Ridge Racer 6 for 360 launch?

Ridge Racer 6 may see a surprise launch alongside Microsoft's Xbox 360, according to Namco's updated U.S release calendar slotting 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 since 1994 after a previously successful stint in video arcades. A launch on Xbox 360 would be an obvious coup for Microsoft, but there's still no confirmation that the game's exclusive.

Other significant titles to feature in Namco's line-up include We Love Katamari, (September, no UK date) and Soul Calibur III (October for US and UK), both on PlayStation 2.

Namco's full 2005 line-up in the U.S: