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Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Price for Europe and North America

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Old 17 August 2005, 05:33 PM
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Thumbs up Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Price for Europe and North America

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/p...60PricePR.mspx

Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Price for Europe and North America: Starts at $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99

Feature-packed system brings high-definition gaming to the masses this holiday season.


LEIPZIG, Germany — Aug. 17, 2005 — Ending weeks of speculation about which upcoming video game platform will give gamers the most bang for their buck, today at the German Games Convention, Microsoft Corp. revealed that consumers can get their hands on Xbox 360™ — the most powerful and feature-packed next-generation video game and entertainment system — for as little as $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99 starting this holiday season. For gamers who want to experience the ultimate digital entertainment thrill ride, Microsoft also announced a model with hundreds of dollars worth of accessories for $399.99 U.S./€399.99/£279.99, giving consumers the definitive entertainment experience at an unbelievable value right out of the box.

The Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System — along with an impressive lineup of high-definition game titles from the world’s best publishers and developers — will make their debut in North America, Europe and Japan in time for this Christmas holiday, several months ahead of the competition. Although details for the Japan launch will be addressed at the Tokyo Game Show in September, the unprecedented three-region launch signifies an industry first. The Xbox 360 platform will deliver the most powerful console, the best games, the next generation of the Xbox Live® service, and amazing digital entertainment experiences never seen in console entertainment.

“The sheer entertainment value of Xbox 360 cannot be overstated,” said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer for Microsoft. “While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, it’s also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras.”

With its built-in Ethernet port and free Silver level of service right out of the box, Xbox 360 also connects players to Xbox Live, the premier global online console games and entertainment network. With Xbox Live, gamers can chat with friends online, build and share gamer profiles, send and receive text and voice messages, and access Xbox Live Marketplace for new content such as game demos, trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade. Subscribers to the Gold level of service will also enjoy access to online multiplayer gaming in their favorite games, as well as great promotional programs such as worldwide tournaments, the chance to play online with their favorite celebrities, and opportunities to win big prizes.



For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S./€399.99/£279.99 Xbox 360 console. This premium edition — distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself — comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately:

Xbox 360 console. Sexy styling that packs a punch — three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.

Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox® Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries.

Xbox 360 Faceplate. The removable Faceplate comes in stylish “chill” (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.

Xbox 360 Headset. This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.

Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.

Xbox Live Silver membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace demos such as trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.

A bonus Media Remote: Included for a limited time, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as access their Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC's controls with a single remote.



At $299.99 U.S./€299.99/£209.99, the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:

Xbox 360 console. As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.

Xbox 360 Controller. This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.

Xbox 360 Faceplate. Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish “chill” (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers’ personalities or decor.

Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99), Xbox 360 Controller (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£24.99*) and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:

Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€99.99/£69.99*).

Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB). Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€34.99/£22.99*).

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S./€44.99/£32.99*).

Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).

Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack. This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S./€14.99/£9.99*).

Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./€79.99 /£59.99*).

Xbox 360 Headset. This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./€19.99/£14.99*).

Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC controls with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only). This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./€24.99/£17.99*).

Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable. Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./€29.99/£19.99*).

“With both the Xbox 360 and the Xbox 360 Core System, we’re offering consumers real choice and real value,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “We’re bringing true next-generation experiences into gamers’ living rooms this Christmas holiday.”

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around you. The system will launch this holiday season in Europe, Japan and North America, to be followed by availability in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Xbox Live

Xbox Live continues to transform and unite Xbox game communities worldwide, with a presence in 24 countries worldwide and a global community of more than 2 million members. As the first and only global, unified online console games service, Xbox Live offers world-class games, intelligent matchmaking, tournaments, unique programming and integration with Xbox.com. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.* Actual retail prices may vary.

Microsoft, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Xbox and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

Last edited by DJ Dunk; 17 August 2005 at 05:40 PM.
Old 17 August 2005, 06:43 PM
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ScoobyDoo555
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Guess what's on the top of my Xmas list!!

what's the deal with backwards compatability?

Any news on *ahem* mods

Dan
Old 17 August 2005, 06:56 PM
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Some games will be backward compatible, the big ones, due to the differing CPU and GPU architecture on the 360. I would guess that *most* will work.

LOL, no news on mods just yet
Old 17 August 2005, 08:11 PM
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GC Press Conference blogcast, P. Moore Talks 2 SKUs and C. Lewis Interview
>> Following-up to the announcement of the official Xbox 360 packages, accessories and prices for USA and Europe at the GC2005 conference earlier today we found a bit additional interesting information.

* Major Nelson has downloadable blogcast of the Xbox Press Conference in Leipzig Germany on his blog in both MP3 and WMA format:

Here is the blogcast of today’s Xbox Press Conference in Leipzig Germany. There area a couple of parts that are in German (like the beginning) but then you’ll have English, then German, then English again. It was truly an international event. If you want to hear the details on pricing, fast forward to around 48:00.
Go download it from majornelson.com (xbox-scene mirror)

* Xbox.com has a video interview with Chris Lewis, the Regional Vice President of Xbox across Europe, Middle East and Africa. There's also a written version of the interview available here. It basicly talks about what's been announced in the pressrelease and during the Xbox Press Conference at GC2005.

* IGN has already an interview with Peter Moore talking about the SKUs:

IGN: Why did you decide to offer two SKUs, isn't that confusing for the consumer?
Peter Moore: If there is a lesson I think we have learned in the previous generation is that gamers want choice. Some gamers want simply to play a game and have none of the, in their estimation, some of the frills of the gaming experience, and price becomes paramount for them. At the same time, we believe it's important to offer them the ability to set up and upgrade. But if price becomes the key factor, we wanted to have that as well for as a choice for the consumer. $299 is a spectacular price point. And certainly in Europe in particular, I think we learned our lesson, that 479 euros and a March launch was not the optimal mix of what was going on.

IGN: Do you think that gamers will by more of one SKU that the other? Do you have research that proves the higher price point is going to take off?
Peter: My firm belief, and in all of the discussions I've had in the last couple days with the analysts who are starting to look at this and tear this thing apart, is that the great majority of sales will be at $399. That is huge value for the money. We absolutely project that the Xbox 360 will outsell the Core System in the early going. Over the life cycle that balance will probably change, but for $399, it's phenomenal value.
Go read the full interview on xbox360.ign.com
Old 17 August 2005, 08:33 PM
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Cheaper than I thought it was going to be no news on a release date though?
Old 17 August 2005, 10:52 PM
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Amazon say 28th November.
Old 18 August 2005, 09:31 AM
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Mine is now pre-ordered from Play along with Tiger Woods, Project Gotham 3 and Ghost Recon 3

Only thing is I can't have it till Dec 25th

Old 18 August 2005, 09:38 AM
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I think Play states 29th November as the release date
Old 18 August 2005, 10:18 AM
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I want!!!

great price IMHO. Sony must be worried!!
Old 18 August 2005, 11:09 AM
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Great news

It will be the £280 one for me, even more money to throw into gaming
Old 18 August 2005, 11:32 AM
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<Checks that the girlfriend isn't looking>

<Logs onto Play.com >
Old 18 August 2005, 11:50 AM
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hhhhhmmmmm PGR3

Bring it on RB5 black and Twigster
Old 18 August 2005, 12:03 PM
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ohhh sooo tempted to get the creditcard out. Very aggressively priced as well! take that Sony!
Old 18 August 2005, 12:13 PM
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think they have got it spot on. £210 package ideal for christmas present, and to get on the ive got one and can play all them games. And the £280 package for the ones that want it all, or would have bought all the accesories anyway, great value ill be having the £280 package please

Mark
Old 18 August 2005, 01:54 PM
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I pre-ordered the £280 one yesterday from gameplay. Just waiting for MS to announce the release date now (the dates on amazon / play.com are just guesses at the moment).
Old 18 August 2005, 02:06 PM
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GaryK
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Thats very agressive pricing and quite a lead in terms of availability, looks good.
Old 18 August 2005, 05:25 PM
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Also pre-ordered from Gameplay
Old 18 August 2005, 05:30 PM
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Schtop!!

I'll end up pre-ordering as well at this rate
Old 18 August 2005, 07:22 PM
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hhhhhmmmmm PGR3

Bring it on RB5 black and Twigster
see you on launch day. I've ordered the £280 pack as a live subscriber it would be stupid not to.

I wonder is system link is going to work between 360 and Xbox I still play a lot of Halo2 system link in my house between my chipped and non-chipped xbox so adding another could be good.

Last edited by RB5-Black; 18 August 2005 at 07:24 PM.
Old 18 August 2005, 09:48 PM
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Good video on gamespot from E3 2005 about the 360.


http://www.gamespot.com/live/streame...ate=1136016000

From what i have read, backwards compatibility will only be available to the full packaged version. The 360 must run an emulator to play the current xbox titles and most likely will only run with the HD.
Old 19 August 2005, 01:36 PM
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WOW. thats very well priced, wasnt going to bother with it actually but now Im tempted. dunno if its worth it having shed loads of consoles I wont play on....

selling the normal Xbox on ebay next week I think, get some cash back for it towards this I think....
Old 19 August 2005, 01:58 PM
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just finished a dedicated home cinema room, so been waiting for the 360 to come out to test out the hi-def projector.

best get over to play and order one up

Bl00dy good price eh, considering the £400plus launch price of the original Xbox

Sony may struggle to compete methinx

Neil
Old 19 August 2005, 03:47 PM
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Oh dear, the mouse slipped. Console and PGR3 pre-ordered. Maybe the return of Picnic if someone else hasn't knicked it in my absense


Bound to have.
Old 19 August 2005, 07:53 PM
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just preordered mine from game. and it has wireless system link. also with the top package i notice that the lead that comes with it is a hdtv type. does that mean i will have to buy another for a normal tv? better buy one of those chargers aswell. i can see a lot of battery usage coming.

does anyone know if pg3 has the ring?????? they would have to be foolish not to include it.

Last edited by W 12 X T C; 19 August 2005 at 08:02 PM.
Old 20 August 2005, 12:01 PM
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Fantastic news. I pre-ordered mine at the local Game.

W12XTC ... What ring?
Old 20 August 2005, 07:20 PM
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Project Gotham 2 had the ring so I would be surprised if the new 360 version didn't.

Old 21 August 2005, 10:17 PM
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SO, the only real difference between the two packages is the HD and the wireless stuff............


I've already got an external USB 120Gig HD - just needs formatting

Presumably, it's a USB drive.......

Are there any other advantages of going for the £280 package apart from what I've stated?

Dna
Old 21 August 2005, 11:10 PM
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USB connections will be for read only.

That was in J Allards webcast tonight.

Craig.
Old 22 August 2005, 07:08 PM
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Righto, so what's the read connection then?

Dan
Old 23 August 2005, 02:42 PM
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Do play.com deliver on the day of release?
Will it still have a normal network port so I can use the ethernet bridge I've got plugged into my Xbox at the mo? I see you can buy one of these but would rather utilise what I have for the time being.


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