Kinect launches on November 10 "across Europe"
And we have lift off. Microsoft's kicked off gamescom's press conference day by announcing a November 10 European release date for Kinect.
The announcement of the motion camera's European launch comes as no shock, and is thought to be Microsoft's main spill for its "Play Day" event in Cologne later today.
Kinect launches on November 4 in the US, as announced at E3.
There was a little confusion over the date this morning. While Microsoft's press release stated Kinect will launch on November 10 in Britain, an included Chris Lewis quote said the peripheral will appear on November 17.
Microsoft has now confirmed to VG247 that the Lewis quote date is in fact a typo, and Kinect will release "across Europe" on November 10.
“We are bringing the Kinect experience to Europe for the first time at gamescom because this is the biggest show in the region and we’re committed to investing in Europe and the critical role it plays in Xbox’s global success," said the European Xbox boss.
"With Kinect launching on November 10, it’s set to not only transform our business but also change how we use entertainment.
"With Kinect, YOU become the controller, giving you the choice in how you and your friends navigate entertainment and gaming experiences. We’re already seeing a high level of anticipation in Europe with sales of the Kinect ready Xbox 360 250GB creating an all-time record weekly market share.”
Beans, spilt
Microsoft's also announced this morning that it's showing off its first Windows Mobile 7 games in Germany this week, as well as confirming two new PC titles in Age of Empires Online and Microsoft Flight.
Age of Empires Online is the cartoon-styled AOE game Microsoft's been working on in not-so-secret. The title's site's live, and you can sign up for beta access right now.
The new Flight title is "inspired by the time-honoured Flight Simulator franchise". It's described as the work of "internal development" and you can see a teaser here.
Longstanding Flight Simulator studio ACES was closed by Microsoft in early 2009.
Halo: Reach and Fable III are Microsoft's other big products for the German show. Gears 3 won't be making the trip, as previously confirmed.
It's fair to assume that you've seen everything you're going to see from the Microsoft today in terms of announcements, but we'll be bringing you live details of its Play Day event from 12.30-3.30pm CET later today.
The Microsoft shindig will be followed by presentations from EA and Sony, taking place at 4.00pm CET and 6.00pm CET respectively.
Get all the timings here.