Press release
Five years ago today, Microsoft Corp. unveiled the Xbox 360 to the world, a next-generation gaming platform which, from the get-go, has consistently evolved and transformed entertainment in UK living rooms. From the beloved Xbox 360 Arcade, Pro and Elite models of yore through numerous special editions, holiday bundles and the advent of Xbox LIVE, to the sleek new 250GB and 4GB models of 2010, Xbox has morphed into a true entertainment powerhouse, successfully delivering an amazing array of gaming, movie, music and TV experiences to millions of owners here in the UK and around the world. Some industry-defining milestones of what’s been an extraordinary five-year journey include:

* Xbox 360 unveils HD gaming, Achievements and more in 2005. Today, Xbox 360 continues to deliver the biggest exclusives and entertainment, including the blockbuster Halo, Gears of War, Forza Motorsport and Fable franchises

* New Xbox Experience in 2008 reinvents home entertainment with the introduction of Xbox LIVE Party, personalized Avatars and a streamlined dashboard that puts all your movies, music and heart-pounding multiplayer action at your fingertips

* In 2009, Xbox LIVE Gold members can stream live TV from Sky, watch movies in stunning 1080p HD video with Zune Video, listen to all their favourite music on Last.fm, and connect with friends on both Facebook and Twitter

* And in 2010, Kinect for Xbox 360 delivers an entirely new way to play. Kinect for Xbox 360 delivers extraordinary controller-free gaming and entertainment. Already topping Christmas wish lists everywhere, Kinect has sold more than 2.5 million units worldwide in less than one month and is on-pace to hit five million by the end of the year

Overall, more than 45 million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold worldwide, and Xbox 360 has been the number one console in Europe and the U.S. for the past five months .

As the ultimate centerpiece of any living room, Xbox 360 and Kinect deliver the ultimate value that the entire family can enjoy together this Christmas, with gaming, movies, music, sports and more all at your fingertips. For only £249.99, bring games and entertainment to life, no controller required, with an Xbox 360 4GB console, a Kinect sensor, a copy of Kinect Adventures and a one-month Gold membership to Xbox LIVE.

“Families are looking for more value than ever this Christmas and looking to stretch their money,” said Stephen McGill, Director of Xbox and Entertainment, UK & Ireland. “An Xbox 360 console and Kinect can bring everyone together this season and entertain every single member of the family, from kids to grandparents. And with Kinect for Xbox 360, all you need is your voice, hands and body to jump into the controller-free fun.”

Kinect for Xbox 360 is now available in the UK at £129.99 ERP for the stand-alone Kinect Sensor and “Kinect Adventures” game, or £249.99 ERP for the all-in-one Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle including the new Xbox 360 4GB console.