The final countdown has started with just 12 days left until the Tuesday, November 22 launch of the highly anticipated Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system. In celebration of the launch and to meet gamer demand to be first to own and play Xbox 360, select retail locations across Canada will open their doors at 12:01 a.m. on November 22.

Gamers can also witness the arrival of Xbox 360 to Canada at the exclusive Xbox 360 launch party, presented by MuchMusic. Fans of Xbox are invited to come to The Guvernment on Monday, November 21 for 360 minutes of adrenaline-packed entertainment featuring a live musical performance by OK Go, a special appearance by Perfect Dark Zero’s Joanna Dark, and the chance to play the hottest Xbox 360 games. The first 360 people to arrive at The Guvernment, located at 132 Queen’s Quay East, Toronto, ON, are guaranteed entrance to the launch party. In addition, gamers attending the launch party will have exclusive access to the on-site Future Shop store and will have a chance to purchase their new Xbox 360 while at the event. The on-site Future Shop will be loaded with Xbox 360 consoles, games, and accessories — everything fans of Xbox need to get playing as soon as they get home.

“We expected Xbox 360 to be in high demand this holiday season, but we are overwhelmed by the response from Canadians to the video game and entertainment system,” said Rick Lotman, Senior Vice President of Merchandising, Marketing and E-Commerce for Future Shop. “Our select Midnight Madness events and our retail store set-up at the official launch party are just a few ways we are committed to helping Xbox gamers get it first.”

“The future of gaming and entertainment is almost here and the buzz in Canada about Xbox 360 is deafening,” said Jason Anderson, head of Xbox, Microsoft Canada Co. “With unbelievable games, an enhanced Xbox Live online service, and the ability to quickly and easily connect to portable music players, digital cameras and Windows® XP-based PCs, Xbox 360 is set to redefine the way Canadians experience video game entertainment.”

Midnight Madness retail events are scheduled nationwide at:

Vancouver, BC
Future Shop: 2929 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam, BC & Best Buy: 2220 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC

Edmonton, AB
Future Shop: 3451 Calgary Trail South, Edmonton, AB

Toronto, ON
EB Games, Yorkdale: 3401 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON & Best Buy: 6075 Mavis Road, Mississauga, ON

Montreal, QC
Toys R Us: 7200 Boul. Louis-H-Lafountaine, Anjous, QC

Canadians looking to get the inside track on the Xbox 360 launch excitement can visit www.playxbox360.ca for details about the official Xbox 360 launch party and other nationwide events.

[tags]xbox 360,muchmusic[/tags]