US software giant Microsoft has released further information on the upcoming launch event for the Xbox 360 games console.

The event, dubbed Xbox 360: Zero Hour, will take place in an undisclosed location in California's Mojave Desert.

Xbox 360: Zero Hour will begin at sunset on November 20, and continue until 12.01am on November 22, the official launch date for the console in North America.

It will feature hundreds of gaming stations, live entertainment and around-the-clock gaming.

"Xbox 360: Zero Hour is expected to be a true gaming paradise with hundreds of Xbox 360 gaming stations featuring high-definition monitors and digital sound available for attendees to get the chance to play the full Xbox 360 launch line-up along with other highly anticipated games that will ship this year and into 2006 from 2K Games, 2K Sports, Activision, Bethesda, Capcom, Electronic Arts, Microsoft Game Studios, Namco, Sega, Square-Enix, Tecmo, THQ, and Ubisoft," Microsoft said in a statement.

Among the thousands of partygoers will be the winners of a series of competitions hosted on www.origenxbox360.com. The winners from around Europe will be flown to the US where they will receive rock-star VIP treatment including a trip in a private jet from Santa Monica airport directly to the event.

Gamers willing to fund their own pilgrimage to the Mojave desert, can obtain one of just 3,000 tickets to the event by registering on selected Xbox fansites from November 10.

In addition to gaming, attendees will enjoy live entertainment and music, including a Kaiju Big Battel and a musical performance by raucous rock band Louis XIV.

"Our goal with the launch event is to reward the gamer by creating the ultimate Xbox 360 oasis," said Peter Moore, Microsoft corporate vice president.

The machine will launch in Europe on December 2 and in Japan on December 10.

The Xbox 360 will come in two packages. The premium version will sell for $399.99 and will include the console, wireless controllers, 20GB hard drive, headset and membership to Xbox Live.

The core version will sell for $299.99 and includes console and wired controller.

At launch Microsoft said up to 20 games would be available, including Quake 4, Resident Evil 5, Tony Hawk's American Wasteland, Need For Speed, Tiger Woods PGA Golf, Elements of Power and Project Gotham Racing.

The Xbox 360 is Microsoft's answer to Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Revolution. Sony said it plans to launch its PlayStation 3 in spring 2006. No release date has been announced for the Revolution.