Xbox 360 Dated for the UK, US, Japan
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Xbox 360 will launch in the US on November 22, as had been widely expected. This will be followed by a European launch slated for December 2 and a December 10 debut in Japan.
This sees Microsoft make good on its promises to get 360 hardware on shelves before the holiday season is over, though raises the question of allocation levels for such a massive global launch.
We were told by Microsoft representatives on the record that, as of late July 2005, production lines hadn’t begun rolling. What’s more, we were told that a press release would be issued to mark the event. To date, this has not happened, with no news of any movement from the Chinese manufacturing facilities.
"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 in a press release issued this morning in Japan. "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."
Other news this morning sees Microsoft price the 360 for the Japanese market at 37,900 Yen, a mere $343/£185, and only the premium 20GB hard disc version will be offered, an aggressive if loss-leading approach to the thus far uncrackable territory.
This sees Microsoft make good on its promises to get 360 hardware on shelves before the holiday season is over, though raises the question of allocation levels for such a massive global launch.
We were told by Microsoft representatives on the record that, as of late July 2005, production lines hadn’t begun rolling. What’s more, we were told that a press release would be issued to mark the event. To date, this has not happened, with no news of any movement from the Chinese manufacturing facilities.
"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 in a press release issued this morning in Japan. "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."
Other news this morning sees Microsoft price the 360 for the Japanese market at 37,900 Yen, a mere $343/£185, and only the premium 20GB hard disc version will be offered, an aggressive if loss-leading approach to the thus far uncrackable territory.
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Comments
SPInGSPOnG 15 Sep 2005 11:57
1/10
If Microsoft can piss money away giving the things to the Japanese for virtually free, surely they can incentivise us skeptical westerners by giving a free BJ with each one.
That'd make me definitely think about maybe considering buying one.
I could always bung it on eBay.
That'd make me definitely think about maybe considering buying one.
I could always bung it on eBay.
cashton2k 15 Sep 2005 12:12
2/10
The BBC are saying US launch date is 22nd Nov not the 2nd, whos right? I'm backing but spong but you could have missed a 2 out maybe?
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rastafari 15 Sep 2005 12:14
3/10
I'm wondering how stupid you must be to pay 100 bucks more than the Nippon's to get your hand's on a machine which has so far nothing else to offer than a cuple of N64 port's....
king skins 15 Sep 2005 12:24
4/10
Very nice of MS to release it on my birthday :) which is always a day off for me.
Getting home at 5am mashed after the birthday celebrations and smoking while staring at Minters visualizer will be quit entertaining =)
Can't wait
I said the other day it would be release on the 2nd December!
Do I win something for that?
Getting home at 5am mashed after the birthday celebrations and smoking while staring at Minters visualizer will be quit entertaining =)
Can't wait
I said the other day it would be release on the 2nd December!
Do I win something for that?
tyrion 15 Sep 2005 12:45
5/10
Chris Ashton wrote:
The BBC are saying US launch date is 22nd Nov not the 2nd, whos right? I'm backing but spong but you could have missed a 2 out maybe?
Well spotted! Typo-spotter of the day award to you!
I've fixed the invisible 2 character! :-)
TwoADay 15 Sep 2005 13:21
6/10
Rod Todd wrote:
If Microsoft can piss money away giving the things to the Japanese for virtually free, surely they can incentivise us skeptical westerners by giving a free BJ with each one.
If you need MS to get yourself a BJ, I'm not sure you really deserve one.
It's pretty sad that most of us westerners would rather have a full system at $360 than two systems priced at either end...
SPInGSPOnG 15 Sep 2005 17:04
7/10
TwoADay wrote:
If you need MS to get yourself a BJ, I'm not sure you really deserve one.
Thing about BJs is, you can never really have too many.
DoctorDee 15 Sep 2005 17:41
8/10
Rod Todd wrote:
Thing about BJs is, you can never really have too many.
In my experience, you can never even have enough.
OptimusP 15 Sep 2005 18:33
9/10
So everyone knows it, let's join forces and make the Xbox 360 a complete flop in Europe, see it as a free investment... we'll be getting cheap Xbox720 afterwards!
I can see a lot of yanks do some numbercrunching right about now for how much it would cost to get a japanese X360 imported.
I can see a lot of yanks do some numbercrunching right about now for how much it would cost to get a japanese X360 imported.
DoctorDee 16 Sep 2005 10:53
10/10
OptimusP wrote:
I can see a lot of yanks do some numbercrunching right about now for how much it would cost to get a japanese X360 imported.
What's the deal with import duty to America? Even if it is bought cheaper in Japan, will there be any real savings after import duty (if it exists) and shipping?
