Microsoft launches next wave of Platinum Hits so gamers can choose from more great games at new low prices.

From gamers looking for fun with the family — such as volleying with tennis pros— to those who want hardcore action — such as leading an elite Ghost Recon squad equipped with cutting-edge weapons and communications systems — anyone in search of a great game experience can find a blockbuster title with Platinum Hits for the Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system. On the heels of the expanded Platinum Hits launch in Europe earlier this month, Microsoft Corp. today announced that the next round of titles in the Xbox 360 Platinum Hits library will be available March 16 in North America, Latin America, Japan and the Asia Pacific region.

Next month’s Platinum Hits releases include critically acclaimed games from the industry’s leading publishers, including Activision Publishing Inc.’s “Call of Duty 2,” Electronic Arts Inc.’s “EA SPORTS™ Fight Night Round 3,” Ubisoft Entertainment’s “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter” and 2K Sport’s “Top Spin 2.” This lineup of Platinum Hits represents some of the best high-definition titles available on Xbox 360 at an appealing price.

Next month’s Platinum Hits release, starting at an estimated retail price of $29.99 (U.S.), will include the following titles in the Americas:

- “Battlefield 2: Modern Combat™” (Electronic Arts)
- “Burnout Revenge” (Electronic Arts)- “Call of Duty 2” (Activision)
- “Dead or Alive 4” (TECMO Inc.)
- “Fight Night Round 3” (Electronic Arts)
- “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter” (Ubisoft)
- “Top Spin 2” (2K Sports)
- “Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis” (Rockstar Games)

In Japan the Platinum Hits titles listed below will be available in March for 2,800 yen:

- “Battlefield 2: Modern Combat (Electronic Arts)”
- “Burnout Revenge” (Electronic Arts)
- “Chrome Hounds” (Sega Corp.)
- “Perfect Dark Zero” (Microsoft Game Studios)

In the Asia Pacific region these new Platinum Hits titles will be available. New pricing for these games will vary slightly by region:

- “Dead or Alive 4” (TECMO)
- “N3: Ninety-Nine Nights” (Microsoft Game Studios)
- “Project Gotham Racing® 3” (Microsoft Game Studios)
- “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter” (Ubisoft)

Gamers throughout Europe are able to pick up the following new Platinum Hits titles, launched earlier this month, for an estimated retail price of 29.99 euros:

- “Call of Duty 2” (Activision)
- “Dead or Alive 4” (TECMO)
- “Project Gotham Racing 3” (Microsoft Game Studios)
- “Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis” (Rockstar Games)
- “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter” (Ubisoft)
- “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Legend” (Eidos Interactive Ltd.)

“Platinum Hits not only lets gamers enjoy a broad portfolio of titles at an amazing price,” said Jeff Bell, corporate vice president of Global Marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “It also ensures that existing and new gamers alike can get the most from their Xbox 360 by owning a great library of blockbuster hits. So if you missed playing a game the first time around, now there is a great reason to pick it up.”

The Xbox 360 Platinum Hits program, which launched worldwide last fall, gives people access to great games at a great value. And now with more than 10.4 million Xbox 360 consoles in living rooms around the world, there will be plenty of new console owners eager to jump into the best-selling Xbox 360 games. In fact, the Xbox and Xbox 360 Platinum Hits program accounts for more than 16.3 million games sold worldwide. A full list of Platinum Hits titles available in the U.S., Europe and Japan is available online at http://www.xbox.com/platinumhits

About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is the leader in next-generation gaming systems with more than 10.4 million consoles sold in 37 countries. Xbox 360 brings an unparalleled gaming and entertainment experience that offers a growing catalog of more than 160 high-definition games, a thriving Xbox Live® online network with more than 5 million members and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential."