Xbox 360 To Launch In South Africa This Autumn

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, 21st August 2006 - Microsoft today announced that it will launch Xbox 360, the next-generation video games and entertainment system, in South Africa at midnight on Friday, 29 September 2006.

This launch, along with the launches in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland, 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.

Microsoft also announced the anticipated pricing. In South Africa, Xbox 360 will be available at an estimated retail price of R3,699. The Xbox 360 Core System will be available for R2,699.

South African gamers 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 South Africa in time for the upcoming year-end holidays, when we expect to have sold 10 million consoles around the world," said Chris Lewis, Regional Vice President for EMEA Home and Entertainment Division, Microsoft.

"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," said Cindy White, South Africa Group Marketing Manager, Microsoft. "We're committed to ensuring gamers in South Africa 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."

The appetite for Xbox 360 gaming around the world continues to grow. In addition to the five new countries mentioned above, Xbox will be helping to meet demand in four other countries this year including launches in Chile and India.

- ends -

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 realize their full potential.

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