REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 14 -- One thousand units of the much-anticipated Microsoft(R) Xbox(TM) video game system will arrive tonight at Toys "R" Us Times Square in New York City. Bill Gates, chairman and chief software architect of Microsoft Corp., will be on site to greet the first gamer in line at the store and to play with other gamers who have eagerly awaited the system.
Times Square's electronic billboards will illuminate the New York cityscape with the striking Xbox logo and visuals from some of the most captivating games in the system's launch portfolio.
"New York City is the ultimate launching pad for the ultimate video game system," Gates said. "We're kicking off sales of Xbox tonight at Toys "R" Us Times Square so gamers in the NYC area can claim bragging rights as the first in the world to own an Xbox."
Retailers' support for the launch of Xbox is unprecedented: Toys "R" Us Times Square will hold a special preview opening of its international flagship store in advance of its grand opening just to sell Xbox systems, games and accessories throughout the night and early morning hours.
"Toys 'R' Us Times Square will set the standard for the world's biggest launch events," said John Eyler, chairman and chief executive officer of Toys "R" Us Inc. "We're delighted to open our doors early to help celebrate the launch of Xbox."
Xbox systems, games and accessories will go on sale at Toys "R" Us Times Square, 1514 Broadway (at 44th Street), at midnight (line-up begins at 3 p.m.).
About Xbox
Xbox is Microsoft's future-generation video game system that delivers the most powerful game experiences ever. Xbox empowers game artists by giving them the technology to fulfill their creative visions as never before, creating games that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Xbox will be available in North America Nov. 15 for the estimated retail price of $299.99 (U.S.). More information on Xbox can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/ .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.
NOTE: Microsoft and Xbox are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
