Leicester Square renamed Xbox One Square for console launch
Microsoft’s long-awaited Xbox One console has launched in the UK and 12 other countries today, with the centrepiece of marketing activities taking place at London’s Leicester Square – which was transformed for the launch.
Renamed Xbox One Square, the popular haunt was bedecked in the Xbox livery and illuminations as a host of performers took to a temporary stage.
Celebrities such as Plan B, Jonathan Ross and England footballer Andros Townsend were hauled out for the occasion.
Commenting on the launch Ross said: “"I'm here because I love gaming. It's an exciting time. I'm more excited about the Xbox One than I am about the PS4. I think they're trying to move the whole technology side of it forward."
Phil Harrison from Microsoft added: "We're proud and excited that Xbox One is going to be the biggest launch in Xbox history. Xbox One is a complete, all-in-one system which has the best games, the best online service in Xbox Live, the best entertainment experiences and is built for the future.
"With the strongest line-up of games we've ever seen for a new console, pre-orders from fans across the UK are at unprecedented levels."
The X Box One is the first next-gen console British fans can get their hands on, stealing a march on Sony’s PS4 which won’t be released until next Friday.