The must-have next generation console price starts from US$300 in Hong Kong and Taiwan as the Xbox 360 pre-order program kicks off

HONG KONG, 9 January 2006 — As the levels of anticipation skyrocket with less than 50 days remaining before its Asian debut, Microsoft today announced the Asia retail price for its Xbox 360, the next generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft Corp.

Two versions of the console will go on sale in Asia in March carrying a price tag from US$380 for the Xbox 360 and from US$300 for the Xbox 360 Core System in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Consumers wishing to beat the rush and avoid the queues to snatch up the hottest entertainment system in the world today can join the Xbox 360 pre-order program. Special offers await consumers who purchase Xbox 360.

Xbox 360 will launch in Asia with a jam-packed portfolio of up to 15 games at an estimated retail price of US$38 each. Never before has Xbox created such a rich and diverse portfolio of Asian games for Asian gamers to dive into.
  
“With its awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, Xbox 360 slams gaming straight into the life force of mainstream entertainment in Asia. But gaming aside, Xbox 360 is an unrivaled entertainment system that allows consumers to play music, watch movies, share photos and enjoy other digital content. That’s unprecedented entertainment right out of the box,” said Alan Bowman, General Manager for Asia Pacific and Greater China Region, Entertainment & Devices Division at Microsoft.

The Xbox 360 (ERP from US$380), the complete system, is fully loaded to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. The Xbox 360 includes the console, 20 GB hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox Live headset, hi-definition AV cable and Ethernet cable.

The Xbox 360 Core System (ERP from US$300) enables the same powerful gaming experience as the Xbox 360, but lets gamers start with the basics and move ahead at their own pace. The Xbox 360 Core System includes the console, wired controller and composite AV cable.

 Xbox 360 provides a full range of accessories available at launch for gamers who are keen to put their individual stamp on their console. These include wireless (from US$42) and wired (from US$32) controllers, 20 GB Hard Drive (from US$90) and Faceplates (from US$19).*

All Xbox 360 consoles come with a free Silver subscription to Xbox Live, the world’s leading online gaming service, which allows gamers to compete with and connect to the wider gaming community. At launch, all consumers will also enjoy a 30-day free trial subscription to the Xbox Live Gold service.

“In addition, all existing Xbox Live gamers can jump right into the Xbox 360 online community for free. With Xbox 360, we will connect every Asian gamer to the thriving community of two million online gamers around the world,” said Mr. Bowman.

For Asian gamers seeking a truly engaging and immersive online multiplayer experience, the Xbox Live Premium Pack provides the necessary equipment to begin their quest. The Xbox Live Premium Pack from US$35 includes a headset, two Arcade games – “Bankshot Billiards 2” and “Joust”, 100 Microsoft points and a three-month Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Gamers eager to feed their insatiable appetite for all things Xbox 360 can check out Asia’s Jump In Community Site at www.jump-in.com.sg for the latest Asian news, views and information on Xbox 360 in the region.

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 Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.

Xbox 360 Price List

Item ERP Price in USD
Xbox 360 From US$380
Xbox 360 Core System From US$300
1st and 2nd Party Game Titles From US$38
Xbox Live Premium Pack From US$36
Wireless Controller From US$42
Wired Controller From US$32
Play and Charge Cable and NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack  From US$19
Rechargeable Battery Pack  From US$10
20 GB Hard Drive  From US$90
64 MB Memory Unit  From US$32
Universal Media Remote From US$29
S-video Cable  From US$19
VGA High Definition Cable  From US$29
Component HD AV Cable  From US$29
Wireless LAN Adapter  From US$74
Wired Headset  From US$19
Faceplates  From US$19