Xbox 360 expectations raised in Japan

Mike Bantick
Thursday, 09 October 2008 15:57

Your IT - Entertainment

On Thursday November 19th Microsoft will launch the new Dashboard software for the Xbox 360.  According to Microsoft the update will bring:

Entertainment without limits. Xbox 360 invites you into a world where the best games live side by side with your personal pictures and music library, ready to share anytime with friends across the globe through the Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network.

LIVE Parties: Xbox 360 is the only device that allows you to create a virtual party on your TV with up to seven friends. With LIVE Party, voice chat while you play games, share photos real-time and entertain friends all over the world.

Personality Plus. Create a customisable, animated Avatar and literally jump into the world of Xbox LIVE. Your Avatar is your game-face throughout the New Xbox Experience and represents your personality – whether you’re a LIVE Party host or chatting with a friend.
With custom Avatars created by the more than 14 million members worldwide, Xbox LIVE will have as many Avatars as Tokyo has residents.

Microsoft has also announced new bundling for the Australian market.  Specifically; For AU$349, the Xbox 360 Arcade Spring Bundle comes with six free games, including “Sega Superstars Tennis” and five games for the Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360.

Additionally, the Xbox 360 console AU$499  and Xbox 360 Elite AU$649 throw in LEGO Indiana
Jones: The Original Adventures and “Kung Fu Panda for free.

It is a tough market the Xbox 360 as it battles public relations, perceived cultural issues and of course the well entrenched brands of Sony and Nintendo.  Competition is good though, and having three players in the market, even one that has broadened in demographic over the past couple of years, means all three are attempting to be the best they can.