Xbox hits one million Down Under!

Microsoft Corp. announced today that sales of Xbox 360 consoles have passed the magic one million mark across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). To celebrate the milestone, Xbox is auctioning off one-of-a-kind consoles to raise money for the David Peachey Foundation (DPF) (http://davidpeachey.org/) through the Xbox Konsoles for Kids Charity Auction.

International pop star, Kelly Rowland kicks off The Xbox Konsoles for Kids Charity Auction today, with her own airbrushed and signed console up for auction. “It’s great to be here to celebrate with Xbox, one million consoles sold is huge!” Rowland says. “What better way to celebrate the one million milestone than by raising money for a great cause, the David Peachey Foundation. All the one-of-a-kind consoles look awesome, so get bidding NZ!”

The airbrushed Xbox 360 consoles will be auctioned off for five weeks from today with several A-List celebrities such as Russell Crowe, Jennifer Hawkins, Kim Kardashian and Hugh Jackman.

There will also be a unique Halo console designed by Oscar-winning, Richard Taylor of New Zealand’s Weta Workshop.  The winning amount for the Halo console will be matched dollar for dollar by Microsoft New Zealand for a donation to local charity, Cure Kids(http://www.curekids.org.nz/)*.

Another console up for auction is a special ‘Crystal’ console, boasting more than 10,000 semi-precious stones. Please see the following link for further detail around consoles, imagery and a link to the eBay auction site: http://www.xbox.com/en-NZ/konsolesforkids/

Frazer Scott, acting marketing director, Entertainment and Devices Division, Microsoft New Zealand says, “Xbox has been a strong supporter of the David Peachey Foundation and Cure Kids for many years.  Reaching one million gave us a great opportunity to raise as much money as we can for DPF and Cure Kids so get onboard and make a bid.”

Scott continues; “Reaching the one million console milestone is a great achievement and one that puts us in a great position for the coming year. Since 2006, we’ve taken the lead in the innovation space and driven the growth in online entertainment. Our online community, Xbox LIVE, is one of the largest online communities in the ANZ region with more than 525,000 subscribers. We also offer services such as Facebook and Twitter on Xbox LIVE** and movies streamed in HD direct to your television, which really sets us apart from our competition.”

Over the course of the auction, signed and airbrushed consoles will be auctioned off from the following celebrities, with further celebrities still to be announced:

Founder of the DPF, David Peachey says of the milestone, “Xbox has been a great supporter of the David Peachey Foundation for a number of years. We’re proud to be part of Xbox’s one million console celebration and thank all the celebrities that graciously gave up their time to support our cause. The money raised will go towards education and encouraging young indigenous kids in our community to aspire to great things.”

Special Edition consoles

Halo console

Specially designed and built for the ‘Xbox 360 Konsole’s for Kids Charity Auction’, Oscar-winning, Richard Taylor and Weta Workshop (NZ) produced a truly unique Halo console inspired by the collectibles created for Halo 3. Featuring the iconic Master Chief figure propelling himself through the air and blasting the console with his UNSC battle rifle, this is a must buy item for any Halo fan.  The winning amount for the Halo console will be matched dollar for dollar by Microsoft New Zealand for a donation to local charity, Cure Kids (http://www.curekids.org.nz/)*.

Swarovski ‘Crystal’ console

Nothing sparkles quite like the Swarovski ‘Crystal’ console boasting more than 10,000 precious stones and valued at more than $1200.00 (NZ).  A one-of-a-kind design, this console is set to be a showpiece for the most glamorous ‘bling’ living room.

Available now from participating retailers, the new Xbox 360 Easter pack features an Xbox 360 Elite console and comes with two critically acclaimed Xbox 360 exclusive games: Halo 3: ODST and Forza Motorsport 3 with an RRP; $499***.

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*Microsoft New Zealand will match the value of the sale for the Halo console as a donation to Cure Kids up to the value of $10,000 NZD.

**In New Zealand, only adult accounts (18+) can download or stream content over Xbox LIVE marketplace.

***Recommended retail price, at participating retailers while stocks last. The price you pay will be determined by your retailer.

About Xbox 360

The powerful Xbox 360 video game and entertainment experience delivers amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online social network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 now boasts a catalogue of over 500 high-definition games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.co.nz/.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. Xbox 360, the Xbox 360 logo, Xbox LIVE are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE is the first and most comprehensive unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox LIVE connects millions of members across 26 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox LIVE Arcade, free and premium playable game demos and movies in the as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.co.nz/live.

About David Peachey Foundation

The David Peachey Foundation (DPF) was founded in 2004 by proud Wiradjuri man and former rugby league international David Peachey. DPF was established to promote the development of young indigenous leadership, improve health outcomes through education and the promotion of healthy behaviours, facilitate improved education attainment and encourage aspirations of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their chosen field.

About Cure Kids

Cure Kids (previously Child Health Research Foundation) was established over 30 years ago to address the lack of research into life-threatening childhood illnesses in New Zealand. Cure Kids funds vital research into life-threatening childhood diseases and conditions affecting New Zealand children and their families. Further information is available on www.curekids.org.nz