Xbox 360: November 22nd in America, December 2nd in Europe

Microsoft's next-generation console, Xbox 360, is set to launch on November 22nd in North America, followed by a European launch on December 2nd and a Japanese launch on December 10th.

News of the release dates was announced by Xbox Japan chief Yoshihiro Maruyama at a press conference in Tokyo's Shibuya district, where details of the firm's Japanese launch and its planned presence at the Tokyo Games Show this weekend were also discussed.

However, Maruyama refused to be drawn on shipment figures for the three regions - saying only that the different dates do not necessarily reflect the strategic importance of the various geographic regions to the company.

The announcement of the release dates is the final piece of the puzzle for the Xbox 360's launch, with Microsoft's ambition of having a worldwide release before the holiday season looking set to be realised.

Maruyama pledged to have seven titles available alongside the machine in Japan on December 10th, although interestingly the slide showing the launch software relegated headline title Project Gotham Racing 3 to the second wave of games. This may only be relevant to Japan, however, as Bizarre Creations' Gareth Wilson had assured us only hours previously that the title is on track to hit launch elsewhere.

The company is also planning to show off a wide range of software for the console at the Tokyo Games Show, which opens its doors to business visitors tomorrow; 80 demo pods will be playable at the show, showcasing about ten different titles.