Kicking off its own conference at the E3 2013, Microsoft has finally announced the launch date and price for its next generation console, Xbox One. Starting November 2013, 21 markets worldwide can purchase the Xbox One for $499, reports IGN.

The regions that would catch the holiday release include the US, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, Netherlands, Italy, UK, Finland, Belgium, Norway, Austria, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, Spain, Brazil, and Russia.

In Australia, the Xbox One will be made available for $599.

However, this does not include Asian countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, which, as GameSpot reports, will most likely get a glimpse of the Xbox One in 2014. No definite details on price or date availability have been announced for Asia.

This is not all that's been cleared up on the side of the Xbox One (or Xbox 720), as it also ends all debates on the always-on requirement after revealing that there is such a requirement, although it's not as "bad" as it may seem.

This may seem like an understatement for a qualifier, as reports on the issue have affirmed that, while offline play is available, it is limited to just 24 hours from the time that you were connected to the Internet for your online check-in.

Computer and Videogames reports that if you are using your own console, offline games and functionality can run even without constant Internet connection. However, given the limitation now set for used games, it seems that this is where the online connection comes in.

"While persistent connection is not required, Xbox One is designed to verify if system, application or game updates are needed and to see if you have acquired new games, or resold, traded in, or given your game to a friend," according to Microsoft in a statement quoted by CVG.

The Internet connection also encompasses games that make use of cloud features, meaning successful and seamless gameplay can only be had with Internet connection.

The report also states that one hour of gaming is allowed if you are accessing from a secondary gameplay, such as your friends, and you can go play offline on your primary (your console) for up to 24 hours. After this, all you can access would be TV and DVD movies without an Internet connection.

On the side of the industry, not the players?

Edge-Online brings up an interesting note regarding this particular feature, as it points to a possibility of the policies being short of "anti-consumer, but pro-industry," focusing more on revenues for developers and publishers, rather than the convenience and gaming experience brought to consumers.

Whether there is a way for Microsoft to meet a compromise or if gamers just have to adjust to the change from the Xbox 360 to the Xbox One remains to be seen at launch.

Leading the pack in Amazon UK

Despite the new progress with the always-on issue, it seems that there are still fans who would prefer the revamped Xbox One over Sony's PS4.

"Fans of rival systems Xbox and PlayStation are rushing to preorder the fortcomingnew consoles, with the two devices currently sitting in first and second place in the PC and video games chart," said a spokesperson from Amazon to Trusted Reviews.

"The Xbox One is currently just edging out the PlayStation with 2.3% higher sales."

Of course, this is not yet definitive, as Sony has yet to make any announcements in terms of the PS4's price tag, launch date, and other gaming exclusives.

Past reports have indicated that the PS4 will be $50 cheaper compared to the Xbox One, and that it will bring its own army of gaming that can compete against Microsoft's AAA gaming launch titles.

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