The Xbox 360, the next-generation video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, may not be available until the holiday season, but thousands of lucky people will be selected to win an Xbox 360 console before they can buy it. Through Mountain Dew's "Every 10 Minutes" sweepstakes, which began yesterday, consumers can win the most anticipated new gaming console months before it hits store shelves.

Microsoft and Mountain Dew will select a new winner of an Xbox 360 every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for nine weeks straight. In this unique sweepstakes, participants can develop their own strategies to best position themselves for an opportunity to win during the 10-minute intervals. Everyone who enters has the chance to choose how they will play.

Here's how the "Every 10 Minutes" promotion works: - Look for a unique code printed under specially marked "Every 10 Minutes" caps of 20-ounce and 1-liter bottles of participating Pepsi products and under the rim of specially marked fountain cups.
- Go to the Web site, http://www.every10minutes.com, powered by Yahoo! Register and set up your personal, free "Every 10 Minutes" account.
- Participants will be able to choose which 10-minute drawing to enter and can spread codes across different drawings, or stockpile codes and put them all toward one drawing.

In addition, codes entered will automatically earn the participants points toward obtaining collectible merchandise and gear, including Mountain Dew T-shirts and hats.