Xbox 360 to launch in the desert

The Xbox 360’s North American launch event will be held in a mysterious desert location, and will feature live entertainment, DJs and bands, along with sneak previews of several as-yet unveiled games.

Those present will have the chance to play the Xbox 360’s launch titles on consoles hooked up to high-definition monitors and full surround sound systems. Food and drink will be provided, and each guest will receive a unique Xbox 360 gift.

The Hex 168 contest winners will be given VIP treatment at the event, including plane fares and hotel accommodation. When approached by TeamXbox, Microsoft had the following to say about the launch event:

“This was a conscious choice to create a videogame mecca for the true audience of Xbox 360. The gamer. Our plan is to make this event the center of the gaming universe. And the 360 ‘Hex 168′ winners will be the VIPs.”

“We like to say it’s ‘Burning Man Meets E3′– it’ll be a party unlike anyone’s ever been to.

Really a piece of pop culture and video game history with the opportunity to play the complete launch lineup for the first time and get ’sneak peeks’ on several never-before-seen games.

It’s the ‘first generation of the next generation’ and it’s all for the hardcore gamer.”

Besides the 360 Hex 168 contest winners, it’s unclear who will be attending the launch event: both IGN and TeamXbox refer to “thousands of gamers from across the globe”, but how exactly these gamers will gain entry to the invitation-only event hasn’t yet been detailed.

Related:

• 360 Hour Tour to hit the UK on Nov 4
• Xbox Experience: Austria plans mega launch event
• Microsoft opens Xbox 360 Lounge in Tokyo