The powerful console will hit Japanese retailers on February 22, 2002, at a RRP of 34,800 yen (approx. £182 UK or $290 US) and 12 launch titles.

The games set for release alongside Xbox are:

Jet Set Radio Future - Konami
Genma Onimusha - Capcom
Silent Hill 2 - Konami
DOUBLE-S.T.E.A.L. - Bunkasha
Air Force Delta II - Konami
Hyper Sports 2002 Winter - Konami
ESPN Winter X Games Snowboarding 2002 - Konami
Nobunga's Ambition: Chronicles of Chaos - Koei
Nezmix - Microsoft
Tenku: Freestyle Snowboarding - Microsoft
Project Gotham Racing: World Street Racer - Microsoft
Dead or Alive 3 - Microsoft

There will be a succession of games released following the initial launch and 22 titles available to buy by the end of March. Games will be priced between 6,800 and 9,800 yen.

Not only that but the company will also launch a special edition Xbox with 50,000 units available at launch. The 39,800 yen console will be a greenish black in colour with a translucent textured case and silver logo with black lettering. There will also be a limited edition silver-plated key chain featuring Bill Gates' signature and engraved serial number.

Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer at Microsoft said: "Xbox has become a cultural phenomenon in North America that we're confident will spread around the world. From that position of strength, we're working with our industry partners to tap into the growing excitement for Xbox and Xbox games in Japan."

Date: 2002-01-22

Posted by: Ross

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