If you thought that Microsoft had disappeared from the scene following the launch of the Xbox 360 Arcade console, well…they did, but there’s no need to worry. They still have a lot planned for India this year, and I, along with Krishnan from The Angry Pixel, had the opportunity to speak with Jaspreet Bindra and Sanjoy John from the company’s Entertainment and Devices division this morning and find out more about it. There’s quite a bit to process here so let’s do this in point form.
Xbox 360 Elites coming back
There have been rumours of the Xbox 360 Pro SKU being discontinued internationally in favour of the Elite, and that seems all but certain now. We will soon get the Xbox 360 Elite consoles (originally launched here in limited quantities at Rs 35,000) back in India and Microsoft says they will be priced at Pro price points. The Pro was officially priced at Rs 27,750, which means the top-of-the-line Xbox 360, complete with a 120 GB hard drive and all-black demeanor, will compete directly with the PS3.
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512 MB Arcade console + bundles
We’ve also been told that while the Arcade consoles that were sold here at launch contained 256 MB internal storage memory, the newer shipment will come with 512 MB, which means they are sure to contain the (mostly) RRoD-proof Jasper chipset. There will also be console bundles in the offing. We have finally seen the last of the Forza 2/Viva Pinata bundles and the newer ones will contain Halo 3 and Project Gotham Racing 4.
Halo 3: ODST and Forza 3 to release day one
Two of Microsoft’s biggest first-party titles this year, or rather the only first-party titles this year – Halo 3: ODST and Forza Motorsport 3, will both release in India on day one. Oh, but there’s more – the Forza 3 Collector’s Edition, the “amazing” contents of which are yet to be revealed, will also be sold in India on day one. There’s even talk of bringing the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel to India. Microsoft is also making efforts to ensure that Indian Xbox 360 owners aren’t deprived of the awesomeness of Splinter Cell: Conviction, although no details were divulged. Lastly, there’s a new Gears of War 2 SKU releasing in December; it will contain additional content (my guess is map packs) and will be priced at platinum rates.
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Xbox LIVE/Broadband packages
Finding it hard to secure an affordable internet connection that will let you play on Xbox LIVE lag-free? I know many are, and Microsoft is working with certain major ISPs to come up with an Xbox LIVE-Broadband connection package that will make getting on Xbox LIVE faster, easier, and more affordable. While the intention is great, it seems like a rather unusual pairing, and its unlikely that people would opt for an internet service purely because it works well with Xbox LIVE. Let’s see how it plays out though. More info as we get it.
Post-warranty support
Those like me, who purchased an Xbox 360 at Indian launch, are probably starting to worry now, with the three-year RRoD warranty expiring this year. But Microsoft has us covered, or so they say, because they wouldn’t reveal to us exactly what the post-warranty support plan was. What they did say is that if your console does malfunction post-warranty, the process of getting it repaired/replaced will not be a cumbersome one and won’t involve shipping it abroad. There was no confirmation on how much that support would cost or whether there will be an option to purchase extended warranty.
There. Quite a lot to digest, but that’s how it is with Microsoft India. They lay low for months and when you least expect it, they drown you in news and announcements. And something tells me this is only the beginning; there’s lots more coming.
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