Xbox 360 to launch in November

European gamers will have to wait until 2 December for Microsoft's new console

Microsoft has confirmed that it will start selling its Xbox 360 gaming console to US consumers on 22 November. But European gamers will have to wait until 2 December.

By launching in December, Microsoft hopes that the Xbox will become a hot item for this year's Christmas shopping season.

It is uncommon for gaming consoles to be launched worldwide at the same time. Companies usually stagger the unveilings across geographies to allow them to meet peak demands in the first weeks and months.

Microsoft has been strongly promoting its new console with game developers, and boasted that 200 games are currently under development.

"Renowned development studios around the world are busy putting the finishing touches on their Xbox 360 games," said Robbie Bach, Microsoft's chief Xbox officer.

"We expect a strong portfolio of titles on launch day and through the holidays that will appeal to fans of every genre and gamers in every region. And with more than 200 games currently in development, continuous new additions to the library are on the way."

The Xbox 360 kicks off a new phase in the gaming console battle. Market leader Sony is set to unveil its Playstation 3 next year, and Nintendo's Revolution is also scheduled for a 2006 launch.