Microsoft all game for its next gaming sensation in India

New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) Software solutions-major Microsoft Corporation will launch its popular video-gaming sensation Xbox 360 in India on September 23, 2006.

This was announced by Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division India Country Manager Mohit Anand, here today, who added that initially two versions of the gaming console -- a specialised desktop computer used to play video games -- will be introduced in the country.

''Xbox 360 System and Xbox 360 Core System will be priced at Rs 19,990 (plus taxes) and Rs 23,990 (plus taxes) respectively and will be launched alongwith 25 titles (games) on the starting day of Navratras, September 23. The number of titles will be increased in a staggared manner to 160,'' Mr Anand told reporters.

In the first go, the company will bring in 5,000-odd units of the equipment, which will be available through 1,400 retail stores across the country, he specified adding, 1,050 kiosks -- some already operational -- will be deployed in various cities to arouse interest among gaming enthusiasts.

The Xbox 360 will come with a plethora of accessories like detachable hard drive, wireless controller, universal media remote control, play and charge kit, rechargeable batteries, which together will make it easy to handle.

Microsoft has already sold eight million units of Xbox 360 internationally and expects to take the sales figures pass 10-million mark by December 31, 2006, he said.

Facilitating 'convergence of entertainment in one device', as Mr Anand called it, the device will also have a Component HD-AV Cable for conncecting it to composite television inputs.

In order to aid Xbox 360's easy acceptability and to create awareness among the youth in the age group of 10-25 years, the entertainment and device division of the company, today also entered into a strategic partnership with MTV Networks India.

As per the agreement, MTV will develop unique programming content for the console across its three channels in India -- MTV, VH1 and Nick. The two partners will also organise joint events for the promotion of the device.

''With its popularity among the Indian youth, MTV is perfectly positioned for reaching out to them across the nation,'' Mr Anand said.

MTV Networks also launched 'Viacom Brand Solutions', a multimedia approach to offer marketing solutions to brands, in India. ''Under the initiative, the company has tied-up with 75 colleges and over 300 youth hang-outs and will use a bouquet of three channels to understand the youth better and serve our partners well,'' MTV Networks India MD and MTV Networks Asia Executive Vice President Amit Jain said.

''Infomercials and Video-Mods (to be read as Video-Modifiers), in which favourite gaming characters will be introduced in music videos, will be watched for the first time in India,'' he added.

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