Microsoft dropping price of Xbox 360

[Ryudo]

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/caf2b046-450f-11dc-82f5-0000779fd2ac,dwp_uuid=e8477cc4-c820-11db-b0dc-000b5df10621.html


A price war took hold of the US gaming market on Tuesday when Microsoft followed Sony’s move last month to reduce the price of its core console.

The decision to cut the price of the Xbox 360 reflects slowing momentum for a product that plays a key role in the company’s broader consumer strategy, according to analysts.

It is also expected to turn the console back into a loss-making product for Microsoft, although the company should still be on track to hit its target of finally breaking through into profitability in the games business in its current fiscal year, they added.

Microsoft announced on Tuesday that it would cut $50 from the price of the most popular model of the console, to $349. Two other configurations of the Xbox 360 will be cut by $20 and $30.

The timing of the cut, before the busy autumn season, was earlier than expected, analysts said, and pointed to competition in part of the market from the cheaper Wii console from Nintendo.

Last month, Sony sliced $100 from the $599 price tag of its basic PS3 console.

Average monthly sales of the Xbox 360 dropped to 200,000 in the first six months of this year, from about 700,000 in the first 14 months the machine was on the market, said Matt Rosoff, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft. “It’s the cornerstone of Microsoft’s home entertainment strategy,” he added, making it vital for the company to ship the machine in higher volumes.

Microsoft said that the price cut had been timed to coincide with the release next week of Madden NFL 08, the latest in a popular series of big-selling football games from Electronic Arts.

According to the company, the lack of any earlier price cut since the launch of the console in November 2005 makes it the longest period a new machine has been able to hold its original sale price. But the fact that the Xbox was launched nearly a year before rival consoles from Sony and Nintendo meant that it was under no pressure for much of that time to consider any competitive action, said Van Baker, analyst at Gartner.

While Microsoft had reached break-even on the Xbox 360, “it will probably go negative again” with the price cut, said Charles di Bona, an analyst at Sanford C Bernstein. The launch of the latest version of the big-selling Halo game in late September, however, should lift the company’s games business to its first quarterly profit for the first time since the previous version of Halo, as well as its first ever full-year of profits, he added.

A broader trend in the games business, where growth is coming increasingly from casual and “social” games, could have contributed to the slowing momentum for sales of consoles aimed at the traditional “hard core” market of young males, some analysts said.

“The gaming environment is radically different from the last two or three generations of consoles,” said Richard Doherty, an analyst at Envisioneering.

Console makers are being forced to fight harder for audience time as their users adopt newer online and gaming habits, from social networking to the different experience embodied in the controller to the new Wii console, he added.

Thanks to the broader appeal of the Wii and its presence in hand-held games, Nintendo seemed better positioned for these trends than Microsoft or Sony, Mr Doherty said.

So, Core - $279
Pro - $349
Elite - $449

And the universal warranty for the Ring of Death will continue.

[TheGibson]

Nice. Good for them.

[Ryudo]

As a disclaimer, I know it's in the 360 official thread, but that fucker's so big I figured there should be a thread about the price drop. :)

And this is definitely making me lean towards buying one... especially if the used prices drop (I'll check at work and let you guys know if that's happening).

[UltimateFactor]

As a disclaimer, I know it's in the 360 official thread, but that fucker's so big I figured there should be a thread about the price drop. :)

And this is definitely making me lean towards buying one... especially if the used prices drop (I'll check at work and let you guys know if that's happening).

If the used price drops too, it's on! Emplyee Discount FTW! :cool:

[ImYrWoodbury]

Nice. Just in time for my birthday.

[Ryudo]

If the used price drops too, it's on! Emplyee Discount FTW! :cool:

15% off the system, 25% off the hard drive, 100% all good. :)

[costello]

Wow. I had no plans to get one. Now, I don't know. Wow.

[Bryan H]

There's also, sort of, a fourth option. At least for a little while. When Halo 3 hits there will be a special bundle. An HDMI-enabled 360 with a Halo design, 20GB HD, and Halo 3 for $399. If you were planning on getting an elite for the HDMI and not the bigger HD, along with grabbing Halo, this is a pretty good deal.

[Matt Jay]

I've read somewhere that another price drop could happen right before GTA IV drops in Q2 next year to capitalize on that publicity.

[bizarro gum]

What were the original prices?

[ClintP]

I need one to get down around the 150 range.

[Brad N.]

what comes in the Elite package?

[lonesomefool]

Can someone explain the difference between the 3 types? I'm not a big gamer, but I have been considering getting an X-Box sometime this fall with my PS2 starting to die and I cannot afford the PS3. I'm not big into HD or anything like that, so would the Core system be the best for me?

[greg donovan]

Can someone explain the difference between the 3 types? I'm not a big gamer, but I have been considering getting an X-Box sometime this fall with my PS2 starting to die and I cannot afford the PS3. I'm not big into HD or anything like that, so would the Core system be the best for me?

same question here.

i just want to play some of the new racing games and i am curious about the Halo franchise.

i do not have an HDTV and probably wont for a long time.

[Bryan H]

Here's the differences with original prices:

Core is the basic no-frills packaging. Was $299. You get the console itself, and a wired controller. There is no hard drive with it, so if you want to save your games, you'll have to get a memory card or buy a hard drive seperate ($100 for 20GB, $200 I believe for the 120GB). The console and controller is white

Premium is what most consider the standard. Was $399. Includes console, 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, headset, and I believe 2 months of Xbox Live free, and High-Def cables (and standard cables for those without HD). Basically no different from the Core except for the hard drive and a couple extras. This one is also white.

Elite is the latest, released about 2-3 months ago. Was $479. The main difference is that the insides are a bit fancier in that its enabled for HDMI, and comes with the proper cables. Comes with wireless controller, headset, and 120GB hard drive. While the others were all white, everything with the elite is black, including the headset.

Hope that helps!

[Brad N.]

what comes in the Elite package?


Can someone explain the difference between the 3 types? I'm not a big gamer, but I have been considering getting an X-Box sometime this fall with my PS2 starting to die and I cannot afford the PS3. I'm not big into HD or anything like that, so would the Core system be the best for me?


Here's the differences with original prices:

Core is the basic no-frills packaging. Was $299. You get the console itself, and a wired controller. There is no hard drive with it, so if you want to save your games, you'll have to get a memory card or buy a hard drive seperate ($100 for 20GB, $200 I believe for the 120GB). The console and controller is white

Premium is what most consider the standard. Was $399. Includes console, 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, headset, and I believe 2 months of Xbox Live free, and High-Def cables (and standard cables for those without HD). Basically no different from the Core except for the hard drive and a couple extras. This one is also white.

Elite is the latest, released about 2-3 months ago. Was $479. The main difference is that the insides are a bit fancier in that its enabled for HDMI, and comes with the proper cables. Comes with wireless controller, headset, and 120GB hard drive. While the others were all white, everything with the elite is black, including the headset.

Hope that helps!

Coolness, thanks!

[Bryan H]

Can someone explain the difference between the 3 types? I'm not a big gamer, but I have been considering getting an X-Box sometime this fall with my PS2 starting to die and I cannot afford the PS3. I'm not big into HD or anything like that, so would the Core system be the best for me?

The HD's not the big difference between the two, its mostly just the hard drive. You could pick up the Core and either a 64mb or 512mb memory card ($29 and $49 retail price) and use that for saves, but if you plan on utilizing Xbox Live to download games and movies and such, you'll probably need a hard drive to store them all (or a shitton of memory cards).

[Bryan H]

Coolness, thanks!

Glad to help, I love my 360 and can't wait for Halo 3 to hit. I got a chance to check out the beta, and while it was certainly beta-y, it was much fun.

[bachman]

They should make it $360. Duh.

[Akira]

There's also, sort of, a fourth option. At least for a little while. When Halo 3 hits there will be a special bundle. An HDMI-enabled 360 with a Halo design, 20GB HD, and Halo 3 for $399. If you were planning on getting an elite for the HDMI and not the bigger HD, along with grabbing Halo, this is a pretty good deal.

Is there a link saying the halo 3 system will have the game too?

[Bryan H]

Is there a link saying the halo 3 system will have the game too?

You know, I don't know. I just kind of... assumed it would have the game. But damn, if it doesn't, that is fucked up.

You're right Jared, Halo 3 is sold seperately. Damn.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6176300.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;0

[costello]

Can someone explain the difference between the 3 types? I'm not a big gamer, but I have been considering getting an X-Box sometime this fall with my PS2 starting to die and I cannot afford the PS3. I'm not big into HD or anything like that, so would the Core system be the best for me?

Cth found a way to get a PS3 from Sony for $365. It's posted in the PS3 thread.

[Akira]

You know, I don't know. I just kind of... assumed it would have the game. But damn, if it doesn't, that is fucked up.

You're right Jared, Halo 3 is sold seperately. Damn.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6176300.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;0

Yeah, without GTA that's gonna be the biggest selling game of the year on the 360 (maybe Madden beats it). No way were they just gonna give it away. They wanna get full retail for each and every copy of the game.

[Bryan H]

Yeah, without GTA that's gonna be the biggest selling game of the year on the 360 (maybe Madden beats it). No way were they just gonna give it away. They wanna get full retail for each and every copy of the game.

That makes sense, just... I don't. Having the Halo 3 edition of the console NOT include Halo 3 seems wrong to me. Ah well.

Though, don't doubt the power of BEAUTIFUL KATAMARI! Dammit, now I gotta go play the demo again...

[greg donovan]

Here's the differences with original prices:

Core is the basic no-frills packaging. Was $299. You get the console itself, and a wired controller. There is no hard drive with it, so if you want to save your games, you'll have to get a memory card or buy a hard drive seperate ($100 for 20GB, $200 I believe for the 120GB). The console and controller is white

Premium is what most consider the standard. Was $399. Includes console, 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, headset, and I believe 2 months of Xbox Live free, and High-Def cables (and standard cables for those without HD). Basically no different from the Core except for the hard drive and a couple extras. This one is also white.

Elite is the latest, released about 2-3 months ago. Was $479. The main difference is that the insides are a bit fancier in that its enabled for HDMI, and comes with the proper cables. Comes with wireless controller, headset, and 120GB hard drive. While the others were all white, everything with the elite is black, including the headset.

Hope that helps!

sounds like the core system is the one for me.

i wont utilize online and i dont have HD.

[Cth]

You can pick up a memory card off of Ebay for dirt cheap as well.

And with people upgrading to the Elite, you could probably pick up a used 20 GB hard drive from there as well on discount.

There's lots of alternatives price wise if you think things are expensive. Just ask someone in the 360 thread usually :)

[lonesomefool]

The HD's not the big difference between the two, its mostly just the hard drive. You could pick up the Core and either a 64mb or 512mb memory card ($29 and $49 retail price) and use that for saves, but if you plan on utilizing Xbox Live to download games and movies and such, you'll probably need a hard drive to store them all (or a shitton of memory cards).

Ah, ok. Thanks for the help. I think I will look into the Core system. I never use the "live" online gaming, usually play them by myself or with friends when they are over, etc. I also dont have the internet connection right now for the live gaming.

Are they putting the new Grand Theft Auto out for the X-Box?

[JABSEN]

Ah, ok. Thanks for the help. I think I will look into the Core system. I never use the "live" online gaming, usually play them by myself or with friends when they are over, etc. I also dont have the internet connection right now for the live gaming.

Are they putting the new Grand Theft Auto out for the X-Box?Yep. And the episodic content will be 360 exclusive.

You'll need a HD for that obviously. You should pick one up. The Arcade is one of the coolest things about owning a 360.

[lonesomefool]

Yep. And the episodic content will be 360 exclusive.

You'll need a HD for that obviously. You should pick one up. The Arcade is one of the coolest things about owning a 360.

I'm gonna look for one this fall/winter. Right now I'm content with my PS2, but like I said, it's starting to go in terms of wear and tear and I have been looking at getting either an X-Box or PS3. While the $365 PS3 is tempting, it just seems like a bit too much hassle for just a game system.

[The Human Target]

Another thing to note about Elite's.

Its much quieter, and has much better venting so it doesn't overheat as much. My buddy just bought one, and I am envious.

Though, I much prefer the white core systems look. I hate that all electronics are black.

[Smokinblues]

Another thing to note about Elite's.

Its much quieter, and has much better venting so it doesn't overheat as much. My buddy just bought one, and I am envious.

Though, I much prefer the white core systems look. I hate that all electronics are black.
racist!:no:

[JABSEN]

racist!:no:Ben doesn't care about black consoles.

[The Human Target]

Ben doesn't care about black consoles.

White console power!

[Evan Wiener]

Yep. And the episodic content will be 360 exclusive.

You'll need a HD for that obviously. You should pick one up. The Arcade is one of the coolest things about owning a 360.

What kind of content is available on the Xbox Live Arcade? I'm not used to paying for online gaming since I have a Wii and DS.

[Cth]

What kind of content is available on the Xbox Live Arcade? I'm not used to paying for online gaming since I have a Wii and DS.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_Live_Arcade

About 100 games at the moment.

Good mix of arcade ports (updated graphics & online play), board games, puzzles, original titles, etc.

Here's some upcoming titles:



· "Ecco the Dolphin" (Sega) Cool off with this fun, whimsical update of the classic undersea exploration game featuring everyone's favorite bottlenose dolphin, Ecco!

· "Hexic 2" (Carbonated Games) The highly anticipated sequel to the popular puzzle game "Hexic HD" will have gamers racing to solve brand new challenges, including an all new two player Battle mode.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/33/Hexic2.jpg

· "War World" (Ubisoft) A pure adrenaline rush, War World features powerful armored mechanoids battling head-to-head in all-out savage single and multiplayer battles that combine action and strategy.

http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/showpost.php?p=3286435&postcount=1710


http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2007/183/reviews/941825_20070703_screen002.jpg

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2007/183/reviews/941825_20070703_screen001.jpg

http://image.com.com/gamespot/images/2007/183/reviews/941825_20070703_screen001.jpg




· "Geon: Emotions" (Eidos) Engage in the unique sport of Geon, where you must master a diverse range of emotions to best your opponents.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/45/GeonScreen.jpg

· "Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords" (D3Publisher of America, Inc.) Addictive and easy-to-learn, this game integrates story and character progression elements found in RPGs delivering a brand new type of game that pushes the puzzle genre to a whole new level.

· "Space Giraffe" (Llamasoft) Created by genre-defining game designer Jeff Minter, "Space Giraffe" is a psychedelic shooter that spans 100 levels, all set against vivid, pulsating backgrounds that synchronize with any custom music selection.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8d/Spacegiraffe.jpg

· "Streets of Rage 2" (Sega) One of the most popular side-scrolling beat 'em ups of the 90's gets the Xbox LIVE Arcade treatment, complete with enhanced graphics, sound, Achievements and multiplayer modes.

· "Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix" (Capcom) This game combines addictive puzzle action with favorite Capcom fighting characters including Ryu, Ken, Chun-Li and Morrigan