| 
 The waiting is almost over for the thousands of people who put Christmas on hold 
for Xbox™, the next-generation video game system from Microsoft. For them, 13 March 
is Xmas Eve – the day before the most eagerly anticipated video games console ever 
goes on sale in the UK. Official retail partner Virgin Megastores will be staging 
a night of festivities in its London (Oxford Street), Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow 
(Buchanan Street) and Dublin stores, with gameplay in a special gaming arena*, prizes 
and even free mince pies and entertainment for the night. Whether collecting pre-orders 
or buying their console on the night, hundreds of the most committed gamers will 
be rewarded with free Christmas presents from Santa including free games and a host 
of exclusive merchandise provided by his helpers. Lucky winners chosen at random 
will also win a year’s supply of Xbox first party games. 
Then, at midnight, thousands of British gamers will be able to buy the most powerful 
console ever made and the world’s most realistic and exciting games the minute they 
are launched in Europe. The first person in the queue even gets a free limo service 
home** so they can get straight into the gaming! “It’s time for the talking to stop 
and the playing to begin,” said Richard Teversham, UK & Ireland Xbox Marketing Manager. 
“In the early hours of Thursday morning thousands of gaming pioneers will experience 
the future first hand.” “Virgin Megastores are delighted to be the official retail 
partner for the launch of the most powerful games console ever and very much look 
forward to sharing this unique gaming experience with our customers,” said Stephen 
Lynn, Marketing Manager, Virgin Megastores.  
Midnight opening store details: 
  (First 200 to buy a console receive a special present from Santa) 
  14 - 19 Oxford St, London W1D 1AR  
  T: 020 7631 1234 
 
  (First 80 to buy a console receive a special present from Santa) 
  98 Corporation St, Birmingham B4 6SX  
  T: 0121 236 2523  
 
  (First 80 to buy a console receive a special present from Santa) 
  52 - 56 Market St, Manchester M1 1PW 
  T: 0161 833 1111  
 
  (First 80 to buy a console receive a special present from Santa) 
  235 Buchanan St, Glasgow G1 2NG  
  T: 0141 353 2993  
 
  (First 100 to buy a console receive a special present from Santa) 
  14 - 18 Aston Quay, Dublin 1 
  T: 00 353 1 677 7361  
 
*London and Dublin only. Gaming arena opens 10.30pm. ** London 
only.  
         |