Xbox 360 to Launch in U.S. Nov. 22

TOKYO - Microsoft Corp. said Friday that its next-generation Xbox 360 will go on sale in the United States on Nov. 22, in Europe on Dec. 2 and in Japan on Dec. 10 — the first time a major console maker has attempted a near-simultaneous worldwide launch.

The machine will come in two versions: a $299.99 core system with a wired controller, and a $399.99 package that adds a 20-gigabyte hard drive, a wireless controller, a headset and a remote — a two-tier strategy new to the console business.

The pricing puts Microsoft a generation ahead of its rivals on the calendar. Sony's PlayStation 3 is not expected until spring 2006 at the earliest, and Nintendo's Revolution — unveiled the same day in Tokyo — arrives even later.

"This is our launch," said Peter Moore, the Microsoft vice president leading the Xbox business, at the Tokyo Game Show. "The next generation starts Nov. 22."

The 360 is built around three IBM processors and ATI graphics capable of high-definition output — a bet that the HDTV sets now entering living rooms will sell the upgrade. Microsoft's Xbox Live online service, already the console's signature feature, gets a free basic tier plus a paid premium level.

Retailers have warned of shortages. Microsoft has not disclosed initial shipment numbers, and analysts expect demand to outrun supply into the holidays — a position the company calls enviable and stores call frustrating.

The launch is Microsoft's bid to convert its strong second-place finish behind Sony into a market lead. The original Xbox sold about 22 million units against the PlayStation 2's 90 million — but beat expectations and built the online franchise the company now leans on.

Expected launch-window titles include the sequel "Perfect Dark Zero", a new "Project Gotham Racing" and third-party hits like "Madden NFL 06" and "Call of Duty 2".

One open question is backward compatibility: Microsoft says the 360 will play "top-selling" Xbox games through software emulation, but has not promised the whole library.