Ridge Racer 6 lined up for Xbox 360 launch?

Ridge Racer 6 may be a surprise launch title for Microsoft's Xbox 360, according to Namco's updated U.S release calendar - which slots the game in for an autumn 2005 date.

The newest installment of the arcade racing series had no official launch date set after it was confirmed for Microsoft's next generation machine, but speculation persisted that the company was pushing Namco for the title to line-up with the arrival of Xbox 360.

The Ridge Racer franchise has been a mainstay for Sony's PlayStation format franchise since 1994 after a previously successful stint in video arcades. A launch on Xbox 360 would be an obvious coup for Microsoft.