Microsoft Targets Family Gamers with New Xbox 360
Learning from the continued success of Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft is taking a new approach to gaming this holiday season by focusing on family gamers who care more about basic fun games then complex worlds with high-powered graphics like "Halo 3."
Although much of the next-generation console war was centered on advanced visual capabilities, Nintendo had the surprise hit with its relatively diminutive Wii. The casual and family gamer, who was largely overlooked by Microsoft and Sony, has become the driving force behind Nintendo's resurgence in the gaming industry.
Microsoft is now endeavoring to capture some of this audience by launching a new Xbox 360 model called Arcade. The version comes with a lower price tag of $279.99 USD, still slightly higher than the Wii at $249.99, but includes 5 family-friendly games. Essentially, it will replace the Xbox 360 Core system and comes with an important addition: HDMI output.
Because arcade-style games require very little space to save data, the Xbox 360 Arcade includes no hard drive; instead, Microsoft has included a 256MB memory card. Bundled in the package are "PAC-MAN Championship Edition," "Uno," "Luxor 2," "Boom Boom Rocket" and "Feeding Frenzy."
"In addition to offering an incredible all-in-one package for families to get right into the fun, the Xbox 360 Arcade system features the industry-leading Family Settings, which allow parents to control what their kids are watching and playing ??" and we know how important that control is to families around the world," Microsoft corporate vice president Jeff Bell said in a statement.
In addition to the Xbox 360 Arcade, Microsoft is making a number of other family-oriented improvements to its entertainment offers as well. The company is expanding the number of family content available to download from Xbox Live, including "Looney Tunes" cartoons and episodes of "Blue's Clues." New Shrek and SpongeBob Squarepants arcade games will also be available for download from Xbox Live Arcade.