Fuelling global anticipation for the arrival of its powerful new video game and entertainment system, Microsoft has announced that its Xbox 360 will arrive in North America on 22 November, December 2 in Europe, and December 10 in Japan. The move could give Microsoft a vital edge over rival Sony which plans to release its PlayStation 3 in spring 2006.

The announcement, made on the eve of Tokyo Game Show 2005, marked the first time that a game console will be launched in three territories in the same time frame. In preparation for what is expected to be massive worldwide demand for the new system. Microsoft also announced that Xbox 360 manufacturing is under way.

'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.

'Renowned development studios around the world are busy putting the finishing touches on their Xbox 360 games. 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.'

Bach and other Microsoft executives, headlining a series of events that open Tokyo Game Show, will detail the company's strategy for success in Japan. More than 40 publishers in Japan, including Bandai, Capcom, Koei, Konami, Namco, Sega, Square Enix and Tecmo, have pledged their support for Xbox 360. New titles and established franchises such as Dead or Alive 4, Ridge Racer 6, Ninenty-Nine Nights, Dead Rising and Final Fantasy XI" will all be available on Xbox 360 in the months to come.

BIOS, Sep 15, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Gaming