Microsoft Corp. will release its Xbox 360 console a bit later than expected in the U.S., according to a report published by Associated Press citing Microsoft’s representatives made in Japan.

The software giant will launch the Xbox 360 in North America on November 22^nd . The release will followed by a December 2 launch in Europe and a December 10 launch in Japan. Earlier it was rumoured that the Xbox 360 would be unveiled on the fourth of November, weeks earlier than the official launch date.

Director of platform marketing for Xbox console, David Reid is reported to have that Microsoft had already begun producing “millions of units” at three facilities in southern China, Reid said, although he would not provide a specific number of units that are to be available at launch. It is also unclear whether Microsoft would make available additional hardware for the console at launch. It is also not completely clear which games are to be released along with the console.

Microsoft Xbox 360 console is based around microprocessor developed by IBM, high-definition visual processing unit designed by ATI Technologies, I/O controller engineered by SiS and some other key components. The gaming machine will provide a broad set of multimedia capabilities in addition to games.

Depending on the bundle, Microsoft Xbox 360 will cost $299 or $399 and will be available this holiday season (see this news story for details).