Flashing lights, wristbands, exhilarated fans waiting in long lines and loads of money exchanging hands gave the Thursday launch of Microsoft's Xbox the feel of a rock concert. Consumers crowded into stores as Microsoft's video game console went on sale in North America. But away from the hoopla surrounding the console's debut, some avid game fans grumbled about how a few retailers were cashing in on demand. What especially burned up many game fans was the practice of "bundling". Some merchants, including Toysrus.com and Electronics Boutique, would only sell the Xbox in packages with software and additional hardware, allowing them to charge more. As he walked out of an Electronics Boutique store in San Francisco, computer technician Daniel Yee, 28, said he "hated" having to pay hundreds extra for his Xbox bundle. "I know that's how they make money, but just the same, I didn't want to pay more," Yee said. This is a landmark week for gamers. Xbox's debut comes three days before the launch of another ballyhooed console, Nintendo's GameCube. Microsoft has said it will start selling its Xbox video game console in Europe on 14 March. Some 1.5 million units would be available in 16 European markets from launch until the end of June, Microsoft said. Nintendo has said its GameCube is on track for a European launch early next spring. While Microsoft hopes to make a strong entry into the $20bn (£14bn) gaming market, Nintendo is looking to boost its sagging market share. Both have waged a media battle to crank up anticipation for their machines among gamers. Both promised to baptise their machines with splashy launches as well. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates kicked off the Xbox launch by playing games early Thursday morning at the new Toys "R" Us store in New York's Times Square. Other launch parties around the nation were swarmed with game fans as well. In recent weeks, heavy advance orders for Xbox were accompanied by expectations of a quick sellout, especially as Microsoft wavered on just how many consoles would be available on Day 1. But in the San Francisco area Thursday, after the lines wound down, there appeared to be plenty of consoles to go around. At the Electronics Boutique in San Francisco, business was brisk, but people walking in off the street were still able to plunk down $500 and walk away with an Xbox bundle. At a Circuit City electronics store nearby, Ken Nunes, a 31-year-old software salesman, happened to see a small line forming outside and decided to stop and buy one. People didn't experience the hassles many gamers complained of when they tried to place advance orders for the console at online merchants. "There was eventually about 20 people in line, and it seemed like everybody who showed up was getting one," Nunes said. GameSpot UK has a channel devoted to the latest Xbox news, reviews and previews. Check it out here. See the Hardware News Section for the latest update on everything from MP3 players and PDAs to supercomputing. Have your say instantly, and see what others have said. Click on the TalkBack button and go to the ZDNet news forum. Let the editors know what you think in the Mailroom. And read other letters.