Tech Shout!

Microsoft Corp has revealed that its much awaited next generation gaming console the Xbox 360 will be out on store shelves on Nov. 22 in North America, Dec. 2 in Europe and Dec. 10 in Japan.

Microsoft has already started mass production of the Xbox 360 units for anticipating a huge worldwide demand for the new Xbox 360 as soon as they are launched

Console Gaming enthusiasts in Japan, Europe and North America will be the first experience jaw-dropping high-definition graphics, unmatched online play and compelling digital entertainment features that the Xbox 360 offers, this holiday season.

All the major game developers around the world have been busy finalizing their games for the Xbox 360 games. Microsoft is expecting a strong portfolio of titles on the Xbox 360 launch day and through the holidays that will appeal to all the gamers. There are more than 200 games currently in development for the XBox 360.

40 publishers in Japan, including Bandai Co. Ltd., Capcom Co. Ltd., Koei Co. Ltd., Konami Corp., Namco Ltd., Sega Corp., Square Enix Co. Ltd. and Tecmo Ltd., have pledged their support for Xbox 360, Microsoft said.

Microsoft also mentioned new titles and established franchises such as “Dead or Alive 4″, “Ridge Racer 6″, “NINETY-NINE NIGHTS”, “Dead Rising” and “FINAL FANTASY XI” will be available on Xbox 360 in the months to come. With support for high-definition output and Dolby 5.1 surround sound, all Xbox 360 games will deliver smooth, cinematic experiences.

Gaming enthusiast will also be able to enjoy the next generation of the Xbox Live service, the online games and entertainment network. With Xbox 360 and the Xbox Live service, gamers can play online in a community of millions, connect with other gamers using voice and video chat, download new content, build online profiles and experience new modes of entertainment. Xbox 360 is also ideal for music, movies and photos stored on an array of devices including MP3 players, digital cameras and Microsoft Windows XP-based PCs.

The Tokyo Game Show 2005 marks the first time that consumers will be able to experience the power of Xbox 360 firsthand, with a number of titles on display:

- “(eM)-eNCHANT-arM” (FromSoftware Inc.)
- “Bomberman - Act Zero” (Hudson Soft Co. Ltd.)
- “Call of Duty 2″ (Activision Inc.)
- “CHROMEHOUNDS” (Sega)
- “Dead Rising” (Capcom)
- “Dynasty Warriors 5 Special” (Koei Co. Ltd.)
- “Everyparty” (Microsoft Game Studios)
- “Far East of Eden - Ziria” (Hudson Soft)
- “FINAL FANTASY XI” (Square Enix Co. Ltd.)
- “Frame City Killer” (Namco)
- “Gears of War” (Microsoft Game Studios)
- “Kameo: Elements of Power” (Microsoft Game Studios)
- “Mobile Suit Gundam” (tentative title) (Bandai Co. Ltd.)
- “Need for Speed Most Wanted” (Electronic Arts)
- “NINETY-NINE NIGHTS” (Microsoft Game Studios)
- “The Outfit” (THQ)
- “Project Gotham Racing 3″ (Microsoft Game Studios)
- “Resident Evil 5″ (Capcom)
- “Ridge Racer 6″ (Namco)
- “Rumble Roses XX” (tentative title) (Konami)
- “Shutoku Battle” (tentative title) (Genki Co. Ltd.)
- “Sonic the Hedgehog” (Sega)
- “Saint’s Row” (THQ)
- “Test Drive Unlimited” (Atari Inc.)
- “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter” (Ubisoft Entertainment)
- “World Air Force” (tentative title) (Taito Corp.)
- “Wrestle Kingdom” (Yuke’s Co. Ltd.)

Microsoft has announced the Japanese pricing of Xbox 360.

Gamers in Japan will be able to buy an Xbox 360 system, which comes with a 20 GB detachable Xbox 360 Hard Drive, an Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, an Xbox 360 Media Remote control, an Xbox 360 Headset, a Component HD-AV Cable for connecting to component and composite television inputs, an Ethernet Connectivity cable, and batteries for 37,900 yen.