Xbox 360 Launch Takes Europe By Storm

London, 6th December 2005 - The dust has cleared from the European launch of Xbox 360^TM, the next-generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, and preliminary reports indicate it's a runaway hit.

Thousands of gamers queued up at stores in the 16 European launch countries on the evening of 1st December to be among the first to purchase Xbox 360, resulting in a sell-out situation across the region in its first day at retail. Early reports also show a huge demand for games and accessories, with most customers leaving stores not only with an Xbox 360, but with multiple games and accessories.

Top-selling games include "Perfect Dark Zero^TM" (Rare-Microsoft Game Studios), "Project Gotham Racing 3^TM" (Bizarre Creations-MGS), "Kameo: Elements of Power^TM" (Rare - MGS), FIFA Road to the World Cup (EA Sports), "Call of Duty 2" (Activision), and Peter Jackson's King Kong (Ubisoft). Accessories like the Wireless Networking Adapter, extra Wireless Controllers and Faceplates also proved popular.

Kevin Sage, 33, of London, joined the queue at GAME on London's Oxford Street in the early afternoon of Thursday to ensure he got a console. "I can't wait to get home and play this game," said Sage. "I will remember this for the rest of my life!"

"Xbox 360 sales have been tremendous this weekend" said Lisa Morgan, UK Managing Director GAME. "We have sold out almost all of our initial allocation over the weekend, and have seen great sales on games and accessories too. We will be getting more stock in over the next few weeks and expect similar levels of support from consumers and expect the exceptional levels of demand to continue."

Despite the sell-out, gamers who missed out on launch day can still experience the next generation of gaming and entertainment this Christmas. Xbox will be replenishing stock at retail over the coming weeks and into 2006, so anxious gamers should continue to check back at their local retailer.

"The demand for Xbox 360 has been incredible and we are well aware that many gamers are disappointed to have not got their Xbox 360 on day one," said pointed to have not gotten their Xbox 360 on day one," said Neil Thompson, Senior European Regional Director, Home and Entertainment Division. "We are working around the clock to manufacture as many Xbox 360s as we can and are replenishing retail stores in Europe in the weeks coming up to Christmas. We remain committed to delivering up to 3 million consoles to consumers worldwide in our first 90 days alone. Consumers should check back with their retailers frequently."

Fifteen Xbox 360 titles are now on sale in Europe, with more lined up in the near future such as Dead or Alive 4 (Tecmo/MGS), The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2K Games), Splinter Cell 4 (Ubisoft), Tomb Raider: Legend (Eidos), Burnout Revenge (EA) and The Godfather (EA).

"The arrival of Xbox 360 marks the industry's leap into the next generation, and EA's launch line up is right at the forefront," said Gerhard Florin, Executive Vice President and General Manager for International Publishing, Electronic Arts. "We're delivering five of the world's most popular franchises right out of the gate to give consumers spectacular versions of their favourite games that truly unlock the magic of the new console. And more quality entertainment is on the way - we will continue to deliver a slew of games in the months ahead that combine the power of the 360 with EA's innovation in graphics and gameplay."

At Activision, Roger Walkden, Vice President, UK, Emerging Markets & European Marketing, said; "Activision is thrilled to have worked with Microsoft on the launch of Xbox 360. Our four launch titles, Call of Duty 2; Quake 4; Tony Hawks American Wasteland and Gun are already selling through well. The next generation of videogames consoles offers Activision the opportunity to maximise on the technological advancements offered, benefiting both our development teams and consumers."

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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 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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