Australian gamers will be able to trial the Xbox 360 for the first time when more than 1000 demonstration consoles are distributed to participating retail stores.

In February, consumers will get up close with the Xbox 360, including being able to play a range of next-generation games on high definition television screens.

Xbox 360 ushers in a whole new generation of gaming. Game characters and environments can appear just like the real world, or as fantastic as the imagination can dream up.

Game titles for the demonstration units will include Project Gotham Racing 3, Kameo: Elements of Power, Peter Jackson's King Kong The Official Game of the Movie, and NBA Live 06. A large selection of video game trailers will also be shown on high definition Samsung plasma television screens. Consumers will be encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new features of the console, such as the console navigation blades and multimedia functionality.

Two versions of the console will be launched in Australia. Consumers will be able to choose from the Xbox 360 at RRP $649.95 and the Xbox 360 Core System at RRP $499.95.

The Xbox 360 offer will include the console, 20GB hard drive, media remote, wireless controller, component high-definition cable and Ethernet cable. The Xbox 360 Core System delivers the same powerful gaming as Xbox 360, but starts with the basics and lets you expand at your own pace. The Xbox 360 Core System includes the console, composite AV cable and wired controller.

Looks like we'll be waiting another couple of weeks guys.....

Xbox corp site posted!!"Xbox today announced a new launch date in Australia and New Zealand for the Xbox 360™. The new launch date is 12:01am on March 23 2006.

The new launch date has been set due to unprecedented global consumer demand and short-term manufacturing issues due to component shortages stemming from challenges in ramping supply. The move ensures that the markets will have an adequate supply of Xbox 360 consoles to meet demand at launch."