Press Release: New Xbox 360, Kinect Sensor and “Kinect Adventures” — Get All Your Controller-Free Entertainment in One Complete Package

[Official Press Release received earlier… now you know as much as we do]

South Africa — July 20, 2010 — Microsoft Corp. today announced an all-in-one opportunity to jump into the controller-free fun of Kinect coming this Christmas: the all-new Xbox 360 4GB console, the revolutionary Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures” will be packaged together and priced at R3699.99 Estimated Retail Price (ERP). With “Kinect Adventures,” players will make their way through 20 adventures, navigating roaring rapids and ducking and dodging through mountaintop obstacle courses and other exotic locations — no controller, wand or balance board required.

In addition, existing Xbox 360 console owners can purchase the Kinect sensor with “Kinect Adventures” for R1999.99(ERP).  The sensor, which will work with each of the 13 million¹ Xbox 360 consoles sold across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), is uniquely able to track your full body movements, respond to your voice and deliver a multiplayer experience right out of the box.

In addition, the new Xbox 360 4GB console, which begins shipping from August 20 in EMEA, will be available for R2399.99 (ERP).With a sleek new design, the Xbox 360 4GB console looks great and includes built-in Wi-Fi N, 4GB of internal flash memory, touch-sensitive buttons and a black matte finish.²

“Kinect for Xbox 360 offers tremendous entertainment value, transforming our living rooms into fitness classes, dance clubs and sports stadiums through full body, voice and multiplayer games,” said Chris Lewis, vice president, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Europe. “Whether you’re new to Xbox 360 or an existing console owner, we’re committed to offering Kinect experiences that offer controller-free fun and entertainment right out of the box and these unique products and retail offers provide the most complete and affordable way for all the family to enjoy Kinect this Christmas.”

More than 15 games are set to be available at launch. In addition to games, Kinect changes the way you experience entertainment by putting your favorite movies, TV programs and music all in one place and controlling it with just the wave of a hand. Kinect also creates new ways for friends and family to have fun together. With Video Kinect, share a smile with friends and family, as you open a window into living rooms around the world.

Starting today, select retailers are taking pre-orders for the Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle at R3699.99(ERP) and the Kinect for Xbox at R1999.99 (ERP). In addition, Kinect games, including “Kinectimals,” “Kinect Sports” and “Kinect Joy Ride,” will retail for R399.99(ERP).

About Kinect

Kinect for Xbox 360 brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways — no controller required. Simple to use and fun to play, Kinect for Xbox 360 allows owners to jump into Kinect-enabled games for any type of play, and the Kinect Hub puts your favorite movies and TV programs, music, live sports, and social networks all in one place. The Kinect sensor recognizes you, responds to your gestures, listens to your voice and works with every Xbox 360 console (175 MB of memory required). More information about Kinect for Xbox 360 can be found at http://www.xbox.com/kinect.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. This November, with the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play — no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of music, standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the leading social network of 25 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

¹ Microsoft estimates based on GFK-ChartTrack and other retail data

² There is also an one-year limited warranty on the console

Last Updated: July 20, 2010