In a bizarre announcement it seem that Microsoft has decided to get into the coin-op business by creating an arcade cabinet version of the Xbox 360.  It seems these cabinets will allow you play games like Halo 3, FIFA '08, Assassin's Creed and Devil May Cry 4.  It is also reported that instead of a play per play model it will allow you to play for a block of time.  The cabinet will feature two Xbox 360 controllers, a memory card slot and have system link functionality so you could play against others on the same network.  Currently this arcade cabinet is being tested in Asia and the UK with a US release coming soon.

I guess I wonder how well this device will work.  Obviously this is an effort to expose games on the Xbox 360 to more people and is really nothing much more than a demo kiosk you'd see in a Best Buy or Target.  By placing these cabinets in video game arcades Microsoft is reaching out to that community of gamers.  I just wonder who actually still goes to arcades anymore.  I know I used to spend hours in the arcade attached to the bowling ally by my house.  With the coin-op business doing so poorly is this model really helping the Xbox 360 brand?

Source:
kotaku.com - xbox-360-goes-arcade-for-reals