Microsoft confirms worldwide Q4 Xbox 360 launch

Today at the Xbox Summit 2005 in Japan, Microsoft corporate vice president of worldwide retail sales and marketing Peter Moore reconfirmed that the Xbox 360 will be launching as scheduled in Japan, Europe, and North America at the end of the year. His statement at the summit shot down rumors that the console's release in Japan may be delayed until 2006.

"We are going to make history when we launch in three regions [of the world] this holiday season: Japan, Europe, and North America. That's never been done before, but we will do it," Moore confidently told the crowd. Bach also reiterated Microsoft's commitment to the Japanese market, where the Xbox has captured only a small segment of consumers.

"We all know that Japan is the world's first gaming superpower, and this country remains the gold standard for success in the industry," said Moore. "This time, the rest of the world is starting to realize that the Xbox 360 is a real contender, right here in Japan. That is a very important point, because I know that success in this country is the ultimate tribute to the compelling power of our new platform."