SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA \u2013March 31 2009, Home entertainment continues to run hot in 2009 as consumers transform their lounge rooms into entertainment hubs during tough economic times.\u00a0 Xbox 360\u00ae has experienced a large increase in total sales of its add-on products following a 20 per cent cash back offer on the recommended retail price of official accessories.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAccessory sales give us insight into how consumers purchase and use their consoles,\u201d said Jeremy Hinton, Xbox Group Category Manager. \u201cRecent sales of Xbox Hard Drives and LIVE\u00ae Starter Packs show Aussies are spending time online with our social entertainment network and require more storage space for downloads such as games, music, demos and add-ons.\u201d\u00a0 Last year alone, Australians downloaded more than 4.2 million items on Xbox LIVE.<\/p>\n
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BLACK IS THE NEW WHITE<\/p>\n
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Sales of additional controllers show that Xbox users like to play with others, in the same room or online.\u00a0 This increase also supports the recent trend of consumers seeking stylish products for their home entertainment, with different colours \u2013 especially black \u2013 proving very popular.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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ON-LINE EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe Xbox 360 is priced to give consumers different entry points.\u00a0 They can upgrade with accessories depending on their needs and most importantly, our online component, Xbox LIVE, ensures their experience is always current \u2013 regardless of when they purchased their hardware.\u00a0\u00a0 Eventually, we\u2019d like to see 100% of the Australian Xbox community tapping into our powerful online offering.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Australian consumers have responded extremely well to the cash back offer on official Xbox accessories which started on March 16th and runs until May 16th 2009.\u00a0 Sales of each participating accessory have increased, with sales of some more than doubling in the first week of the offer, when compared to the previous week.<\/p>\n
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Xbox 360\u00ae Accessory<\/p>\n
Highlights
\n\u00a0Percentage increase in sales 16th -22nd March 2009
\n\u00a0
\nBlack wireless controller
\n\u00a0102%
\n\u00a0
\nQuick charge kit
\n\u00a088%
\n\u00a0
\n120GB Hard Drive
\n\u00a082%
\n\u00a0
\nWireless racing wheel
\n\u00a077%
\n\u00a0
\nMessenger Kit
\n\u00a072%
\n\u00a0
\n60GB LIVE starter pack
\n\u00a048%
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The promotion offers up to $40 cash back on selected products, making it the perfect time to grab official Xbox 360 controllers, hard drives and headsets at great prices.<\/p>\n
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Customers will need to purchase Xbox 360 accessories between 16th March 2009 and 16th May 2009 to be eligible, and redeem the cash back by 5pm (Australian ESB time) on June 30th 2009. * Terms and conditions apply.\u00a0<\/p>\n
– ends –<\/p>\n
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Should you have any questions or comments please contact:<\/p>\n
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Emily Birks, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3216\/ emily@pulsecom.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n Daniel Wong, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3826\/ daniel@pulsecom.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n *Terms and Conditions:\u00a0 Products must be purchased between 16th March 2009 and 30th April 2009 in Australia or New Zealand. Claims must be received by 5pm (Sydney time) 31st May 2009. Offer available on official Xbox 360\u00ae accessories only. Does not include: PC Hardware; PC peripherals;3rd Party Xbox\u00ae Accessories; or Xbox 360\u00ae Consoles.\u00a0 Photocopy of original receipt required. Maximum of 3 claims per customer. You are responsible for completing your details online and the cost of posting in your claim form. Cash Back amount will be electronically paid into your account.\u00a0 20% cash back is off RRP. RRP = Recommended Retail Price (including GST). There is no obligation on any person to comply with the recommended price. The price you actually pay will be determined by the retailer. While stocks last. Only at participating retailers. See www.xbox.com.au\/<\/a> for online claim form, a list of RRPs for participating products, cash back amounts and full Terms and Conditions.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n About Xbox 360<\/p>\n The powerful Xbox 360\u00ae video game and entertainment experience delivers amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE\u00ae online social network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360\u00ae now boasts a catalogue of over 500 high-definition games. More information can be found online at http:\/\/www.xbox.com\/xbox360<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n About Microsoft<\/p>\n Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq \u201cMSFT\u201d) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. Xbox 360\u00ae the Xbox 360\u00ae logo, Xbox LIVE\u00ae are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and\/or other countries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA \u2013March 31 2009, Home entertainment continues to run hot in 2009 as consumers transform their lounge rooms into entertainment hubs during tough economic times.\u00a0 Xbox 360\u00ae has experienced a large increase in total sales of its add-on products following a 20 per cent cash back offer on the recommended retail price of official<\/p>\n