Get ready for the Xbox Roadtrip

17 January 2005

Get ready for the Xbox 360® Roadtrip

Xbox 360 gears up for the most exciting console launch
New Zealand has ever seen

Auckland, January 17, 2006 - The world’s most powerful next-generation gaming and entertainment experience launches in New Zealand in March with a nationwide Xbox 360 Roadtrip.

The Xbox 360 Roadtrip tours New Zealand throughout March, showcasing the next-generation gaming console in hi-definition on the giant Xbox 360 Bus.

The Bus stops off in 13 centres as it rolls across the country, with live demos, celebrity game-offs and giveaways, plus the chance to get up close and personal with Perfect Dark Zero® heroine Joanna Dark – and that’s just outside the Bus.

Inside the specially-constructed Xbox 360 Bus (R16), pre-registered VIPs get priority access to a grand tour of the incredible power of Xbox 360, as well as a chance for hands-on gameplay on hi-definition Samsung screens.

Places on the Xbox 360 Roadtrip VIP list are strictly limited and work on a first-come, first-served pre-registration policy – gaming fans can sign up at www.xbox360roadtrip.co.nz.

A map on the website outlines the Xbox 360 Roadtrip route, and gamers can pre-register simply by clicking on the nexus ball next to the centre closest to them and entering their details.

Microsoft product marketing manager Tom Hunt says: “We’re so excited about Xbox 360 and the amazing line-up of games at launch, we figure there’s only one way to kick it all off – a quintessential Kiwi Roadtrip.

“Kiwis love Xbox – New Zealand has been one of the world’s most successful territories for Xbox, with more than 140,000 consoles selling to date. And because we know gaming fans don’t just live in the main centres, we’re touring the country in the giant Xbox 360 Bus, taking it to the streets to give more people the opportunity to get the Xbox 360 experience.

“The Xbox 360 Roadtrip also showcases the mind-blowing games available at launch. In addition to the incredible exclusive titles from Microsoft Game Studios, there’s a huge line-up from other publishers – I’m picking EA Sports’ Fight Night Round 3 to be a big hit.

“From Northland to the deep South, the Xbox 360 Roadtrip will be the most exciting console launch New Zealand has ever seen.”

Xbox 360
The Xbox 360 is set to revolutionise gaming and home entertainment when it goes on sale in New Zealand at 12:01am on March 2, 2006. Two versions will be available – the Xbox 360 at RRP$719.95* and the Xbox 360 Core System at RRP$549.95*.

The Xbox 360 includes the console, 20GB hard drive, media remote, wireless controller, component high-definition cable and Ethernet cable. Xbox 360 Core System delivers the same powerful gaming as Xbox 360, but starts with the basics and lets you expand at your own pace. The Xbox Core System includes the console, composite AV cable and wired controller.

Both packages come with a complimentary Silver subscription to the world’s leading online console gaming service Xbox Live, which provides gamers new ways to compete and hone their skills.

VIP Premiere Pack
Gamers can now pre-order the Xbox 360 from leading participating retailers. Gamers who pre-order the Xbox 360 will also be able to purchase the VIP Premiere Pack, which includes discounted accessories, a preview DVD, access to the Xbox 360 VIP Premiere Club website (www.xbox360vip.com) and leading launch title Perfect Dark Zero®.

Tom Hunt says: “The VIP Premiere Pack has sold well over the Christmas period, with gamers all over the country realising the great value. We’ve already given away 90 weekly prizes in the 10-week run-up to the major prize draw, which includes a Samsung home theatre and a trip for two to E3 2006 in Los Angeles.”

The VIP Premiere Pack (RRP $169.95*) represents a saving of more than $50 compared to buying the accessories individually†.

Xbox 360 Games
There are currently more than 200 games being developed for the Xbox 360, with 18 titles now launched in the US and other markets. A full list of titles available on New Zealand launch will be available in 2006.

Microsoft Game Studios’ Xbox 360 launch titles Perfect Dark Zero®, Project Gotham Racing® 3 and Kameo®: Elements of Power® will retail at RRP$99.95*.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is the most powerful next generation gaming and entertainment experience, delivering amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around you. The system will launch this Christmas season 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. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Xbox Live
Xbox Live continues to transform and unite Xbox game communities worldwide, with a presence in 24 countries worldwide and a global community of more than 2 million members. As the first and only global, unified online console games service, Xbox Live offers world-class games, intelligent matchmaking, tournaments, unique programming and integration with Xbox.com. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.

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.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, the Xbox logo, the Xbox 360 logo, Kameo Elements of Power, Project Gotham Racing, Perfect Dark Zero and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

* The price set out or referred to herein is only a recommended price, inclusive of GST as 22 November 2005, and there is no obligation on any person to comply with the recommendation. Price is subject to change without notice. Availability of stocks will at all times be dependent on inventories held by resellers and no guarantee is made by Microsoft as to the availability of any product from any person or at any time.

ENDS

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