150 Xbox One consoles ship two weeks early by mistake

A HANDFUL of Microsoft customers got the highly anticipated Xbox One console two weeks before launch date. But there was an unwelcome catch after they unwrapped the box.

The new Microsoft Xbox One console some fortunate customers received before the Novmeber 22 launch date. AFP PHOTO/GlennCHAPMAN

THE shiny new Xbox One console is set for release on November 22, but some lucky gamers in the US have already received their units two weeks early after a "system issue" blunder from its retail partner, Target.

Target confirmed to games website Kotaku "an estimated 150 units may have been shipped".

While this may have left Microsoft red-faced, good things are already being said from one of the fortunate few. Twitter user Moonlightswarmi posted that the console takes just 15 seconds to fire-up and shared pictures of his new toy.

CORRECTION XBOX ONE takes 17 seconds to get to the dashboard. I used a stop watch lol

— #1 Source 4 XBOX ONE (@Moonlightswami) November 9, 2013

@mikeysmith pic.twitter.com/9KdcdADzWI

— #1 Source 4 XBOX ONE (@Moonlightswami) November 9, 2013

Another customer who got their Xbox One early tried to capitalise on the error by listing the console on eBay for a rather audacious US$10,000 (AU$10,691). This auction, however, was swiftly pulled off.

After Microsoft realised the error it was quick to act by disabling online capabilities of the shipped consoles.

A statement from the company read: "We are still putting the finishing touches on our games, UI and online services, as well as confidential partner and media agreements, these consoles units will be restricted from connecting to Xbox Live until closer to our launch date."

With the November 22 release date tantalisingly close this news is sure to add anticipation to the imminent console war as Sony is also set to launch its next-generation PlayStation 4 on November 29 in Australia.