Kiwi gamers get ready for midnight madness

Kiwi gamers get ready for midnight madness

Xbox 360 fever takes hold as gaming fans prepare to be first in line tonight when the console hits stores at 12.01am

Auckland, March 22, 2006 – Hundreds of Kiwi gamers will burn the midnight oil tonight, queuing outside stores across the country to ensure they’re among the first to get their hands on the Xbox 360 gaming console when it goes on sale at 12.01am, Thursday March 23.

The launch follows the hugely successful Xbox 360 Roadtrip, where more than 8,000 gaming fans have been able to get hands-on with the console aboard New Zealand’s biggest-ever bus. The month-long nationwide Roadtrip returns to Auckland by popular demand on Sunday March 26, and finishes in Whangarei the following day.

Kiwi gaming champ Carl Condliffe says: “The launch of Xbox 360 is like the second coming for gamers – the anticipation is huge. Some people are even taking the rest of the week off work in order to spend ‘quality time’ with their console.”

Microsoft product marketing manager Tom Hunt says he hasn’t been surprised by the unprecedented response from New Zealanders.

“The Xbox 360 is the result of years of listening to our customers to develop the ultimate gaming machine,” he says. “Xbox 360 is leading the charge in the next generation not just with hardware and technology, but with content and interactive features to match.

“An awesome online service will be a must-have for consumers. The Xbox platform is already years ahead of any other console manufacturer with Xbox Live, the world’s leading online console gaming service.

“It’s also going to be all about the games,” Hunt adds. “The line-up for Xbox 360 is the biggest for any console launch in history. On launch day, 21 mind-blowing titles will be available in stores, priced from RRP$99.95*.”

In addition, 18 classic Arcade games will be available for download via the all-new Xbox Live Marketplace, where gamers also can download free game and movie trailers and demos**.

Xbox 360 comes with a complimentary Silver level of Xbox Live – gamers with a broadband connection simply plug in their Xbox 360 to get access to an amazing range of free and premium features.

The Xbox 360 retails at RRP$719.95* and the Xbox 360 Core System at RRP$549.95*. The Xbox 360 features wireless controllers as standard, while its compatibility with other entertainment devices such as the iPod, Windows XP and Windows Media Center PCs, and digital cameras ensures it is more than just a games console.

ENDS

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