Microsoft to Offer 100 Simpsons Xbox 360s

D'oh! Microsoft plans to help promote the upcoming Simpson's movie by giving away 100 Simpson's-yellow Xbox 360 consoles.

Microsoft is looking to cash in on the U.S. summer movie season by promoting games which tie in with major studio film releases like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,Ratatouille, the third installments of the Pirates of the Caribbean and Shrek franchises. But what to do if there’s not going to be an Xbox 360 title to accompany what’s anticipated as a major film release? In the case of the upcoming The Simpsons Movie, Microsoft’s solution is simple: offer 100 limited-edition Simpsons-themed Xbox 360 game consoles through a series of promotions and special events.

Microsoft is touting the movie tie-in games as a way to promote family values around the warm glow of the Xbox 360 console. “I can’t think of a better way to spend some quality time with the kids than to turn our favorite movies into an interactive experience, chatting and laughing as we take on the role of our favorite characters,” said “Xbox Dad” columnist and family gaming expert Duncan Mackenzie in a release from Microsoft.

Microsoft says it will reveal details of how Simpsons fans can try to get their hands on one of the themed Simpsons consoles on the Xbox Web site; as yet, there’s no word on whether these will be Xbox 360, Xbox 360 Core edition, or the more recent Elite version. The Simpsons film is set to hit theaters July 27.