Xbox One to hit Indian shores in September

Gaming enthusiasts in the countrywill finally get access to the latest Microsoft XBox One console, more than six months after the global launch, from September 23.

Gaming enthusiasts in the countrywill finally get access to the latest Microsoft XBox One console, more than six months after the global launch, from September 23.

While the gaming console will be priced at ₹ 39,990 without Kinect, Microsoft will sell the device for ₹ 45,990 with the Kinect sensor.

'Every Xbox One system will include the Xbox One console, which features a 500 GB 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,' Microsoft said in a statement.

It added that fans opting for Xbox One with Kinect will be able to experience games and entertainment experiences exclusive to Xbox including gesture controls, biometric sign-in, controller paring and Skype video calls.

Other features like instant personalisation, instant scanning of QR codes and enhanced features in games like 'Kinect Sports Rivals', 'Dead Rising 3', and 'Project Spark' will also be available to Kinect buyers.

'The Xbox One gaming launch line up in India will be colossal, bringing the best line up of exclusive blockbusters, including AAA titles like 'Forza Horizon 2' and 'Halo: The Master Chief Collection,' which comes with the highly anticipated 'Halo 5: Guardians' multiplayer beta,' it said.

In January this year, rival Sony had launched its gaming console, PlayStation4, in India for ₹ 39,990.

Though at a nascent stage, players are bullish on the gaming market in India, which is dominated by mobile games.

Estimates suggest the Indian gaming console market is worth ₹ 750 crore with about 6-7 million regular gamers, who don't own a console but could be accessing these devices at other places like a friends' house.