March 14, 2002. Copyright 2001. Graphic News. All rights reserved.

Xbox aims to make it big after European launch

LONDON, March 14, Graphic News: Microsoft CorpÕs much hyped Xbox games console has gone on sale in shops across Europe, going head-to-head against SonyÕs PlayStation 2 and NintendoÕs GameCube.

Many stores opened at midnight on Thursday to allow keen games console fans to get their hands on the new machine, which costs 479 euros (US$419, £299).

The software giant is confident that it will be able to build on its success in its home market. Since the console was released last November it has sold 1.5 million machines in the U.S., with an average of three games sold for each box. 

It was launched last month in Japan where there have been reports that a small number of the machines caused scratches on some CDs and DVDs.

Microsoft is confident that that its high European price tag -- $120 (£85) more than its U.S. price, and $140  (£100) more expensive than PS2 -- will not put off consumers.   

Michel Cassius, head of publishing for Xbox Europe, said: "Xbox has got the latest technology and there is so much more in the box for your money."

Cassius said 20 games would be available at launch, with 60 titles by June and with a further 250 games in development.

Nintendo, whose GameCube will be the last to join the global battle, recently announced details of a $114m (£810,000) pan-European marketing campaign, paving the way for the launch of the Nintendo GameCube in Europe on May 3.  

The global console software market is worth $17.7 billion  (£12.6 billion) annually.
/ENDS

Source: Microsoft, Associated Press