While Microsoft looks like achieving a fairly simultaneous launch of the console in North America, Europe and Japan, Australian gamers are going to have to wait a while. Us Europeans only have to wait until December 2 (longer if you're not fortunate enough to get one at launch), but the Aussies have to wait around three months, which will be a very painful experience for many.
As in Europe and North America, Australians will have the option of a Core system for $499.95 AU or pay $649.95 AU for the slightly better value Xbox 360 system (with hard drive, wireless controller etc). At the launch around 30 games are expected to be available. David Mclean, director of Xbox Australia and NZ has said how he expects there to be no hardware shortages such as those currently being experienced in North America and Europe.
"Based on launch and production capacity we are hoping not to have any stock issues, but it is difficult to forecast demand," said Mclean.
Xbox has a strong presence in Australia with 35-40 percent market share and the hope is that the Xbox 360 will increase this figure to beyond 51 percent.
User Comments