NEWS - Tuesday, June 11, 2002
Microsoft tells online gaming plans for Japan
Microsoft has set a price for online gaming for Xbox owners in Japan. The Xbox Live service will cost 6,800 yen (£37) for a 12-month subscription when it launches in the autumn. It is expected to launch in North America and Europe around the same time. The kit will sell for $49 (£33.50) in the US. Pricing details for Britain are not yet available. Microsoft says the starter packs will include the online game Phantasy Star Online. Other titles planned include Whacked!, Mech Assault and Midtown Madness 3. The company promises the service will allow gamers to quickly find their friends across the network. They will be able to talk to them while playing using a special headset. Microsoft currently trails Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube in worldwide sales. But experts say the Xbox's more powerful specification should help make up ground should online gaming take off.Source: http://www.ananova.com/