NEWS - Monday, March 13, 2006


Xbox Gears Up For Australian Debut

If you already know the answer to that question then you are probably one of many Australian gaming enthusiasts expected to queue up for an Xbox 360 gaming console. With movie-like graphics and sound underpinned by some heavy duty horsepower, it has been said that the unit brings a new level of realism to gaming. It will cost either $499.95 for a "core" system or $649.95 for a unit bundled with additional features. Microsoft claims pre-sales figures indicate the launch will be the largest entertainment launch in Australian history, outstripping both one-day sales for U2’s Vertigo tour, and first day takings of Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix. To mark the event, metropolitan electronics stores like Harvey Norman will be opening their doors at midnight and the Electronics boutique at Pitt Street Mall is expected to play host to between 500 to 1000 customers queuing up for the pre-ordered Xbox 360. Live music, video walls and street performers have been organised to entertain them as they stand in line. "Once they have their console a lot of customers will go straight home and start playing games. We did poll of 1000 of them and a significant number have already planned their sick day," said David McLean, Microsoft’s Australian director of home and entertainment. Based on pre-sales figures, the company expects to make about $30-40 million in Xbox 360 retail sales by launch with $20-25 million spent on consoles and $10-15 million on games. Rutland Smith, general manager of computers and communication at Harvey Norman said: "the Xbox 360 had been strongest pre-sale to date we’ve experienced for any games console. We are still taking pre-orders but anticipate that supply will soon become very restricted." So when it comes to buying the console, will customers actually be able to lay their hands on one? Production problems and continuing high demand have hampered the roll out of the Xbox 360 many territories of the world and the US market is still reported to be suffering shortages since the November launch. Those desperate to get their hands on it there have resorted to bidding on eBay auctions often at higher-than-retail prices. In Australia, Microsoft decided to delay the Australian roll out by 11 days to address continuing production problems and high demand, but the company is not expecting to see a repeat of the shortages experienced in the US with additional manufacturing plants now producing consoles to fulfil the global demand. "We have benefited by waiting for some production issues to be alleviated which has given us a chance to stock up. But demand has been unprecedented," said Mr McLean. According to Harvey Norman, those that have pre-ordered their box are guaranteed to get their hands on a machine on launch day. About 40 games will be available at launch with some local titles expected down the track. Microsoft said the most popular so far were World War II game Call of Duty, PGR 3 and Perfect Dark Zero. And when it comes to accessories, Mr Smith said "the wireless controller is number one choice without a doubt". Other popular add-ons include adaptors to link up the Xbox with high definition TVs and new faceplates which allow customisation of the unit. "We have done some research that told us Xbox 360 is helping to selling high-definition TVs around the world," said Mr Mclean, adding that he expected this trend to be even more pronounced in Australia where high volumes of stock have not yet been sold. Both Sony and Nintendo are expected to ship their own next generation gaming consoles over the next year.
Source: http://smh.com.au/

Site Statistics

Registered Members: 77,482
Forum Posts: 725,960
Xbox One Titles: 5,549
Xbox 360 Titles: 1,086
Xbox 360 Kinect Titles: 95
Xbox 360 Arcade Titles: 586
Original Xbox Titles: 987
Staff Reviews: 2,489
Member Reviews: 10,339
News Articles: 16,523
Screenshots: 38,151
Xbox 360 Achievements: 45,112
Xbox 360 Faceplates: 2,016
Cheat Codes: 1,706

Latest News





Nacon Unveils RIG 900 MAX HX

Nacon Unveils RIG 900 MAX HXLicensed for Xbox, the 900 MAX marks the pinnacle in wireless game audio, merging capabilities such as a personalized Dolby Atmos headphone experience, dual wireless connectivity with Bluetooth audio, and a seamless charging base station.


Nacon Announces New RIG 600 PRO Headset Line

Nacon Announces New RIG 600 PRO Headset LineThe RIG 600 PRO HX is officially licensed for Xbox and includes Dolby Atmos for Headphones. Gamers can experience three-dimensional precision audio by simply connecting the USB-C wireless adaptor to the Xbox console or PC.



See News Archives

Community Forum Activity

KeyWe Giveaway!
Post by Variation-XBA
0 Replies, 17960 Views

2021: XBA is still here
Post by shrew king
33 Replies, 158895 Views

Watch Dogs: Legion
Post by Nato King
0 Replies, 104080 Views

Xbox Series X or S
Post by Nato King
5 Replies, 122720 Views

Spellbreak Grand Magus Pack (3) and Starter Pack (7) Giveaway!
Post by Variation-XBA
0 Replies, 114120 Views

I pay $ 1000! I search the Element 54 Canadian launch Team signaturen Faceplate
Post by Smill
0 Replies, 130621 Views

Xbox one no signal
Post by debrartin
0 Replies, 126628 Views

do you remember?
Post by SnoochyBoochy
3 Replies, 179617 Views

i haz xbox
Post by SnoochyBoochy
0 Replies, 140674 Views

Claiming the first thread of 2020
Post by Kraft
7 Replies, 225340 Views

Important! I pay $ 1000! I search the Sweden launch and the Element 54 Faceplate
Post by Smill
3 Replies, 128327 Views

Squad Up
Post by samslophead
0 Replies, 222470 Views

TERA Skinned Xbox One X Giveaway!
Post by Variation-XBA
0 Replies, 158363 Views

Starfield Release expectations?
Post by DJ tx
4 Replies, 275691 Views

Issue with Xbox live on Xbox home
Post by rcmpayne
0 Replies, 152634 Views

© 2000-2023 XboxAddict.com - All rights reserved. All trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft. XboxAddict.com is not affiliated with Microsoft.

Made in Canada
Site Design by Cameron Graphics