Kinect Shipping November 10th; Microsoft Talks Up Windows Phone 7 Integration

Microsoft's Kinect system stands a good chance to revolutionize the console gaming world again, much like the Wii did a few years ago. Enabling full body control of games is something that may convince even casual gamers to devote more time to their console, and it's pretty clear that people are excited about the notion. The real question up until now has been: when's this thing actually going to ship?


Microsoft has been rather vague on answering that, with a generic "November" time frame being the most official data handed out. But at GamesCom over in Germany this week, the company finally put something into stone. Starting on November 10th in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Kinect will begin shipping to Xbox 360 owners. We suspect that the rest of the world will get it right around that time as well, making sure it arrives in plenty of time for holiday shopping season to really begin.

Furthermore, Microsoft is trickling out details on how Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7 will eventually interact, and it's all sounding really good for gamers. For a long time now, the iPhone has dominated this space, but with Android 3.0 promising a big gaming push, and this, we think Apple may have some real competition coming up soon. It's not the easy street it once was for iOS, that's for sure.

 Microsoft transforms entertainment at home and on the go with launch of Kinect and new Xbox LIVE experiences on Windows Phone 7 and PC

Kinect for Xbox 360 brings controller-free entertainment to Europe from November 10, 2010
Game Developers Conference Europe 2010

COLOGNE, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Xbox will transform entertainment at home and on the go this year with Kinect for Xbox 360 officially launching in Europe, Middle East and Africa1 on November 10 opening up a new world of controller-free games and Xbox LIVE entertainment. Xbox LIVE and a blockbuster line up of games on Windows Phone 7 will also launch this holiday and Microsoft announced a new line up of LIVE enabled titles coming to the PC.

Gamescom 2010 is the European premiere of Kinect for Xbox 360, introducing millions more to the intuitive freedom of being controller-free. The show will unveil new games and experiences demonstrating the depth and breadth of the launch lineup of more than 15 exclusive Kinect titles, including never-before-seen levels, new environments, achievements and characters for “Kinect Sports,” “Kinect Adventures,” “Kinectimals” and “Kinect Joyride.” MTV Games and Harmonix will also announce new chart-topping dance tracks for the highly anticipated “Dance Central”.

Speaking before the show, Chris Lewis, vice president, Interactive Entertainment Business, Microsoft Europe said, “We are bringing the Kinect experience to Europe for the first time at Gamescom because this is the biggest show in the region and we’re committed to investing in Europe and the critical role it plays in Xbox’s global success. When Kinect launches on November 10, it’s not just transformative for our business but its set to change how you use entertainment. You become the controller, giving you the choice in how you and your friends navigate entertainment and gaming experiences. We’re already seeing a high level of anticipation in Europe with sales of the Kinect ready Xbox 360 250GB creating an all-time record weekly market share2.”

“This is also the year of expansion for Xbox 360; in terms of new audiences, new markets for Xbox LIVE and multiple platforms. With Xbox LIVE on Windows Phone 7 we are bringing the quality, consistency and community of the Xbox experience to gamers on the go. With “Age of Empires Online”, “Fable III” and new games still in development we’re also bringing, social, connected gaming experiences to all new audiences on the PC. When you look at what we are bringing to the market this year with the magic of Kinect, alongside our blockbuster line-up of games, including the biggest game for 2010, “Halo: Reach”, we’re confident that Xbox 360 has something for all the family and will be the gaming and entertainment console of 2010 and beyond.”

More Kinect To Love

New Kinect game experiences which will be unveiled at Gamescom reveal a never-before-seen depth to controller-free games that will keep the casual or the hardcore gamer entertained for hours. The classic kart racing title “Kinect Joy Ride” featuring new modes that will keep gameplay fresh and challenging whether playing alone or with friends will be on show, along with thrilling new adventures exploring exotic locations, collecting treasures and earning rewards in “Kinect Adventures”. A host of cute new animal friends to help you explore the world of “Kinectimals” and three new events in “Kinect Sports” which are guaranteed to entice the family off the sofa, will also be revealed for the first time at the event.

The Blockbusters Get Bigger

2010 finds all the biggest blockbusters on Xbox 360, with an amazing 3rd party lineup proving that once again Xbox 360 is the best place to play, including the highly anticipated blockbusters “Halo:Reach” and “Fable III” which will be showing off some new features for play at Gamescom.

A New Era in Mobile Gaming

Gamescom 2010 is also the venue for the global unveil of the first wave of Xbox LIVE games launching on Windows Phone 7 this holiday. Building on Microsoft’s pioneering work with Xbox 360, Windows Phone 7 will be home to a premier, ever-expanding portfolio of Xbox LIVE titles from the most creative minds in game development, including Microsoft Game Studios. From Avatars to Achievements, friends and more, Windows Phone 7 is putting the power of Xbox LIVE into the palm of your hand.

Reinventing Classic PC Franchises

Microsoft will also unveil the newest addition to the best-selling “Age of Empires” franchise, “Age of Empires Online.” Marrying fresh online features with iconic gameplay, “Age of Empires Online” will offer something for long-time fans, newcomers, and everyone in between. Additionally, Microsoft will announce the development of a new game inspired by the time-honored “Flight Simulator” franchise. Published by Microsoft Game Studios, these new titles, along with the previously announced “Fable III,” fully integrate the free3 “Games for Windows – LIVE” online service to deliver compelling, socially-connected gameplay experiences.