With 1080p now available to Xbox 360 users, it was only a matter of time until 1080p titles became available. Sega have today announced that Virtua Tennis 3 will launch with support for 1080p graphics, a brand new VT:TV live spectator mode and for the first time in the franchise’s history, allow players to compete with gamers from around the world on Xbox Live.

Here is a snippet from the official Sega press release:

For the first time, Xbox 360 gamers can experience high-definition 1080p graphics on their console with Virtua Tennis 3. With the highest digital video standard enabled on the Xbox 360, each of the 20 tennis pros featured in Virtua Tennis 3 appear even more realistic, while the court environments deliver a newfound richness in colour and texture. The increased levels of detail can be picked out in the spectators and backgrounds, and despite the increased number of pixels on screen, the smooth gameplay mechanics and movements of the players are just as fluid as ever.

The online gameplay for Virtua Tennis 3 consist of a number of features set to make the most of the Xbox Live network. Players can take part in Ranked or Friendly modes, and enter Exhibition games or Tournaments in both singles and doubles matches across the Live network. The all new VT:TV real-time spectator mode allows players to view their friends or other top-ranked players compete in tournaments, adding an all new strategy in sizing up the next opponent.

Commenting on the game, Matt Woodley, Creative Director of SEGA stated “Virtua Tennis 3 on Xbox 360 is definitely the next generation of tennis. We’re striving to create games which not only have great gameplay but also can make the very most of the Xbox 360’s amazing technology.”

Always wanting to go one step further than Sony, George Peckham, general manager, global third party publishing for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft added “We’re thrilled to be able to say that Virtua Tennis 3 will be coming to Xbox 360, showcasing an online experience with Xbox Live that you won’t find on any other systems and spectacular 1080p graphics.”

With only one month to go until the games release, we’re looking forward to getting our hands on this one, it’s shaping up to be an ace!