XBOX 360 @ Tokyo Gameshow 2005

[GhostRiderTGAC]

Well E3 was definitely big this year but everyone is really looking forward to how Microsoft is going to position themselves in the Asian markets which are dominated by Sony and Nintendo products. The lackluster sales of the current generation XBOX in Asia as well as Europe have really dissappointed Microsoft Execs (they just want to be king of the hill everywhere) but this does potentially mean there will be big things coming to 360. Games we could only dream about playing on this platform before will become reality. Microsoft is betting the bank this time and the bank they have to bet is pretty darned big! Ok, so what will be interesting is what games and other goodies they have held back on just so they could debut them at the Tokyo Gameshow. I know I will be keeping up to date on the news from the land of the rising sun. I will try and post what I find out. If you all see something interesting coming out of the show please don't hesitate to post. Also, don't post rumors, back it up with something solid.

Here's Microsoft's Press Release...

Xbox.com at the Tokyo Game Show
Join us for Xbox.com’s live coverage of the 2005 Tokyo Game Show this Wednesday, September 14 through Saturday, September 17 from the Nippon Convention Center in Tokyo. We expect some big announcements about Xbox 360™, and we'll have the latest news as soon as it breaks.

Chief Xbox Officer Robert J. Bach is a keynote speaker at the show and will be sure to offer an Xbox 360-oriented perspective on this year’s theme: "Your front row ticket to the next generation of gaming." The Tokyo Game Show promises visitors the opportunity to experience a new generation of games and a new world of entertainment firsthand.

This year the buzz is all about Xbox 360, its awesome lineup of games, the fantastic array of accessories, and the next generation of Xbox Live®. We'll have the latest information straight from the show floor, so come back to Xbox.com for up-to-the-minute coverage!

[GhostRiderTGAC]

Well a ton of games have shown up at the Tokyo Game Show 2005 and I hope to have the full run down for you later today. Microsoft also highlighted XBOX Live! and is really making the jump to online gaming easier. If you weren't a member with you gen 1 box you will be with your 360 and you won't have to go out and buy anything the software is built in this time. Also for those of you who want to stay stealthy don't worry about having to use your credit card to sign up. Microsoft is going to begin offering pre-paid subscription cards (kinda like what you PC games buy for EverQuest or Worlds of Warcraft). Check out the rest of the MS press release and check back soon for more news!

[glow=red,2,300]Xbox Live Supercharges Xbox 360 Online[/glow]
Removal of credit card barrier blows open the door to thriving online games service.

Redmond, Wash.—Microsoft® today announced that the next generation of online multiplayer gaming service Xbox Live® will be available in North America on the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system starting this holiday. In addition to the free Xbox Live Silver membership available to every Xbox 360 owner, for only $49.99 (U.S.) gamers can amplify their gaming experience with a 12-month Xbox Live Gold membership. Gamers looking for a truly engaging and immersive online multiplayer experience can pick up one of the Xbox Live Premium Gold Packs, which include the new Xbox 360 Headset, Xbox Live Arcade games, Microsoft® Points for use in Xbox Live Marketplace, and mail-in rebates for up to $20 (U.S.) off any Xbox 360 game.
Microsoft also today announced that credit cards will no longer be required to create an account on Xbox Live for Xbox 360, removing one of the biggest barriers to entry. Gamers can purchase 12-month Xbox Live subscription cards via cash or other payment methods at any participating retail store. Subscriptions will also be available for purchase by credit card in one-month, three-month, and 12-month increments through the Xbox Live Dashboard.
The next generation of Xbox Live will be offered to gamers through two levels of service. Xbox Live Silver is a free level of the service offered to all who own an Xbox 360 system, a high-speed Internet connection, and a memory unit or a hard drive. The Xbox Live Gold membership delivers the full Xbox Live premium online experience annually for $49.99 (U.S.)* which averages to a little more than $4 a month (U.S.). The Xbox Live offers include the following: