Rumour has it the Xbox'll loose a few pounds for Christmas...



Microsoft’s preparing going to hit Sony where it hurts this Christmas – right in the wallet, as Xbox 360 gets a price cut just in time for PS3’s launch as the most expensive console of the year!


Microsoft’s ploy, according to the online rumour mill, stems from a redesign of the circuits inside the gaming powerhouse – a move which should shave about £100 from the cost of the console.


It all this comes true we could be looking at a price of about £200 for Xbox 360’s Core package, or £20 more for the Premium set-up. That’s against a PS3 price tag of around £550 with three games.


As usual, it’s pure speculation, and while games site Britxbox reckons its information comes from a reliable source, we’re taking it with a generous pinch of salt.


On the flip side, Microsoft could be worried about competition from Nintendo’s Wii. We already think it’ll cost about £150 when it lands in stores near Christmas, so maybe there’ll be two bargain entrants to this year’s festive shopping list!

Thanks T3

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Article Taken From eurogamer.net
Article Written By ellie gibson

Those rumours that an Xbox 360 price cut is on the way just haven't stopped flying in recent weeks - but now John Porcaro, group manager of PR and communications for Microsoft US, has shot them down once again.

In a post on his blog, Porcaro wrote: "As you’re all aware, there have been rumors of a price drop for the Xbox 360 coming along later this year. The official word from folks in the know is that there are currently no plans for a price drop this fall."

"If you’ve been holding off picking one up because you think they'll be cheaper in the future, or they've been hard to find, or because you’re too busy catching up on past episodes of Lost, wait no longer," he added, before highlighting the Xbox 360's features and the range of games available for the console.

Porcaro also took a potshot at the PlayStation 3, which is due to launch this November priced at $499 / $599. "Just think... This holiday as some people go broke because they're forced to buy movie technology with their game console, you'll be choosing from 160 games, including Gears of War, Madden 07, Splinter Cell, Forza 2, and lots more."

Not forgetting Mass Effect, Halo 3 and Grand Theft Auto "later on", Porcaro added.

His comments echo those made to our sister site, GamesIndustry.biz earlier this year by Xbox Europe boss Chris Lewis, who said that the PS3's price point "forces the consumer down a choice path in a way that I'm surprised to see".

He said Sony's decision had removed pressure on Microsoft to cut the cost of the Xbox 360 by the end of 2006, stating: "We're confident that we are at the right price at the right time and will remain so."

Article Taken From eurogamer.net
Article Written By tom bramwell

Microsoft has distanced itself from suggestions that it plans to officially cut the price of the Xbox 360 Core System in the next few days, arguing that retailers have already chosen to do this of their own accord.

"Retail price is set by our retail partners," a Microsoft spokesperson told Eurogamer. "Retailers are already selling Xbox 360 Core System from £199.99, which we believe is outstanding value to consumers."

The Core System, which is a stripped down Xbox 360 sold without a hard disk, among other things, retails in most locations for £209.99, but various firms - most notably Play.com - have recently moved to a £199.99 price point.

The full Xbox 360 package, which includes a 20GB hard disk as well as an Xbox Live headset, retails for £279.99. Microsoft has repeatedly denied that it plans to cut the system's price in the run-up to Christmas.

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Article Taken From gamesindustry.biz
Article Written By johnny minkley

First official price cut for next-gen system comes into effect

UK retail has confirmed to GamesIndustry.biz that Microsoft has officially dropped the RRP of the Xbox 360 Core pack to GBP 199, effective from today.

The readjustment from the previous RRP of GBP 209 is the first formal hardware price cut since the system launched across Europe last December.

Many UK vendors had already started selling the lower-spec version of the next-gen system, which lacks a hard drive, for the reduced price - taking a hit on their own margins. The premium system still has an RRP of GBP 279.

Microsoft UK refused to confirm the cut when questioned earlier this week, commenting: "Retail price is set by our retail partners. Retailers are already selling Xbox 360 Core System from £199.99, which we believe is outstanding value to consumers."

However, GI.biz has received confirmation of the reduction today from retailers in the independent, supermarket and High Street entertainment sectors.

“The Core version has dropped by £10 today - they've issued it directly so it's not been driven by retail,” a spokesperson for a leading entertainment retailer explained.

Official UK distributor Gem declined to comment and Microsoft remained unavailable at press time.

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