Microsoft will begin selling Xbox 360s in Brazil next month after years of planning, becoming the first console manufacturer to do so directly without the use of third-party vendors. Even though Brazilians have traditionally paid a grundle for consoles, Microsoft will charge $1,399 ($2999 reais) for the system, close to double what you'd pay for "unofficial" product (read: pirated consoles). Nossa! But the Premium package is bundled with three games.
Some additional facts regarding games and the world's 5th most populated country:
- Games will cost $79 (R$169)
- Analysts believe the 360 can sell 11 million units in Brazil (tall order)
- Brazil ranked 15 in the world for console sales
- Microsoft will spend twice as much on publicity in Brazil as it did for its Mexico 360 launch