Microsoft Announces X06

UK, 22nd June 2006 - Microsoft today announced that X06, the Xbox® brand experience for the games and entertainment industry, will be held on 27th and 28th September this year. It was also revealed that the glamorous, cosmopolitan and cultural city of Barcelona will be playing host to this year's exclusive event.

Europe's top media, partners, publishers and developers will be invited to the Catalan capital to experience the incredible evolution of the Xbox 360 console and the exciting offerings it is bringing to Europe.

At X06 Microsoft will unveil more plans for the Xbox 360, showcase the breadth of the next-generation line-up of games, the next wave of accessories and new world-class Xbox Live® entertainment experiences along with the latest Games For Windows® announcements.

For the first time Microsoft will also welcome South Africa, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland to the event having recently announced the launch of the Xbox 360 in these countries by the end of 2006.

Previous X0 events have been the setting for high-profile announcements such as the European pricing details for Xbox (2001); Xbox® Live and the acquisition of Rare (2002); the unveil of the new Xbox branding (2003) and the fantastic launch games line-up for Xbox 360 (2005). This year's event will be no exception, and visitors to the Barcelona event should expect to be blown away with exclusive news announcements and amazing next generation gaming experiences.

As always, third party publishers and developers will have a strong presence, and will be using X06 as a platform to unveil major announcements and showcase forthcoming Xbox 360 titles.

A highlight of the gaming calendar, Xbox enjoys this opportunity to bring gamers together from across Europe and create a unique and immersive experience for their guests. Commenting on the announcement, Chris Lewis, regional vice president, Xbox, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said: "We are really looking forward to X06 in Barcelona and believe this will prove to be an amazing experience for gaming enthusiasts across Europe. We have some exciting announcements to make and even more to show people. X06 will firmly place Xbox 360 as the console of the next generation."

Xbox will be sending out more communication and invitations over the next few weeks.

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About Xbox and Xbox 360
Microsoft revolutionized the gaming industry with the November 2001 launch of Xbox (http://www.xbox.com), its first-generation video games and entertainment system, now sold in 26 countries around the world. This Christmas season Microsoft debuts its next-generation system, Xbox 360, 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. 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.

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. For more information, go to 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.

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For more information, please contact:
Marie-Claire Suter
UK PR Manager - Xbox & Games For Windows
Tel: +44 (0) 118 909 4599
Email: i-maries@microsoft.com