WET WORK: Kelly Tarlton's staff will serve as stewards of the first Xbox One to be sold worldwide - and sharks will be guarding it.

Kiwis who try to grab the Xbox One could end up as shark bait.

Xbox's first new gaming console in eight years is closely under guard by 20 resident sharks at Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium in Auckland.

It was meant to be the first Xbox One on the market, but a slip-up with shipping overseas meant a number of pre-ordered consoles went to customers before the official release date.

“Due to a retail partner’s system issue, a very small number of Xbox One consoles were shipped to consumers before the November 22 street date," Microsoft said in a statement today.

"We’re pleased to see the initial response to Xbox One has been so positive.

"But given we are still putting the finishing touches on our games, UI and online services, as well as confidential partner and media agreements, these console units will be restricted from connecting to Xbox Live until closer to our launch date.”

Meanwhile New Zealand's Xbox One is safely sealed in a water resistant container in a tank full of fierce sand tiger sharks.

The sharks will guard their treasure for a week, giving the public time to come and view the device before it's official release.

The sharks' fearsome appearance is equal to their reputation, with the seven-gill shark famous for pack hunting. They are able to single-handedly take down 350 kilogram fur seals, and out-swim dolphins and kingfish.

The hunter feeds by sawing through its prey, but luckily for gamers, Xbox One is off the diet.

Xbox is throwing a party for the hundreds who pre-ordered the consoles from EB Games, with celebrations at Auckland's Shed 10 the night before the launch.

The event will follow the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards of which Xbox is a gold sponsor.

