Fans of the TV cartoon "The Simpsons" will have a chance, albeit slight, this summer to get their hands on a Homer-inspired Xbox 360, as Microsoft gets ready to promote the video game console through deals with Hollywood studios.
Microsoft on Thursday said Fox movie studios, makers of this summer's "The Simpsons" movie, will give away 100 limited edition "Simpsons" Xboxes through a series of special events and promotions.
In addition, Microsoft announced four new Xbox games inspired by movies scheduled for release this summer: "Shrek The Third," "Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End," "Ratatouille," and "Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix."
Prices range from $50 to $60. The Shrek game is available next week, Pirates a week later, Harry Potter June 25, and Ratatouille June 26. Most of the games are released within a few days of the movies. Moviemakers include DreamWorks, Disney, and Warner Bros. "The Simpsons" movie is set for release July 27.
Microsoft has long positioned the Xbox as an "all-in-one entertainment center" that offers more than just playing games. The console can play movies through a TV and can also manage music and movie downloads from the Web. There's also an Xbox Live online gaming service.
Sony's competing PlayStation 3 is also billed as an entertainment center. Released last November, The PS3 includes a high-definition DVD player for movies in the Blu-ray disc format. The Xbox supports the competing HD DVD format through a separate video player that plugs into the console.
fonte: InformationWeek
