Microsoft confirms South African Xbox 360 launch

Microsoft has announced details of its scheduled South African launch for the Xbox 360, which will hit retail on September 29th, followed by four additional launches throughout Europe.

The next-gen console's debut in South Africa will coincide with further launches in EMEA territories, reaching Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland before the end of the year and bolstering the console's presence in the region from 16 to 21 countries.

Cindy White, Microsoft's Group Marketing Manager for South Africa, commented: "South Africa is a country where the appetite for console gaming is growing in leaps and bounds - expanding to Africa allows us to build a successful business ecosystem for our partners, and to bring more gamers amazing next-generation gaming and entertainment experiences."

The console will launch for R2,699 (295 Euro) for the Core System and R3,699 (405 Euro) for the Premium System with Hard Drive and additional accessories.

Confirmed launch titles for the country include Project Gotham Racing 3, Kameo and Perfect Dark Zero, with Gears of War, Crackdown, Viva Pinata and Forza 2 arriving in the weeks following launch.

"Weâre committed to ensuring gamers in South Africa have a great Xbox 360 experience. To that end weâre taking steps so that a full portfolio of great games, tailored to appeal to local tastes, is available as well as accessories that complement the gaming experience," White added.

Microsoft plans further launches around the world to aid reaching its target of 10 million units by year-end, including India on October 21st, as well as Chile and China later in the year.