There have been numerous debates over the XBox's shipping date. Microsoft has not commented themselves, but IGN XBox has put together a well-thought out article detailing their estimation of the release date. If all goes according to plan, then the XBox would hit store shelves during the second week of November 2001:

In recent weeks, however, IGN Xbox has learned that nearly every known developer of content slated to arrive during the launch window is right on schedule for a 2001 release. Not only are they right on target, but via the confirmation of numerous anonymous sources, we've been able to nail down a specific time period in which Microsoft plans to unleash the Box in the States. That time period? Mid-November 2001.

While none of our sources seem to have an exact date, the second full calendar week of November seems the most likely target, as it gives the console time to clear inventory prior to the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. This would be ideal in that it gives Microsoft plenty of time to fuel the idea that the Xbox is this year's impossible-to-find gift, an enviable position that helped fuel Sony's quick rise to success with the PS2 launch last Fall.

This would also put the XBox in competition with Nintendo's GameCube system (In Japan, at least), which is good for us consumers. However, keep in mind that Microsoft has not commented on the issue and this is all speculation.