Microsoft's got an ingenious strategy to ensure the Xbox One stays under wraps until its Nov. 22 release date: Sharks. The very first Xbox One to be sold in New Zealand is being fiercely guarded by 20 sand tiger sharks, according to Stuff.
New Zealand's very first Xbox One has been placed in a clear box and lowered into a shark tank at Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium. This Xbox One was meant to be the very first Xbox One sold to the public on the Nov. 22 launch date, but a snafu on Target's end caused a small number of the consoles to be released early. Microsoft gave an official statement concerning the accidental release:
"Due to a retail partner's system issue, a very small number of Xbox One consoles were shipped to consumers before the November 22 street date," Microsoft said in a statement today. We're pleased to see the initial response to Xbox One has been so positive. But given we are still putting the finishing touches on our games, UI and online services, as well as confidential partner and media agreements, these console units will be restricted from connecting to Xbox Live until closer to our launch date."
In light of the accidental release, Microsoft decided that this very special Xbox One would need an equally special display for the time being, thus, a shark tank is clearly the best option. As the Stuff points out, sand tiger sharks may very well be worthy guardians of the console.
"The sharks' fearsome appearance is equal to their reputation, with the seven-gill shark famous for pack hunting. They are able to single-handedly take down 350 kilogram fur seals, and out-swim dolphins and kingfish...The hunter feeds by sawing through its prey, but luckily for gamers, Xbox One is off the diet," the Stuff wrote.
This Xbox One will not be on display for long. Console pre-orders will soon be delivered on Nov. 22. The Xbox One will be available in the United States for $499, and will be released one week after the PlayStation 4's release date on Nov. 15.