Xbox 'Texas Hold'em' release date set

Microsoft will launch its new poker game "Texas Hold'em" on the Xbox Live Arcade Aug. 23 at 8 a.m. (GMT), and for a limited time players will be able to download and play the game for free.

Just last month, Xbox announced they had scrapped plans to offer the game for free after already delaying the game's release. With a date finally set, Xbox Live Gold and Silver members will be able to download and play the game for free during the first 48 hours after the game is released.

After those 48 hours, starting Aug. 25 at 8:01 a.m. (GMT), "Texas Hold'em" will be available for 800 Microsoft Points.

According to the Team Xbox Web site, "Texas Hold'em" will offer players a chance to test their skills in ring games and tournaments, or fine-tune their skills playing a scenario they've always wanted to play in. The game is customizable to do almost anything a player may want to do, and is the closest thing to actually playing the real things.