Kotaku reader Marcelo turned us on to this Reuters piece, detailing the upcoming Brazilian launch of Microsoft's Xbox 360. What I thought was going to be a run of the mill launch in a territory that no one cares about... oops, I mean is largely ignored... turned out to be an eye-opening bit of news.

Microsoft will be the first manufacturer to sell direct to the market in Brazil, where importers reign supreme. But this privelege will come at a price: 2999 reias, which currently exchanges at $1400 US. That's a lot of reias! Tough to swallow, as importers will bring a 360 to you for close to half that price.

The premium console package will be bundled with a few games, Project Gotham Racing 3, Perfect Dark Zero and Kameo: Elements of Power, which makes the steel-booted kick in the wallet a little easier (games retail for close to $75).

The real lesson to be learned here, is that we must be thankful for the low, low prices the God of Consoles has provided for us this generation. No more whining, Americans! Michael McWhertor

Microsoft bets on fast Xbox growth in Brazil

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