Eastern Europe, get ready to rock!

Only a few days ago, Microsoft announced that Xbox 360 would be available in South Africa from 29 September. Today we’re happy to say that Eastern Europe can put 3 November in the diary for their ticket to the next generation of gaming and entertainment. This means you can now find gamers to add to your friends list from 21 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Just remember, these people will have beginners’ luck on their side to begin with. Caution guys, caution!

The timing of the launch in Easter Europe couldn’t be better, with Gears of War ‘emerging’ on 24 November, closely followed by Viva Pinata, Crackdown and Forza 2. Our new buddies will get a similar launch line-up to how we experienced it, racing Project Gotham Racing 3, questing in Kameo and engaging in super slick undercover ops in Perfect Dark Zero. Boy, don’t you wish you could wind back the clock to remember exactly how it was your first time? Sigh.

Of course this isn’t the end of the Xbox 360 feel-good mission. India and Brazil are among the next in line, and by the end of 2007 almost 40 countries will be plucking Xbox 360s off the shelves. This means a heck of a lot more potential challengers on Xbox Live, but even if you’re not online you’ll know that you’re part of a very big happy family of gaming luminaries who recognise the real thing when they see it!

Oh, and here’s the rundown of prices in the new countries for Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System respectively: Europe (€ 399.99, € 299.99); Poland (1,599 zł, 1,199 zł); Hungary (99,999 Ft, 74,999 Ft); Czech (11,499 Kč, 8,999 Kč), and Slovakia (15,495 Sk, 11,499 Sk). Mate, it’s a bargain in any flippin’ currency!