Xbox 2 Unveiling Date Confirmed

[HLOCKE]

has announced that it will not be unveiling the Xbox 2 (codenamed "Xenon") at E3, as was previously expected. Rather, it will be revealed on May 12 in a MTV special. Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's Revolution are expected to be unveiled at E3 on May 16.

"It doesn't make sense to unveil the product behind a closed door, at a trade-only event. We wanted to talk directly to the consumer first," said Peter Moore, Corporate VP of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for Xbox.

The MTV special will be hosted by Elijah Wood, star of The Lord of the Rings movies and feature a performance by the rock group "The Killers." Many other celebrities and athletes will be on hand to show off the new console. MTV will air teaser spots prior to the event and screening parties will be held in countries in which MTV airs.

Moore stated that the launch decision is to not only "feed the core" gamers, but also to "captivate the masses." The unveiling on MTV is a "signal of the strong change in the way we do business." Themes of optimism and community will be stressed in the campaign, said Moore.

This meshes with what Ourcolony.net, the ilovebees-like marketing tool for Xbox 2, states. "Colony isn't about alternate reality gaming, it is reality. It's about the reality of your world, your friends, your life. Colony isn't political, it's global."

Moore also stated that the companies behind games for the Xenon's launch will be based all around the world. The Xbox has done very poorly in Japan, and Microsoft wants to change the idea that Xbox is an American brand.

Xenon is expected to launch in October/November of this year.


Source: gamesarefun.com

[Son Goshin]

interesting. maybe i'll watch it just to listen to the killers. but really, i want to see what it looks like, and find out if it's backwards compatible. has there been any word on that yet by the way?

[HLOCKE]

Son said:

interesting. maybe i'll watch it just to listen to the killers. but really, i want to see what it looks like, and find out if it's backwards compatible. has there been any word on that yet by the way?

It's really up in the air whether or not Xbox 2 will have backwards compatibility. Some say it definitely won't be in, while others are saying buying the separate Xbox harddrive will allow you to have backwards compatibility. All we know for sure is that this issue should be resolved May 12. If Xbox 2 does have backwards compatibility, then I'll get one for sure. If it doesn't then I'll pick up an Xbox I now, and an Xbox 2 much later.

[FoxExecutive]

DARN! I was going to post this. LOL Anyway, expect MTV to have a ratings boost on May 12. I can't wait to see what the specs are on that system. I'm going to wait, however, before buying any new systems so I can get the best two. Actually the scenario will most likely be Revolution and PS3/Xbox2. In all aspects I think this is a great, great idea to unveil the system on public television.

[shadow]

Yep, i've already made a note just so i dont forget to watch this. Should be amazing.
I think M$ really want to reach out to the mass public with Xbox 2 and this is exactly the way to do it.

[Iso_Gogeta]

X-Box 2 eyyy....... i wonder how the appearance looks like.

[ssj4gokou]

has announced that it will not be unveiling the Xbox 2 (codenamed "Xenon") at E3, as was previously expected. Rather, it will be revealed on May 12 in a MTV special. Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's Revolution are expected to be unveiled at E3 on May 16.

"It doesn't make sense to unveil the product behind a closed door, at a trade-only event. We wanted to talk directly to the consumer first," said Peter Moore, Corporate VP of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for Xbox.

The MTV special will be hosted by Elijah Wood, star of The Lord of the Rings movies and feature a performance by the rock group "The Killers." Many other celebrities and athletes will be on hand to show off the new console. MTV will air teaser spots prior to the event and screening parties will be held in countries in which MTV airs.

Moore stated that the launch decision is to not only "feed the core" gamers, but also to "captivate the masses." The unveiling on MTV is a "signal of the strong change in the way we do business." Themes of optimism and community will be stressed in the campaign, said Moore.

This meshes with what Ourcolony.net, the ilovebees-like marketing tool for Xbox 2, states. "Colony isn't about alternate reality gaming, it is reality. It's about the reality of your world, your friends, your life. Colony isn't political, it's global."

Moore also stated that the companies behind games for the Xenon's launch will be based all around the world. The Xbox has done very poorly in Japan, and Microsoft wants to change the idea that Xbox is an American brand.

Xenon is expected to launch in October/November of this year.


Source: gamesarefun.com

Personally, I think it's a brilliant move. MTV is an excellent network (i would laugh out loud if they did this on G4) with a very broad viewer base audience. Unveiling this early on MTV will attract many viewers and probably will reach more mainstream gamers that don't follow up on E3.