Microsoft has dated the release of its second-generation Xbox games console, the Xbox 360. It will be appearing on shop shelves on Tuesday 22 November in North America, then Friday 2 December in Europe, followed by Japan on Saturday 10 December.
The announcement was made on the eve of Tokyo Game Show 2005, and Microsoft emphasises that it is the first time that a games console will be launched in three territories within the same time frame. This, along with the location of the announcement, reveals the importance to Microsoft of success in the Japanese market where the Sony PlayStation reigns supreme.
‘This holiday season, gamers in Japan, Europe and North America pining to experience jaw-dropping high-definition graphics, unmatched online play and compelling digital entertainment features of Xbox 360 will finally have the chance,’ said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer for Microsoft.
Bach also highlighted the number of titles that should be accompany the launch of the hardware: ‘We expect a strong portfolio of titles on launch day and through the holidays that will appeal to fans of every genre and gamers in every region, and with more than 200 games currently in development, continuous new additions to the library are on the way.’
It was back in mid-August – Microsoft prices Xbox 360 – that the price of the console was confirmed as starting from £209.99 for the UK, €299.99 for Europe and $299.99 for the USA. This was for the ‘Core’ system, with prices increasing depending on accessories bundled.
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