All I want for Xmas is...Microsoft Sets Pre-Holiday Xbox Sales Date

SEATTLE -- Parents may dread it, but gamers are waiting for it.

Microsoft said the new version of its Xbox gaming console will be available in the United States Nov. 22. That's just before Thanksgiving and just in time for the holiday shopping season.

That timing will allow Microsoft to get a head start over rival Sony's PlayStation Three, slated to replace the market-leading PlayStation Two next spring.

The United States price for Xbox 360, previously announced, will be $399.99

A scaled-down version will be sold for $100 less in the United States.

Microsoft is initially targeting the Xbox 360 to hardcore gamers, but it is hoping a sleek design and user-friendly features will eventually make it alluring to more mainstream users.

XBOX 360 or PS3...which to choose, which to choose...