The following press release was sent to us by a number of our readers, all alleging it appeared on Microsoft’s Xbox 360 page for only a few brief moments this morning before quickly disappearing. We cannot attest to its authenticity.

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Xbox 360 Will Dominate in 2009

With a host of new and improved features available to players, Microsoft and its Xbox 360 video game console are set to take office as the best entertainment value of 2009.

REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 20, 2009 — Just as Americans are welcoming a new President into office today, video game players are welcoming another leader into its rightful position: Xbox 360. With strong global sales and the leading online service for gamers, Xbox 360 continues to prove itself to be the top source of entertainment ever created. As the year progresses, a host of new and improved features for Xbox 360 will delight and amaze gamers across the world. “We can’t wait to provide Xbox 360 owners with even more reason to gloat about owing the world’s best video game console,” said Ron Patrick, senior Public Relations of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft.

In order to keep players current with the latest hardware updates, Microsoft will expand upon its Console Upgrade Program for Xbox 360 owners. Xbox 360 owners will be notified that it is their turn to receive an upgrade when three red lights flash on the front of the console. At that point, console owners can place a phone call to 1-800-4-MY-XBOX and speak to a customer service representative who will happily assist with the process of sending their Xbox 360 into our Upgrade Center. “It’s just our way of saying thank-you to our loyal supporters,” said David Phillips, vice president of Xbox 360 Research and Development.

As an added bonus, Microsoft will be awarding all owners who upgrade with one free month of Xbox Live, the world’s most-used online gaming service.

Additionally, Microsoft and third party publishers will be releasing a number of games for Xbox 360 both in retail stores and via Xbox Live Arcade’s download service. While it is too early to announce the specific games titles, Xbox 360 owners should rest assured that all Xbox 360 games will take full advantage of Microsoft’s innovative Xbox 360 controller, which features two analog sticks, a digital pad, four main face buttons, two analog shoulder buttons, two additional shoulder buttons (or “bumpers”), a Start Button, and a Back button. With the Xbox 360 controller providing so many methods of input, game developers can let their imaginations run wild and create unparalleled software for Xbox 360 that cannot be found on other video game consoles.

As if that weren’t enough, every retail Xbox 360 game comes with a protective plastic case, a full-color cover insert, and an informative instruction booklet.

Finally, Microsoft is continuing in its dedication to provide a streamlined and cost-effective experience for Xbox 360 owners.

Microsoft would like to congratulate Barack Obama on his historic journey to become the 44^th President of the United States of America. Just like Xbox 360, Obama’s many admirable qualities have made him the top choice of the people. With so many exceptional and exciting features, it is clear that Xbox 360 is truly the Commander in Chief amongst video game consoles in 2009 and beyond. Without question, an exhilarating and momentous year is in store for American citizens and Xbox 360 owners. Can Microsoft and Xbox 360 bring consumers the best entertainment experience imaginable? Yes we can!

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is the best. Ever. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Xbox LIVE

Xbox LIVE connects more than 170 billion members across 206 countries to each other and the entertainment they love. More information and Xbox LIVE membership can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “TL;DR”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

¹ 128 MB available space required for the New Xbox Experience. Hard drive recommended for Xbox LIVE, and is required for some cool stuff. Xbox LIVE Gold membership and/or other fees may apply. See http://www.xbox.com/live.