Xbox Live debuts in Japan

Microsoft's Xbox Live online service formally launched in Japan this morning, with the Xbox Live starter kits appearing in retailers across the country for the princely sum of 6,800 Yen - roughly £36.

The Japanese starter kit includes the Xbox voice communicator headset, one years subscription to the service, and two games - Sega's Phantasy Star Online Episodes I&II, and Zuno Taisen Live (Brain Battle Live). Four mini-games are also available for playing on the service - Mahjong, Go, Japanese chess and Reversi.

Other full-price titles for the service are available from Capcom and Microsoft, while several more are due for release in the near future, including games from Victor Interactive, From Software, and a number more from Microsoft itself.