Xtreme shoppers bag new Xbox

Computer game junkies yesterday got the chance to be among the first in Australasia to buy a new Xbox 360.

The release of the latest Microsoft product - beginning at 12.01am - prompted many retailers across the country to stay open through the night.

Among these was the Dick Smith PowerHouse store in Hamilton, which like other stores hosted a night of Xbox gaming.

The consoles retail for $718.

In Auckland some people couldn't wait for the March 23 release - the Gameplanet store on Dominion Rd was ramraided on Monday morning and thieves took an Xbox 360 display unit and giant plasma screen.

- NZPA