Irish gamers’ Xbox orders on a whole new level

Irish gamers are proving to be the most eager in the world to get their hands on the Microsoft Xbox One.

The new console is the follow-up to the hugely successful Xbox 360 released in 2005, and is set to go up against Sony’s new PlayStation 4 in a Christmas showdown.

The Xbox One launches in Ireland today with the PlayStation 4 set for release on Nov 29. All 51 GameStop stores across Ireland will be open at midnight to allow pre-order customers to get their hands on the consoles as soon as they go on sale.

The chain has said that pre-orders have shown Irish fans to be the most eager gamers in the world, with PlayStation 4 pre-orders stronger in Ireland than any other country. With thousands of pre-orders to date, and with 51 stores across the country, Ireland comes out on top on a per-store basis, based on GameStop global pre-order comparisons.

In terms of Xbox One pre-orders, Ireland is No 1 in Europe and is only just pipped by Australia for the top spot on a per-store basis.

Vice-president of GameStop Northern Europe, Niall Lawlor, said it was no surprise Irish fans were top of the list in terms of wanting to get their hands on the newest consoles. “GameStop has always known that the Irish fans are amongst the best in the world. We have thousands of pre-orders for both new consoles with some stretching back over a year. I can assure them the wait is well worth it.”

The PlayStation 4 came out in America on Nov15 and racked up sales of over 1m on the first day.

Paddy Power has cut the odds on Sony outselling its rival following steady backing.

The PlayStation 4 is at 1/9 to be the top selling console this year, while the Xbox’s odds have tumbled to 9/2.