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• November 16, 2001 •
This Thursday, Microsoft launched its long awaited video game system Xbox™ when the first console was delivered at a Toys "R" Us store in New York's Time Square.
"The future of gaming starts today, and it starts with Xbox," said Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft Corp. "Xbox is a key part of our strategy to drive the digital entertainment revolution and deliver the future of interactive entertainment to the home. It's a great example of how Microsoft is innovating. But most important, it's incredibly cool."
The powerful Xbox launch lineup includes these five video games:
In the coming week, another 19 games should become available for Xbox, and another 10 to 15 games will hit store shelves before the end of the holiday season. These include some exciting titles from some of the best game developers, including Electronic Arts, Sega of America, Konami of America Inc., Activision Inc. and Namco Ltd.
Xbox Online: The Future of Gaming
With its built-in hard drive, coupled with the built-in Ethernet port for broadband connectivity, the Xbox will connect players and let them play at global playgrounds. The online capability of Xbox will allow players to access new levels, new characters and new games, all from the comfort of their living room couch. No other system has this built-in capability. (Broadband is scheduled to go live in summer 2002.)
"With a built-in hard drive and Ethernet port, Xbox is the only system designed from the ground up to deliver a complete online gaming experience. Online is our secret weapon," said Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer at Microsoft.
Microsoft expects to sell 1.5 million units of the Xbox, with an estimated retail price of $299. The Xbox can be found at more than 15,000 retail locations across North America. A list of retailers can be found at the Microsoft Xbox site.
