Personally, I prefer the look of the white Xbox One over the traditional black color. But unfortunately for me — and just about everyone else — I can’t buy one, unless I’m willing to pony up a couple thousand for the rare console given only to Microsoft employees who worked on the product.
In case you were wondering what the white console and controller looks like out of the box, a Microsoft associate producer in London just posted an unboxing video. During the clip, Alex Noon shows off the “I Made This: Launch Team 2013,” emblem on both the console and controller, while noting how he actually prefers the feeling of the white controller over the black.
“Whereas the default black controller has a smooth, plastic texture, the white is slightly rubbery,” he says. “It’s really nice to hold.”
Microsoft does not have any plans to make the white Xbox One available to the public for now. However, there are already a few white Xbox One’s up on eBay going for more than $1,000.
People are already standing in line for the $499 Xbox One at retailers, which will start selling the console at midnight tonight. Microsoft is hosting its own launch parties around the world from Sydney to London to New Zealand, where the “first Xbox One” in Auckland was guarded by sharks.
Just arrived at #XboxOne Square in London. Looks AMAZING. That's just Katy B sound checking there. pic.twitter.com/mbvMcPTWRE
— Graeme Boyd (@AceyBongos) November 21, 2013
Like Sony, the Redmond software giant is holding its biggest bash in New York City, complete with a performance from Seattle’s own Macklemore & Ryan Lewis at the Best Buy Theater. You can tune in at 8 p.m. PT on Spike TV, Xbox.com or Xbox Live to watch the festivities. There’s an equally-big party taking place in Los Angeles.
Reminder: the first 2000 to buy #XboxOne at NYC's Best Buy Theater to get 2 free games & 6 months of Xbox Live Gold http://t.co/3meQ3zipjA
— Larry Hryb ? (@majornelson) November 21, 2013
A fleet of special armored trucks will deliver #XboxOne to the Best Buy Theater in NYC tonight http://t.co/ebBfXqtP8S
— Larry Hryb ? (@majornelson) November 21, 2013
The 75 Microsoft Stores will hold midnight launch events, while Best Buy, GameStop and Walmart stores are doing something similar. There are more than 10,000 retailers in 13 countries, including EB Games, FNAC, Gameans, Media Mrtk, Sam’s Club, Saturn, GAME and Tesco, that will be selling the Xbox One at midnight on Nov. 22.
Check out our initial review of the Xbox One here.