May 9, 2005 - Microsoft Japan announced today final release details for Xbox Live Arcade in Japan. Although US-based Xbox Live players have had access to the service, which makes a number of classic arcade games available for download via Xbox Live, since November of last year, the relatively small Japan-based Xbox Live population will have to wait until May 30 for their chance to join in.

On that day, Microsoft will have fourteen games available for download. Here's a list of games along with the cost for download.

  • Alien Sky, 980 yen
  • Fuzee Fever, 980 yen
  • Mutant Storm, 980 yen
  • Atomaders, 980 yen
  • Feeding Frenzy, 980 yen
  • AstroPop, 980 yen
  • Bejeweled, 1490 yen
  • Dangerous Mines, 980 yen
  • Super Collapse! II, 980 yen
  • Zuma, 1490 yen
  • Hardwood Solitaire, 980 yen
  • Bankshot Billiards, 980 yen

    Each game will have a sample version available for free download so that players can try before they buy.

    To play Xbox Live Arcade in America, you need to order a free launcher disk from Xbox.com. The same is true in Japan. Microsoft Japan will be distributing the disk both via its Japanese website, located at http://www.xbox.com/jp/, and through Famitsu Xbox, a monthly Xbox-only publication. The issue containing the disk will be available on 5/30.

    Moving forward, Microsoft Japan plans to bring more Xbox Live Arcade titles to Japan-based Xbox Live players.

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