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Photos: Xbox 360 lands in Japan

Microsoft brings its next-generation game console to the home turf of rivals Sony and Nintendo.
By Bill Detwiler, Contributor
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Lining up for Xbox 360

Lines, lines, everywhere are lines, when a new game console comes out. This time around it was the Dec. 10, 2005, debut of Microsoft's Xbox 360 in Japan.

Earlier this fall, game enthusiasts in the U.S. gathered in an aircraft hangar to get their hands on the device. Sony's PSP has had the same effect on people.

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Crowd inside

The big moment draws near, after approximately 200 people stood in line, some overnight. Despite the devotion of some, not everyone felt such a strong desire--an independent study by publisher Enterbrain reported that Microsoft sold a modest 62,000 consoles in the first weekend of sales. Some players were disappointed by the postponed release of the game "Dead or Alive 4."

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Row of gamers

And the playing begins. Among the popular games available at the launch were "Ridge Racer 6" and "Everyparty."

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Excited gamer

For this gamer, the wait was definitely worthwhile.

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Game winner

The grins were wild and crazy for championship winners.

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Wireless controller

A member of Microsoft's marketing staff shows off features of the Xbox 360, including a wireless controller.

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Peter Moore, in blazer

Microsoft executive Peter Moore weighs in on the launch, first onstage with a serious demeanor...

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Peter Moore, in leather jacket

...then working the crowd, with smiles all around.

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Xbox lounge

Relaxation and networking, away from the hoopla. Most of the guests in the Xbox lounge were fan site owners and Xbox Live members.

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