Xbox 360 To Launch In Eastern Europe This Autumn

LEIPZIG, Germany, 23rd August 2006 - Microsoft® today announced that it will launch Xbox 360, the next-generation video games and entertainment system, in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland on 3rd November 2006. These launches, along with the previously-announced launch in South Africa on 29th September, will expand the Xbox 360 footprint in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region from 16 countries to 21. Entering these new markets will expand on the proven success of Xbox 360 in Europe and give more gamers access to the next generation of gaming and entertainment.

The announcement was made at a press conference at the Leipzig Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany. As well as announcing launch dates, Microsoft also announced pricing in the new markets:

EUR Poland Hungary Czech Slovakia

ERP* ERP ERP ERP ERP

Xbox 360 399.99 1,599 zł 99,999 Ft 11,499 Kč 15,495 Sk

Xbox 360 Core System 299.99 1,199 zł 74,999 Ft 8,999 Kč 11,499 Sk

Gamers in these new Xbox markets will enjoy a full line-up of fantastic games at launch. "Project Gotham Racing 3" (Bizarre Creations/Microsoft Game Studios), "Kameo" (Rare/MGS) and "Perfect Dark Zero" (Rare/MGS) will be available on launch day, with games like "Gears of War" (Epic Games/MGS), "Crackdown" (Real Time Worlds/MGS), "Viva Pinata" (Rare/MGS) and "Forza 2" (MGS) to follow in the following weeks. Gamers can also enjoy a suite of great accessories such as the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Battery Pack, and Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote.

"We're very excited to be bringing Xbox 360 to gamers in more countries in Europe in time for Christmas, when we expect to have sold 10 million consoles around the world" said Chris Lewis, Regional Vice President for EMEA Home and Entertainment Division. "These are countries where the appetite for console gaming is growing in leaps and bounds - expanding to Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland allows us to build a successful business ecosystem for our partners, and to bring more gamers amazing next-generation gaming and entertainment experiences. We're committed to ensuring gamers in these countries have a great Xbox 360 experience. To that end we're 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."

Xbox 360 will be launching in more countries in 2006 including India and Brazil. By the end of next year, Xbox 360 will be sold in nearly 40 countries. These additional markets will continue the momentum of the largest next-generation installed base for any console after a second Christmas.

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About Xbox 360

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 gamers. The system was first launched in North America, Europe and Japan in 2005 and then in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

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