US launch of Kinect for Xbox Ahead of NZ release

KINECT™ FOR XBOX 360® transforms Times Square with a spectacular US launch event, ahead of the New Zealand launch on November 18

New York’s famed Times Square went controller-free, transforming into a dancing, singing, A-list celebration for the US launch of Kinect for Xbox 360.

A full day of demos, star-studded appearances and a massive, choreographed dance routine culminated in an excited line of thousands of fans eagerly waiting to take home the future of home entertainment.

A world-first revolution in consumer technology, Kinect for Xbox 360 is the first gaming device in the world to be completely controller free, allowing you to use your body to play your favourite games and entertainment.

Kinect literally turns you into the controller – by simply stepping in front of the revolutionary sensor, Kinect sees you move and learns how you play, with no buttons or barriers.

Kinect will launch in New Zealand on November 18, with 19 games available for Christmas— including dance, fitness, sports, racing and family experiences. Kinect is designed to get members of the family off the couch, on their feet and in the game.

“Kinect offers active, engaging entertainment that encourages the families to have fun together. We’re excited by the overwhelming response to the US launch, and anticipating Kiwis will embrace the technology when Kinect becomes available here later this month,” said David McLean, managing director of Xbox Australia & New Zealand.”

“We are thrilled to hear that retailers and consumers expect it to be one of the biggest gifts for Christmas this year, with many stores encouraging pre-orders ahead of its launch on November 18.”

The Kinect for Xbox 360 Experiential Tour pulled into Times Square at 8 a.m. on Wednesday 3rd November, opening its doors to thousands of passers-by who experienced first-hand the magic moment of becoming the controller.

Actor/producer Mark Wahlberg then joined Xbox to get millions of kids off the couch, active and into the controller-free fun, announcing that Microsoft will donate Kinect for Xbox 360 to thousands of Boys & Girls Clubs across the US.

Later that evening, hundreds of choreographed dancers took to the streets with best-selling recording artists Ne-Yo and Lady Sovereign for a surprise concert tribute. And as the clock struck midnight, the flagship Toys“R”Us in Times Square joined thousands of retailers across the country as they opened their doors and introduced eager customers to a brand new way to play.

“Kinect transforms entertainment and introduces Xbox 360 to millions of new people — families, friends and people of all ages,” said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Corp., who will ring the opening bell at the Nasdaq stock exchange today.

Kinect is compatible with any existing Xbox 360*. Xbox 360 console owners in New Zealand can purchase the revolutionary Kinect sensor for NZ$229.00 (RRP**) packaged with the Kinect Adventures game (Rated G).

Additionally, new customers will have an all-in-one opportunity to jump in with a great new offer from participating retailers for NZ$499.00 (RRP**) featuring:

· The all new Xbox 360 4GB console

· Kinect sensor

· Kinect Adventures game

The 250GB console package is also available for NZ$599.00 (RRP**).

-ENDS-

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