Built for the hardcore competitive gamer, the Razer Onza Tournament Edition offers superior customizability with adjustable resistance analog sticks. Onza’s tagline Resistance is Futile means nothing stands in your way for exceptional precision. Twist the analog sticks in one direction to make them more resistant for steadier control, or twist in the opposite direction for quicker, fluid movements. Boom! He’s dead. Boom! She’s dead. You’re just too fast; nothing’s stopping you when you have an Onza in your hands.

The Razer Onza Standard Edition features Multi-Function Buttons (MFB) on the controller’s shoulders which allow remapping of critical buttons to any location under your fingertips. Not only does this increase efficiency of game control, but aids those with disabilities unable to reach specific functions on a crappy standard controller. Razer lets everybody play. Both Standard and Tournament Editions feature MFB, Hyperesponse™ technology, PC compatibility, and a 15 foot cable for the ultimate pleasure in Xbox gaming.

About the Razer Onza Tournament Edition Xbox 360 Controller:

The Razer Onza TE Gaming Controller gives professional gamers the competitive edge by bringing together all of these awesome customizable features to make the Xbox 360 your bitch. Featuring adjustable resistance on both analog sticks and two fully programmable Multi-Function Buttons (MFB), there is no excuse not to be the top scorer, whatever the game.

With an improved D-pad, Hyperesponse technology on backlit action buttons, PC compatibility and a 15 foot lightweight braided cable with quick release USB connector, it’s no wonder the controller’s tournament-controversial.

“The very first time we saw Kinect, we knew it would be a ‘must have’ item for the holiday season,” said Richard Barry, vice president, general merchandise manager, Toys “R” Us® Inc. “There is no better place in the world to introduce innovative new products than Toys “R” Us, and we are excited about the full day of activities planned in New York City, building up to the much anticipated sale of the first Kinect sensor at our flagship store in Times Square.”

Excitement for Kinect has reached a fever pitch. Over the past four months, tens of thousands of kids and parents, seasoned gamers and newbies alike jumped into the world of controller-free entertainment on the nationwide Kinect Experience Tour. This week, Microsoft continues to fan the flames with the launch of the Kinect global ad campaign.

Tune in to see Kinect for Xbox 360 featured on “The Oprah Show” on Tuesday, Oct. 19 as part of “Susan Boyle, Jackie Evancho: What Happened to the Next Big Thing?” Check local listings for air times. Even Ellen is in on the fun when Kinect makes a special appearance on the “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” later this month.

“The Xbox 360 team created a multiyear, integrated campaign showcasing real people at the heart of the experience,” said Mike Delman, corporate vice president of IEB global marketing, Microsoft. “Kinect puts consumers at the center of their entertainment, and our marketing efforts follow that same charter.”

A Gift for the Whole Family

For less than the price of four tickets to see “The Nutcracker” this holiday, Kinect is a gift that awakens the living room all year round with laughter, camaraderie and the simple joy of new experiences shared with family and friends. The all-in-one Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect includes the new Xbox 360 4GB console, Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures,” priced at $299.99 ERP (U.S.). Or for those who have an Xbox 360 console1 at home, the stand-alone Kinect for Xbox 360 priced at $149.99 ERP (U.S.) includes the Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures” and works with the 42 million Xbox 360 consoles currently in homes worldwide.

With 17 Kinect-enabled titles debuting in November, Kinect for Xbox 360 offers something for gamers (and nongamers) of every stripe.

Family Game Night … With a Kinect Twist

Befriend a playful tiger cub, collect treasures from around the globe or cast a spell in the wizarding world. Whether adopting a new family pet in “Kinectimals” (Frontier Developments Ltd./Microsoft Game Studios), or embarking on a wet and wild rafting trip in “Kinect Adventures” (Good Science Studio/Microsoft Game Studios), Kinect for Xbox 360 is the one gift the whole family will enjoy this holiday season.

Capcom and SEGA delighted the TGS audience with two exclusive games for Kinect for Xbox 360: “Steel Battalion™ Heavy Armor,” a unique battle experience, and the first-person horror adventure “Rise of Nightmares.” Microsoft also previewed a new portfolio of Kinect for Xbox 360 games including eerie amusement-park thriller “codename D” by Grasshopper Manufacture, 3-D adventure game “Project Draco” by Grounding, and the chilling mystery “Haunt” by NanaOn-Sha.

“Microsoft has never been more committed to Japanese developers, the heart of innovative gameplay, thrilling stories and iconic heroes,” Spencer said. “To date, Japanese games have already grossed more than $2 billion on Xbox 360, and today’s announcements signal tremendous opportunities for Japanese developers to deliver the future of gaming with Kinect.”

“This is the biggest year in our history with controller-free entertainment, the best blockbuster games, movies, television, music and sports all coming to Xbox 360,” Sensui said. “With the talent of the best creators from Japan, we’re able to bring even more fresh and unexpected experiences to millions of people around the world.”

Five Exclusive Titles for Kinect for Xbox 360

Looking for adventure and a rush of adrenaline? Microsoft introduced five immersive, exclusive Kinect for Xbox 360 games available in 2011:

“codename D” (Grasshopper Manufacture, Microsoft Game Studios). From the famed makers of “killer7” and the “NO MORE HEROES” series comes “codename D” from SUDA 51 for Microsoft Game Studios. You must fight for your life to survive an evil amusement park filled with twisted and eerie creatures. With “codename D” for Kinect for Xbox 360, you are the controller as you unleash devastating effects to destroy enemies and objects.

“Project Draco” (Grounding, Microsoft Game Studios). The director of the cult hits “Phantom Dust” and “Panzer Dragoon,” game director Yukio Futatsugi, brings you an epic 3-D flying shooter. With the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360, you will be able to nurture and learn to communicate with your dragon as you develop its skills and train it as a partner in combat. Then join friends* on Xbox LIVE to feel the rush of flight as you take to the skies together and experience breathtaking vistas and engage in thrilling battles.

“Haunt” (NanaOn-Sha, Microsoft Game Studios). Gather friends and family to delve deep into a haunted house dripping with mystery — you’ll need every ounce of your wit and cunning if you hope to unravel the veil of rumors that hide its darkest secret. Dodge traps and outwit ghosts, ghouls and frights that lurk with glee around each and every corner. Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in “Haunt,” spooky fun for Kinect for Xbox 360.

“Steel Battalion Heavy Armor” (Capcom, From Software). This all-new game revives the fan-favorite “Steel Battalion” series. With the support of Microsoft, Capcom and From Software join forces to bring this groundbreaking collaborative project to Xbox 360. Manhattan, 2082: In a world where computers and almost all modern technology have been lost, the greatest nations of the world continue to battle for supremacy. The American army lands in New York to begin its first big offensive of a long ground war. Soldiers fire from the trenches as scorched bunkers belch black smoke. As comrades continually fall to the unrelenting crossfire of bullets, the Vertical Tanks make their relentless advance. Experience the battlefield as never before with Kinect for Xbox 360.

“Rise of Nightmares” (SEGA). “Rise of Nightmares” offers a spine-tingling horror experience that uses the innovative new controls of Kinect for Xbox 360 to give players the ultimate fright. Using their whole body, players will experience fear and tension as never before in this exclusive Kinect for Xbox 360 horror adventure.

Take Aim and Jump in the Ring on Xbox LIVE Arcade for Xbox 360

Japanese developers Treasure and Spike announced the revival of two beloved downloadable,* controller-based experiences on Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360 — putting your avatar directly into the fighting ring and bringing arguably one of the best 2-D shooters to international audiences for the first time:

“Fire Pro Wrestling” (Spike, Microsoft Game Studios). Your avatar makes its debut as a pro wrestler! From Spike, creator of the “Fire Pro Wrestling” series, comes this pro wrestling game for everyone. Customize your avatar wrestler, choosing from a wide selection of costumes, before you step into the arena and run wild. Unlock new moves as you advance your wrestling career. Face off against family and friends in offline and online competitive play modes, including single match and tag teams. Ding-ding, round one!

“Radiant Silvergun” (Treasure, Microsoft Game Studios). The classic scrolling shooter from Japan and spiritual successor to the critically acclaimed “Ikaruga” receives an international release in this revival on Xbox LIVE Arcade on Xbox 360, the first ever since SEGA Saturn. “Radiant Silvergun” will see the return of the unique seven-weapon system among other fan-favorite gameplay features, as well as improvements, including the addition of a new system to enhance the challenging original chain system.

Home for the Best Games in 2010 and Beyond

The destination for the biggest blockbusters like “Dead Rising 2,” “Fable III” and “Halo: Reach,” Xbox 360 bolstered its impressive lineup with these previews:

“Body and Brain Connection” (NAMCO BANDAI Games). “Body and Brain Connection” challenges players to exercise both mind and body in the most cerebral and energetic party game ever from the originators of the video game brain training craze. Players of all ages must think fast and act even faster as they answer math, logic, reflex, memory and physical questions using the full-motion capabilities of Kinect for Xbox 360. Featuring over 20 different activities in single-player and multiplayer modes, the game lets up to four friends compete in fun and engaging activities as they strive for the youngest brain age. A daily progress tracker makes sure that players are up to date with their current brain age as they continue to stimulate both mind and body.

“Child of Eden” (Ubisoft). “Child of Eden” is a “multi-sensory shooter” that will send players diving into a kaleidoscopic matrix of synchronized music and mind-blowing visuals that will usher forth yet another landmark game experience from the mind of renowned game designer Tetsuya Mizuguchi, its creator. “Child of Eden” thrusts the player in the center of a battle to save Project Lumi, a mission to reproduce a human personality inside Eden, the archive of all human memories. As the project nears completion, the archive is invaded by an unknown virus. The player’s mission is to save Eden from the virus to restore hope and peace.

“METAL GEAR SOLID: RISING” (Kojima Productions). “METAL GEAR SOLID: RISING” is the highly anticipated debut of Hideo Kojima’s critically acclaimed “METAL GEAR SOLID” franchise on Xbox 360. “METAL GEAR SOLID: RISING” will star Raiden, one of the most popular characters in the “METAL GEAR SOLID” universe, in a new, lightning bolt action adventure on Xbox 360.

Not since the debut of “Star Wars: Episode I” have fans been so excited to revisit a beloved franchise. Recently dubbed “a pop culture phenomenon” by Variety magazine and hailed as the No. 1 game series of all time,1 the “Halo” franchise will once again make history with the launch of “Halo: Reach,” which goes on sale at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 14 in more than 25 countries.

“When it comes to the size and scope of a franchise and especially the dedication of the fans, no game is bigger than ‘Halo,’” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios at Microsoft Corp. “With ‘Halo: Reach,’ we’re delivering on our promise to redefine blockbuster entertainment experiences and ultimately help make this year the biggest ever in Xbox history.”

To celebrate the launch, tens of thousands of retailers around the world are opening their doors at midnight exclusively to sell copies of “Halo: Reach,” as well as “Halo: Reach” Xbox 360 consoles and accessories. Special marquee launch events are taking place in major cities around the world, including New York, further adding to the fervor surrounding the highly anticipated video game, which is expected to top all previous entertainment launches this year.

“Halo” fans in New York will be treated to a special performance by hip-hop star Kid Cudi at the new Best Buy Theater in Times Square. The New York launch event will be broadcast live in HD on Spike TV beginning at 11:33 p.m. EDT, and it will also air live on the Times Square MTV billboard.

“The launch of ‘Halo: Reach’ will likely rival some of the biggest entertainment launches of the year,” said Chris Homeister, senior vice president and general manager of the home entertainment group at Best Buy. “What better way to celebrate this highly anticipated game than to partner with Microsoft and host the marquee event at the new Best Buy Theater in Times Square?”

“Halo: Reach” tells the tragic and heroic story of Noble Team, a group of Spartans, who through great sacrifice and courage, saved countless lives in the face of impossible odds. The planet Reach is humanity’s last line of defense between the encroaching Covenant and their ultimate goal, the destruction of Earth. If it falls, humanity will be perched on the brink of destruction.

Published by Microsoft Game Studios, the “Halo” franchise of games is exclusive to the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system and the Xbox LIVE online entertainment network. As evidence of the game’s highly anticipated release, more than 2.7 million players participated in the “Halo: Reach” multiplayer beta in May, making it the largest console video game beta test on record and more than triple the size of the historic “Halo 3” beta.

The “Halo” franchise is an award-winning collection of properties that has grown into a global entertainment phenomenon. Beginning with the original “Halo: Combat Evolved” (2001), the critically acclaimed and record-shattering series of games has since inspired multiple New York Times best-selling novels, comic books, action figures, apparel and more. To date, more than 34 million copies of “Halo” games have been sold worldwide, driving more than 3.3 billion hours of gameplay by people connected to Xbox LIVE.

Regional Launch Events and “Halo: Reach” Midnight Madness

In New York, Seattle and beyond, Microsoft and retail partners are hosting events to give fans a truly memorable “Halo: Reach” launch experience. The launch events will be held at the following venues:

New York: Best Buy Theater, 1515 Broadway (at 44th St.), New York, N.Y. 10036 (event begins at 8 p.m. EDT, Sept. 13)

Seattle: Experience Music Project | Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, 325 5th Ave. North, Seattle, Wash. 98109 (event begins at 6 p.m. PDT, Sept. 13)

U.K.: GAME, Westfield Shopping Centre, London, W12 7GF (event begins at 9:30 p.m. GMT, Sept. 13)

Norway: Spaceworld Megastore, Storgata 12, 0155 Oslo (event begins at 12:01 a.m. CET, Sept. 14)

Sweden: Webhallen, Sveavägen 39, 11134 Stockholm (event begins at 10 p.m. CET, Sept. 13)

In addition, retailers around the world will host midnight madness store openings to usher in the launch of “Halo: Reach,” demonstrating the appeal of an entertainment phenomenon that has elevated video games into mainstream pop culture and permeated every corner of the globe.

Made exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, “Halo: Reach” will be made available in Standard, Limited and Legendary Editions. As a special bonus, fans can receive a token to unlock an exclusive in-game Spartan Recon Helmet, by picking up a copy of the game on launch day at North American retail stores, and outside North America by making a preorder reservation at participating retailers. More information can be found at http://www.xbox.com/haloreach.

The September launch will see F1 2010 become the first official FORMULA ONE game to appear for Xbox 360 and marks the return of FORMULA ONE to PC after an eight year absence. The arrival of the HD editions of FORMULA ONE follows Codemasters’ extremely successful launch of F1 2009 for Wii and PSP, which became a top five best seller throughout the past holiday period.

In F1 2010 gamers will take on the full, expanded grid in a variety of game modes including Grand Prix, Championship, Time Trial and an extensive, innovative Career mode. F1 2010 will also feature a highly advanced damage model, fully dynamic weather system and extensive competitive multiplayer options.

F1 2010 has been developed using the EGO Game Technology Platform, Codemasters’ proprietary tech that powered the critically acclaimed, million-plus selling Colin McRae: DiRT 2 and Race Driver: GRID. The award-winning technology has been further developed to accurately recreate the unique aerodynamics and handling of 200MPH+ FORMULA ONE cars. The tech combined with Codemasters’ unprecedented access to FORMULA ONE teams and drivers will ensure that F1 2010 delivers the most authentic FORMULA ONE racing experience yet.

Zapak with their strong retail distribution channel will ensure the reach of International Cricket 2010 in 5000 retail outlets across 135 cities in the country.

Speaking on the launch of this blockbuster game, Mr. Ashim Mathur Director Marketing – Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd said, “‘Crackdown 2′ is one of the most exciting action experience on Xbox 360. With the launch of this exclusive title we are further strengthening our portfolio of exclusive content on Xbox 360. Gamers prefer power, control and freedom of action while gaming and with an innovative game play, Crackdown offers just the same. We received a great response for Crackdown in India and now with the sequel that allows you to go on LIVE and play it with their friends, the ultimate four-player co-op mode, 16-player multiplayer experiences and an all-new party system, we are confident that Crackdown 2 will be bigger.”

“Crackdown 2″ continues the award-winning game play of its predecessor with new enemies (the Cell and the Freaks) that stand in the way of the Agency’s goal to bring Pacific City back under control. After the events in the first “Crackdown,” a dangerous virus was released and those who were infected – the Freaks – began ravaging the city. A civilian resistance, called the Cell, also formed to take the fight into their own hands by mounting offenses against the Agency. Players return as Agents in “Crackdown 2″ to once again bring peace to Pacific City – by any means possible in one of the most explosive, interactive worlds for gamers to explore and experiment with.

The game is modeled similarly to its predecessor Crackdown, a third-person shooter in open world game play. The player character is a super-human officer for the city-funded “Agency”, known simply as the “Agent”. Building upon the groundbreaking success of its predecessor, “Crackdown 2″ will elevate the open-world genre to unprecedented levels with the ultimate cooperative and competitive multiplayer experiences. Like Crackdown, the game will allow for on-line co-operative play in the main game, but will now support up to four players. The game will also feature competitive multiplayer modes for up to sixteen players. While the original Crackdown supported System Link playing for co-op, Crackdown 2 won’t be featuring the same option.
Crackdown 2 will be available at all leading organised retail stores across the country at an estimated retail price of Rs. 2399. You can also log onto www.microsoftstore.co.in and buy the game online.
Features

Complete freedom: A spectacular sandbox experience. “Crackdown 2″ is an explosive tour de force that invites players to explore, experiment and navigate through objectives with complete freedom to do what they want, when they want. With unprecedented levels of open-ended gameplay in combat and story progression, “Crackdown 2″ redefines the sandbox style of play with a gripping narrative and more ways to engage in the explosive action than ever.

In a league of its own: Unparalleled cooperative and multiplayer. The sandbox experience gets more exciting! Evolving the way open-world games are played, “Crackdown 2″ introduces never-before-seen multiplayer features that will take the genre to new heights. With the ultimate four-player co-op mode, 16-player multiplayer experiences and an all-new party system, “Crackdown 2″ ushers in the most robust open-world experience ever, offering unlimited ways to play and share Pacific City with friends around the world. Players will engage in dynamic competitive and cooperative multiplayer for double the carnage, action and intensity, only made possible on Xbox LIVE.*

The sky’s the limit: Serving justice, by any means necessary. “Crackdown 2″ continues the over-the-top action with ever-expanding skills, more dangerous enemies and no safe zones. Strategies and tactics will be even more inventive with new weapons and agent skills that grant the abilities to scale buildings orchestrate massive explosions and engage in bone-crushing combat with obliterating force. Hit the road, take to the sky or explore underground – the experience is limited only by your imagination. Whether you’re chasing down enemies on rooftops or dropping from sky-high to ground zero in a matter of seconds, “Crackdown 2″ is the perfect adrenaline rush for action fanatics.

Sprawling environment: Pacific City at your disposal. The sprawling metropolis that was once Pacific City is now divided between the Agency, the Cell and the Freaks in a contentious battle between order and anarchy. Divided and expanded with new environments in every direction, the city has never been more perilous. From the rooftops to the sewers, players will utilize their surroundings to the fullest to take back Pacific City.

The slim black Kinect sensor plugs directly into any Xbox 360. Despite its small size, the Kinect device contains a camera, audio sensors, and motion-sensing technology that tracks 48 points of movement on the human body. It has the ability to recognize faces and voices.

With Kinect, game-players no longer need to memorize different commands for a hand-held control. “You are the controller,” said Mike Delman, corporate vice president of Global Marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business. “You simply step in front of the sensor and Kinect sees you move, hears your voice and recognizes your face.”

The Cirque du Soleil show at Los Angeles’s Galan Center included few specifics about Kinect. Instead, it focused on the new experiences that it will enable. Microsoft will share more details – including the release date, and some of Kinect’s initial game and entertainment offerings – at a Monday morning news conference that will kick off E3, the gaming industry’s annual show-and-tell event.

Marc Whitten, corporate vice president of Xbox LIVE, said 2010 could be the biggest year yet for Xbox. “It’s an amazing year just when you look at the things people are expecting,” he said. “But we’re excited to also be announcing ways that make it simpler for everyone to enjoy the things we do. People who are intimidated by a controller or game pad will finally get to unlock some of the experiences that are possible in the living room, gaming
and non-gaming alike.”

Microsoft made a splash at E3 a year ago with a short video showing Kinect, and introducing the concept of controller-free gaming and entertainment on Xbox 360.

That video took off and subsequent demos of the technology spurred gaming followers to say Kinect could shake up the enormous (more than $10 billion a year in the United States) gaming industry.

Last January, for instance, CNET’s Josh Lowensohn wrote that the then-“Project Natal” device would be a “big adrenaline shot going into the heart of the Xbox 360.” After trying it out for himself last year, Gizmodo’s Matt Buchanan commented on the “remarkable sense of control” and “immersion.” And the U.K edition of IGN Entertainment said Kinect’s “tracking of movement is astounding, the detail of the recognition even more so.”

Some of what intrigued industry experts is that Kinect can perform full-motion tracking of the human body at 30 frames per second. It isn’t affected by what a user is wearing or what type of furniture is around. And it recognizes voices and faces.

Kinect was top secret until last year’s E3 video was released. After the conference it once again returned to “black box” status even inside the walls of Microsoft as the Xbox team worked to move it from prototype to product.

In keeping with that secrecy, there have been just two announcements on Kinect since last year at E3 – and one of them was releasing the name Kinect on Sunday night. The other occurred earlier this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, when Microsoft announced that Kinect would be in stores this holiday season.

Much more news is expected Monday, Delman said. He believes Kinect will help Xbox get closer to reaching its goal of becoming the hub of games and entertainment in every living room. But while hard-core gamers are and will remain the cornerstone of Xbox and Xbox LIVE, Microsoft wants to use Kinect to reach a broader, new audience.

There are upwards of 40 million Xbox 360 consoles on the market. Kinect could help significantly increase that number because it appeals to traditional non-gamers such as young children, mothers, and grandparents.
The new Kinect for Xbox 360 logo.

The Sunday-night Cirque du Soleil show illustrated this concept by telling the story of a boy and his Xbox 360. He begins the show playing Xbox alone with a traditional controller, but when he and his family are introduced to Kinect, they all enjoy games and entertainment together.

“Some people don’t like controllers,” Delman said. “And Kinect makes the gaming and entertainment experience more organic and free-flowing, without any of the barriers that can sometimes keep people from participating.”

A commercial-free version of the Cirque du Soleil show will air on U.S. television on Tuesday, June 15, at 3:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. EDT on Nickelodeon, MTV and other channels. Later in the week, video of the event will be posted on www.xbox.com.

Last November, acclaimed developer Infinity Ward took gamers back to the action-packed world rife with political intrigue, betrayal and heroism in “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,” becoming the largest entertainment launch in history, shattering Xbox LIVE launch records along the way. Now Xbox 360 owners will be the only players in the world to fully experience the biggest blockbuster titles with exclusive Game Add-ons, including a “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” content pack arriving first on Xbox LIVE this spring.

“This is going to be an amazing year for Xbox 360 and for gamers worldwide. It’s our biggest and most breakthrough year yet, filled with games and entertainment that you won’t find on any other console,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. “I’m floored on a daily basis with what the ‘Crackdown 2’ team is doing, and Bungie is proving the impossible possible by eclipsing even its own untouchable standards with ‘Halo: Reach.’ I can’t wait to jump on Xbox LIVE with some friends to amp up our Gamerscores in co-op or talk a little trash to fuel some friendly competition.”2

Gamers can grab their Xbox 360 controllers and envelop themselves in heroic tales of revolutionaries and kings, struggles to save mankind from annihilation, and action-packed stories of mystery and espionage, or simply have some nostalgic fun with family and friends across the globe on Xbox LIVE with the following games:

“Halo: Reach” (Bungie). As the blockbuster prequel to the best-selling Xbox franchise of all time, developed exclusively for Xbox 360 by acclaimed developer Bungie, “Halo: Reach” puts you front and center in the fateful moments that forged the “Halo” legend. As part of Noble Team, a squad of heroic Spartan soldiers, you will be called upon to defend the planet Reach, humankind’s last line of defense between the terrifying Covenant and Earth. Starting on May 3, the “Halo: Reach” public multiplayer beta will give you the opportunity to drive the latest advancements in multiplayer gameplay in the blockbuster franchise that started it all on Xbox LIVE. Access to the beta will be available through the “Halo 3: ODST” game disc on Xbox LIVE.

“Alan Wake” (Remedy Entertainment Ltd.). Launching May 18 in North America and May 21 in Europe, nightmares come to life in this Xbox 360 exclusive that will establish a new gaming genre, the gripping psychological action thriller. It is built like a chilling episodic TV series, where your wits and light are your only allies, and you can pre-order your copy now at participating retailers to reserve your Bright Falls Bonus Pack, which includes exclusive content such as avatar gear, an Xbox LIVE theme, and a “making of” video. Those looking to immerse themselves in the mystery beyond the game can also pre-order the limited collector’s edition, packed with bonus discs of behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive in-game commentary and hints from Remedy, a game soundtrack, “The Alan Wake Files” book, and more, all bound together in a hardcover bookshelf-worthy package.

“Crackdown 2” (Ruffian Games). Available exclusively on Xbox 360 and hitting store shelves later this year, the sequel to the 2007 smash hit features over-the-top action, a massive living world, unprecedented online and multiplayer capabilities, and stylish graphics. Reserve your copy today and stand above the crowd — you’ll receive a code to download four exclusive suits of Agency-Issue armor: Gold, Brushed, Red and Blue Metal.

“Dead Rising 2” (Capcom). Following the 2006 bone-crunching, zombie-bashing action adventure hit, “Dead Rising 2” puts a new offbeat defender in the heart of the fight to save the United States from complete zombification. Before the mayhem launching in August and September, “Dead Rising 2: CASE ZERO” will release as an exclusive Game Add-on only on Xbox LIVE.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” content pack (Infinity Ward/Activision). The first content packs for this award-winning title and biggest entertainment launch ever will be available first on Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE.

“Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction” (Ubisoft Entertainment). Coming exclusively to Xbox 360 and PC on April 13 in North America, April 16 in the United Kingdom, and April 28 in Japan, “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Conviction” is the highly anticipated sequel in the multimillion-selling “Splinter Cell” series, and one of the most critically acclaimed Xbox franchises of all time. Uniting revolutionary gameplay enhancements with a high-octane, no-holds-barred storyline, the game also features intense co-op espionage missions on Xbox LIVE, making Xbox 360 the only console where you can unleash your inner renegade spy.

“FINAL FANTASY XIII” (Square Enix). The Xbox 360 “FINAL FANTASY XIII” Special Edition Bundle includes a 250GB hard drive, two wireless controllers, exclusive downloadable avatar items and a standard-edition copy of the dramatic sequel in the multimillion-selling series. Xbox 360 is the only console outside of Japan to be bundled with the game, available in stores starting March 9, while supplies last. In addition, a very limited number of “FINAL FANTASY XIII” Limited Edition Faceplates have been created by designer Tetsuya Nomura. These faceplates are only available promotionally in fixed quantities across select retailers in Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

“Fable III” (Lionhead Studios). “Fable III” delivers an unparalleled action and adventure experience as players journey from revolutionary to the ruler of Albion and beyond. With your trusted canine companion, you will embark on an epic hero’s quest against injustice, forge alliances, crush your enemies and take control of your kingdom. But with great power comes great responsibility. Will you honor promises made in your rise to power, or sacrifice allegiance for personal gain? Choose wisely, as the decisions you make will forever impact your ever-evolving world.

“Lost Planet 2” (Capcom). The next installment of the popular third-person shooter returns you to breathtaking environments, unique Vital Suits and larger-than-life bosses of the world of E.D.N. III. The story picks up 10 years after the original game as players follow the exploits of their own customized snow pirate on their quest to seize control of the changing planet. You’ll be able to play through the intense and action-packed campaign mode with three of your friends on Xbox LIVE. “Lost Planet 2” launches in North America and Europe on May 18.

“Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing” (Valve). The first Game Add-on brings the original “Left 4 Dead” survivors down south for a meeting with the “Left 4 Dead 2” cast, while delivering new single-player, multiplayer and co-operative gameplay, exclusively for Xbox 360 and PC. Targeting an early spring release, “Left 4 Dead 2: The Passing” will include new co-operative campaign and associated narrative and new arenas for Survival, Versus and Scavenge modes, and introduce a new co-operative challenge mode.2

“Toy Soldiers” (Signal Studios). An intense action game kicking off the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party on March 3, “Toy Soldiers” casts players into a fantastic, miniature world where antique toy soldiers fight in vintage World War I dioramas. To celebrate the release of “Toy Soldiers” on Xbox LIVE Arcade, Microsoft is launching a companion Facebook experience on Feb. 12, “Toy Soldiers: Match Defense,” which will have you and your friends matching items to collectively win countries and conquer Europe.

“Game Room” (Krome Studios Pty Ltd.). Launching this March as a part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party, “Game Room” lets gamers relive the glory days of classic arcade and console games in their original forms, as the player’s avatar takes part in the original sights, sounds and gameplay only on Xbox 360 and Windows-based PC.

“Perfect Dark” (4J Studios). Fire up your Farsight and prepare for assignment — the Dark returns this March as part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party. Agent Joanna Dark brings her epic tale of galactic conspiracies in future America to Xbox 360 with remastered visuals, LIVE-enabled multiplayer modes, leader boards, achievements and avatar awards.

“Scrap Metal” (Slick Entertainment Inc.). Launching in March as a part of the Xbox LIVE Arcade Block Party, “Scrap Metal” lets gamers drift around corners with guns blazing and take out competitors in this fast-paced, top-down racer. Gamers fight their way through explosive, action-packed missions, defeat cunning bosses, or jump on Xbox LIVE to race against their friends, exclusively on Xbox 360.

Not since the console’s launch in 2005 has there been a better time to jump into Xbox 360. With the year’s biggest lineup of blockbuster titles and most-anticipated exclusives launching now and throughout 2010, leading up to the holiday debut of “Project Natal,” only Xbox 360 offers the revolutionary gaming and entertainment experiences that everyone craves.

Zune. Zune video on Xbox LIVE offers a full-fidelity experience with instant-on HD in 1080p and 5.1 channel surround sound. No waiting for downloads or buffering, it’s there at the press of a button. You can also share the experience with up to seven friends through voice chat and Avatar integration on the TV screen — it puts a whole new spin on movie night.

Twitter.2 Stay in the know by discovering, posting and replying to tweets right on your Xbox 360. You can even view friend profiles, trends and conversations, or search to see who’s tweeting about your favorite game.

Last.fm. 2 Discover more music and explore endless personalized radio stations with Last.fm on Xbox 360. Skip, “ban” or “love” tracks to create your perfect mix. We’ve even built in “Gamer Stations” with game-related types of music selected specifically for the gaming community. (Available in the U.S. and U.K.)

Don’t have an Xbox 360 console? Now, more than ever, Xbox gives you great ways to stay connected and share fun and entertainment, starting at $199 (U.S.).

Why:

Microsoft is continuing to evolve Xbox LIVE to bring more games, more entertainment and more social experiences all from a single device. As a Gold member on Xbox LIVE, you get access to Facebook, Last.fm and Twitter, providing you with a pipeline of content that is always being updated and refreshed. For just over $4 per month, Xbox LIVE Gold Membership is hands-down the best value in home entertainment.

When:

Launching on Nov. 17

1 Xbox LIVE Gold Membership and Netflix unlimited subscription plan required for Netflix instant streaming. See Netflix Terms of Use for details about Netflix service.

2 Xbox LIVE Gold adult account required to access these features. Xbox LIVE Gold Memberships are just over $4 (U.S.) per month.

“‘Project Natal’ gives the industry’s creators and storytellers the freedom to dream of new experiences and to tell stories never before possible,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Corp. “The support of these creative partners testifies to the excitement that ‘Project Natal’ is generating among the most innovative minds in the industry, and is proof that Xbox 360 not only offers the best games and entertainment today, but will lead with innovation and new ways to have fun in the future.”

Further details of publishers’ new “Project Natal”-inspired projects will be released at a later date.

Underscoring the widespread enthusiasm for “Project Natal” among the industry’s top creative forces, Xbox 360 is hosting a high-powered panel at the Tokyo Game Show featuring three acclaimed Japanese industry luminaries: CAPCOM’s Keiji Inafune, creator of “Mega Man” and “Dead Rising,” Sega’s Toshihiro Nagoshi, creator of “Super Monkey Ball,” and Konami’s Hideo Kojima, creator of the “Metal Gear Solid” series. The three developers will discuss the possibilities for the groundbreaking new experiences that can only be achieved with “Project Natal.”

Unveiled for the first time in June, “Project Natal” is a code name for a whole new way to play. Combining an RGB camera, depth sensor and multi-array microphone running proprietary software, “Project Natal” enables gamers to play in a natural and inviting new way, free from the boundaries of a controller through the use of sight, sound and motion.

Publishers, who received development kits from Microsoft in early June, used the opening of the Tokyo Game Show to voice their excitement about “Project Natal.”

“Microsoft ‘Project Natal’ could fundamentally change the way players experience sports games,” said EA Sports President Peter Moore. “At EA, some of our top development teams are experimenting with these tools with the goal of delivering a completely fresh take on genres like sports and racing.”

“Activision is encouraged by the innovation that Project Natal will bring to the industry and how it can transform consumers’ video games experience. We have development teams working on Project Natal development kits to explore the creative possibilities this new technology affords,” said Dusty Welch, senior vice president and head of Publishing at Activision/Blizzard.

“I strongly feel that ‘Project Natal’ will expand the possibilities of gaming. It’s yet another component that adds to the appeal of Xbox 360 and demonstrates to users the broad level of entertainment it provides,” said Keiji Inafune, managing corporate officer and head of Research & Development Management Group at CAPCOM. “Personally, I too am extremely excited about ‘Project Natal.’ It’s really going to stir up our creative spirits. I think it’s going to bring new ways to play and new surprises to Xbox 360 fans and help further the development of completely original content. ‘Project Natal’ is definitely something people should look out for.”

“Ubisoft sees enormous opportunities with ‘Project Natal.’ With the 3-D camera, your body can become the interface,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft. “Any barrier related to the use of pad controllers that may have existed for potential gamers is now abolished. Ubisoft is already taking advantage of this major evolution to design new types of gaming experiences and attract more people to play video games.”

In addition to the broad industry support, Microsoft Game Studios is busy at work creating a diverse slate of experiences that will appeal to a wide variety of entertainment interests.

“‘Project Natal’ is enabling our team of developers to create experiences we couldn’t have accomplished before,” said Phil Spencer, corporate vice president, Microsoft Game Studios. “Microsoft Game Studios will help lead the way in bringing ‘Project Natal’ to life.”

While laying the foundation for tomorrow with “Project Natal,” Xbox 360 remains the premier device for home entertainment today. Hot new titles for Xbox LIVE Arcade were also unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show, including “Toy Soldiers,” “Snoopy Flying Ace,” “Bomberman Live: Battlefest” and “RayStormHD,” positioning Xbox LIVE Arcade as the premier destination to enjoy the most innovative downloadable games.

Xbox 360 is also set to deliver the best new gaming, entertainment and social experiences for consumers this fall. Not only is Xbox 360 home to the most-anticipated exclusive games such as “Halo 3: ODST,” “Forza Motorsport 3,” “Left 4 Dead 2,” and new content from Rockstar Games including the Xbox retail exclusive “Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City” featuring “The Ballad of Gay Tony,” which will also be available for download over Xbox LIVE, it will also be the only place to watch instant-on HD in 1080p1 with Zune video, and listen to personalized streaming radio right in the living room with Last.fm on Xbox LIVE. And with new social experiences custom-made for the television, Xbox LIVE continues to offer the most ways of any console to connect and share with friends and family on Facebook, and post tweets on Twitter.2