Microsoft has unveiled the latest addition to the Xbox series of consoles, a family-friendly gaming bundle called Xbox Arcade.
The package will include the first Xbox with an HDMI interface, as well as a wireless controller, 256 MB of memory for storage and five games: Pac-Man Championship Edition, Uno, Luxor 2, Boom Boom Rocket and Feeding Frenzy. The system goes on sale today for a suggested retail price of $279.99.
“As families gather together this holiday, it’s the perfect time to launch a new low-priced, high-value Xbox 360 that plays games, TV shows and music for everyone to enjoy,” said Microsoft’s Jell Bell. “In addition to offering an incredible all-in-one package for families to get right into the fun, the Xbox 360 Arcade system features the industry-leading Family Settings, which allows parents to control what their kids are watching and playing – and we know how important that control is to families around the world.”
The package comes as part of an effort by Microsoft to broaden its base beyond hardcore gamers and into territory currently dominated by other consoles. The company has also announced it will be “significantly” expanding its offering of standard and high-definition on-demand content, including the first ever Looney Tunes cartoons available for the system and three new shows from Nickelodeon.
