Xbox 360 Natal release info leaked

David Swan
Thursday, 12 November 2009 06:02

Your IT - Entertainment

Microsoft's "next big thing" will see a November 2010 release, with 5 million units and a super low price.

According to a report from British tech website MCV, details of Microsoft's Project Natal release have been leaked.

The report states that "the innovative controller-free 360 camera will be released worldwide in November 2010," with 5 million units being initially available, including some bundled with SKUs and others being sold as standalone products for current Xbox 360 owners.

The leak comes after a "top secret" Microsoft tour of UK publishers and studios, with Microsoft attempting to woo the companies through detailing its exciting 2010 plans. Natal will be the "next big thing", according to Microsoft.

MCV reports that "the device should cost under £50 when sold solo." This translates to about 88 dollars AUD when using current conversion rates, meaning the retail price should be about $100 - $120 when it actually hits Oz stores. This would mean the camera add-on would be in-line with other accessories such as the Wi-Fi adaptor, and would be an ideal Christmas present come 2010.

If Natal does indeed launch in November, it would be coming 5 years after the initial launch of the Xbox 360, and at a time when sales are slowly being eclipsed by Sony's PS3. Maybe the "leaked announcement" also comes at a smart time, as potential PS3 buyers may hold off now that they know Natal is on the horizon.

Apparently, 14 games are being readied for launch. This will include titles from Activision, Bethesda, Capcom, Disney, EA, Konami, MTV, Namco Bandai, Sega, Square Enix, THQ and Ubisoft, all the "big names" of the gaming world. Each pledged allegiance to Natal back at last month's TGS.

For more background info on Natal, check out iTWire colleague Mike Bantick's article here .

Even this late in proceedings, the console war is still as vicious as ever. Sony will be launching its own motion sensing peripheral before Microsoft, but so far the Japanese firm has kept details of the launch closely under wraps.

The report does seem credible, and the price point would definitely put Microsoft in an attacking position yet again. Those looking for an "Xbox Fit" to get in shape may only have to wait another year.