Microsoft is trying to squeeze everything it can form its Xbox 360 gaming platform. After announcing earlier this month that the gaming machine will be delivered bundled with two games, the Redmond company revealed today Xbox Arcade, a version that is sold for $279.99 and includes five family-friendly games, a wireless controller, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) connection to enable high-definition output if desired and 256 MB of memory useful for storing games and entertainment content.

The five titles included with Xbox 360 Arcade are "PAC-MAN Championship Edition," "Uno," "Luxor 2," "Boom Boom Rocket" and "Feeding Frenzy", the perfect titles to be played by all family as Microsoft noted.

Since its launch Microsoft had tried to promote its gaming console as the perfect entertainment hub for the family, but it seems that finally it managed to come with the perfect offer.

On the other hand, with its price tag of $279 Xbox 360 Arcade could be the best Nintendo Wii competitor so far. Nintendo Wii is still selling like hot pancakes and in less than a year the Japanese gaming console has managed to threaten Microsoft’s leadership.

With the smallest price tag, with fun games Nintendo Wii has managed to attract non-casual gamers, women and children alike.

Finally, with Xbox 360 Arcade, Microsoft shows that it has learnt something from Nintendo’s strategy. Also, with its great titles like Halo 3 and Bioshock, Microsoft has a great Christmas line-up. By adding Xbox Arcade to the pack, Microsoft has something in store for everyone.

As Nintendo still struggles with production issues and PlayStation 3 is still too pricier, maybe this Christmas is the perfect time to buy an Xbox 360.