Xbox One consoles were sold out at most retail shops, according to Microsoft.

“We are humbled and grateful for the excitement of Xbox fans around the world,” said Xbox corporate vice president of marketing Yusuf Mehdi.

“Seeing thousands of excited fans lined up to get their Xbox One and their love for gaming was truly a special moment for everyone on the Xbox team,” he continued.

“We are working hard to create more Xbox One consoles.”

Sale of the keenly awaited system began in more than a dozen countries including New Zealand, Australia, France, Britain, Brazil and the United States as day dawned in respective time zones.

Xbox fans lined up at consumer electronics shops to be among the first to get their hands on Microsoft's beefed-up console that extends beyond gaming to online films, music, social networking and more.

“It's a big upgrade, a big change,” said 23-year-old Jonathan Guerrero, who staked out a spot at the front of the line at a Best Buy electronics shop in Northern California 13 hours before the consoles went on...