Microsoft said Monday it will release 18 video games when the software giant launches its Xbox 360 game console in North America next week, but analysts worry there’s no blockbuster title that would help spur the huge console sales the software giant is seeking.

Along with the games, Redmond-based Microsoft said 13 accessories would also be available on November 22, when the console is set to start selling in retail outlets.

Three of the games will be titles Microsoft developed including Kameo: Elements of Power, Perfect Dark Zero, and Project Gotham Racing. The remaining titles are mainly those from well-known sports franchises, like Madden NFL 06 and NHL 2K6.

Securing more than a dozen games for launch day signals the company’s attempt to offer a broad lineup to persuade gamers to spend $300—or $400 for the souped-up version—for its new console.

But analysts expressed concern there was no blockbuster title to guarantee the console will hit the sales target Microsoft wants before Sony’s PlayStation 3 lands on the market in mid-2006.

Analysts like John Taylor from Arcadia Research say Microsoft’s launch lineup is “solid.” But he added the sports game sequels “have already been released on other platforms,” and are not likely to be “360-specific demand drivers.”

For Microsoft to maximize its Xbox sales after the launch, the company would have to serve up a runaway hit game like Halo 3, said research firm NPD Group’s Anita Frasier. Earlier Halo games, both developed by Microsoft, have been big sales drivers for the original Xbox.

Mr. Taylor also said Microsoft will have to release a steady stream of solid games to keep sales of the console high.

Microsoft will have as little as a four-month window to sell as many Xbox 360s as possible before Sony’s PlayStation 3 goes on sale. In the past, Sony’s earlier version of the PlayStation outsold Xbox by a wide margin. The PlayStation sold 96 million units while the original Xbox sold 20 million consoles.

This time Microsoft is looking to steal as much market share as possible from the Japanese electronics giant. So far, signs are encouraging with the Xbox 360 already sold out online (see Xbox 360 Sold Out Online).

Hype Machine

To help it achieve that goal, Microsoft’s marketing engine has been working overtime in recent weeks, seeking to create a buzz before the launch.

Microsoft exec Peter Moore said the launch-day lineup will “deliver mind-blowing experiences,” and “it has never been a more exciting time to be a gamer.”

Last week Microsoft said it had already started shipping games and accessories for the new video game console.

As part of that marketing push, Microsoft said in the three days leading up to the launch, it will hold an event called “Xbox 360: Zero Hour” in the Mojave desert, where 3,000 gamers will play in the baking sun (see Microsoft Hypes Xbox 360).

“Gamers at Zero Hour will have bragging rights to say ‘I spent more than 24 hours at the epicenter of the gaming universe,’” said Mr. Moore.

Analysts said Microsoft spent $500 million on marketing for the original Xbox, which so far has shipped about 20 million consoles worldwide.