Xbox One requires launch-day patch 'not tied directly' to offline functionality

Xbox One users will need to download a launch-day patch before they can begin using the console, and the update is "not tied directly to enabling offline functionality," a Microsoft representative told Polygon today.

"A day one system update for Xbox One has always been planned to accommodate the differences between hardware and software manufacturing schedules. This update is not tied directly to enabling offline functionality of Xbox One, but is required for the system to function both online and offline," said the spokesperson.

Microsoft announced yesterday a near-complete reversal of its previously stated policies regarding always-online connectivity and game licensing for Xbox One. Under the company's new policy, the console will not need to check in with Xbox Live after its initial setup process, and users' ability to play secondhand games is identical to what it is on Xbox 360. Microsoft also nixed the ability to play disc-based games without keeping the disc in the console, and to share a game library with up to 10 family members.