Following a record-breaking launch in North America in which the company shipped 1.5 million Microsoft� Xbox� video game system units and sold more than three games with every Xbox unit through the end of 2001, Microsoft Corp. today announced details of the Japanese launch for Xbox. The future-generation game console will go on sale at retail outlets throughout Japan Feb. 22 at a price of 34,800 yen, with 12 launch games available from the best names in video games, such as Sega Corp., Konami Corp., Capcom Co. Ltd., Tecmo Ltd. and Microsoft Game Studios.

Microsoft announced that 50,000 Xbox Special Edition consoles will be available to commemorate the launch in Japan. The special console will be greenish-black with a translucent textured casing. The jewel portion of the box will have a silver logo with black lettering. In addition to the standard AV adapter and the HDTV- and Dolby Digital 5.1-compatible expansion AV pack, a silver-plated key chain will be included in the package. The key chain will feature an engraved serial number and signature from Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates. The Xbox Special Edition will be available for an estimated retail price of 39,800 yen.