Game on as Xbox One console is unleashed in London

Computer game fans across London queued until midnight last night waiting for the launch of the latest Xbox console, which experts say could become the fastest selling in history.

The £429.99 Xbox One went on sale across the globe today, marking the start of a massive battle between Sony and Microsoft for the next generation console.

Microsoft took over Leicester Square for the launch, which comes a week ahead of Sony’s Playstation 4 hitting British shops.

Charlie Pulbrook, 26, from Sidcup, who was first in line, said: “I’m shaking with excitement. I’m ecstatic. I didn’t realise I was going to be the first person.

“I guess you could say I’m a gaming addict.

“This is an investment, I’m going to have it for 10 years. I didn’t know if I could afford it but I’ve been saving up and being careful,” added the freelance animator.

Jordan Fife, 27, and Audrey Barnes, 24, bought last-minute flights from Edinburgh to London and were spending less than 24 hours in the capital before heading home.

“It’s a once in decade thing. I’ve already got the week booked off work so I can play on it,” said Mr Fife.

The launch event kicked off with performances from rapper Plan B and singer Katy B outside the GAME store in the Trocadero.

Alex Simmons, UK Editor-in-Chief of gaming site IGN.com, said: “It’s been over seven years since the last generation of consoles launched so understandably there’s huge excitement around the launch of Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

“The PS4, which launched in the US last week, sold over a million units in 24 hours, making it the fastest-selling console of all time. Whether Xbox One will steal that record remains to be seen – it certainly could.”

Experts say the two consoles are in reality similar.

“While PS4 is being pitched as a traditional games machine and Xbox One an entertainment hub, the truth is there really isn’t that much to differentiate the two.