Edge uncovers the new Xbox: hardware, peripherals and Microsoft’s strategy

05/05/05 - Edge, Future's internationally respected multiformat videogame magazine, celebrates its milestone 150th issue later this month with a world-exclusive expose of Microsoft's next videogame console.

The first videogame magazine in the world to deliver details of the next-generation Xbox hardware, Edge hits newsstands on Tuesday 17 May with unparalleled coverage of the new technology.

Before the global MTV unveiling was announced, Edge was given access to the next-gen console, its peripherals and Microsoft's massively ambitious strategy for the platform. In true Edge tradition, the unveiling of the new console gets a comprehensive eight-page rundown. Both hardware and software shots feature heavily, as Edge gets to grips with the concepts behind the hardware and explains how its feature set means videogaming will never be quite the same again.

Also helping to make Edge 150 an issue to remember, the magazine heads to Nintendo's Kyoto HQ to meet Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma. The enigmatic creative discusses the as-yet-untitled latest instalment in the long-running Legend of Zelda series, and Edge also delivers all-new information on the game and reveals the latest tantalising screenshots.

Edge's 150th issue also includes a new edition of the magazine's popular 'Get Into Games' series of supplements. This updated 32-page guide offers comprehensive practical advice to anyone wanting a career in the videogame industry, insider tips from those already at work within it, and details of educational courses and options available across the UK.

Tony Mott is Editor of Edge:

"Our readers have come to expect us to be first with details of new gaming hardware - we were first with next-generation Xbox specs in issue 148, and we're first again with images of the finished hardware and actual game shots in issue 150. But we're not ignoring current hardware, and I know readers will enjoy our eight-page article on the new Zelda. This is an exciting time to be editing Edge, and it's only going to become more exciting as the videogame world continues to evolve."

Matt Pierce is Publisher of Edge:

"We're delighted that Edge can celebrate this major publishing milestone with a duo of heavyweight videogaming exclusives. Edge remains the only videogame magazine with a remit to reflect the full scope of gaming's widening cultural impact, and these unveilings are a testament to the consistent high quality of Edge's editorial and its position as the uncompromising, respected voice of authority in the games industry."

Edge 150 goes on sale Friday 17 May, with a cover price of £4.50.

ENDS

About Future

Future plc was founded in the UK in 1985. Today, it publishes over 100 special-interest consumer magazines worldwide with strong portfolios in the computing, games, music, sports, motoring, crafts and leisure sectors. It is the sixth largest magazine publisher in the UK and last year was reported as being the fastest growing US magazine publisher at newsstand. Future employs 1,200 people in offices in the UK, US, Italy and France. Over 100 international editions of Future's magazines are also published under licence in 30 other countries across the world. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange (symbol FUTR).

For more information please contact:

Will Guyatt, Communications, on 01225 822517.