News - Xbox 360's U.S. price drop in effect
Posted by
Dan Bailey
at 08:57:29 PM EST on 9.7.2008.
Microsoft has after much speculation dropped the price of all three models of the Xbox 360 in the United States. The arcade model of the Xbox 360 is now the most affordable "current gen" home console with an MSRP of $199.99 (previously $279.99) while the 60 gigabyte Pro model has fallen to $299.99 from $349.99. The high end Elite model has also dropped in price from $449.99 to $399.99.
Now nearing its third year on the market, the Xbox 360 system has lost quite a bit of its sales momentum. The platform still enjoys a global lead over the former market leader
Sony's PlayStation 3. This has been attributed in part due to a one year lead time, as Sony's platform has been gradually catching up.
Microsoft is looking for a boost in lagging Xbox 360 sales and hopes to hold off Sony in terms of market share. In a recent interview with Business Week, Senior Vice-President of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, Don Mattrick, acknowledged that even with the recent price drop
"[We're] not at a point where I can say we're going to beat Nintendo," whose Wii game console is the current market leader.
This move follows recent price drops for Microsoft's system in both Japan and Australia.
Source:
BusinessWeek.com
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opiumized 9.9.2008 at 08:21:06 PM
Okay I think I might get a Pro at the end of the month after a couple paychecks (damn rent). what is the policy with the red ring of death? do you get a warranty if you register it or something?
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eggmanimn 9.8.2008 at 12:42:22 PM
Man, saying that composite vs component won't matter to people on an SDTV is a total lie. There's a HUGE difference between composite and even S-Video. Not too much from S-Video to component but it does make things a bit sharper.
So yeah, go Pro and then surf the clearance shelves and such at Gamestop or even Target for lots of great deals. Lots of games drop REAL fast, making me think that $60 starting point is pretty stupid.
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thehawk 9.8.2008 at 11:22:15 AM
I also recommend you go for something with a hard drive.
The nicest thing about the 360 is that it's been out the longest and a lot of its good games have dropped in price. You could probably keep busy on some pretty enjoyable games for quite some time before you decide to start buying the $60 new games.
When I got my 360 it was like a shopping spree for old and used but still triple-A titles. I even got some good original Xbox games, since I missed that console.
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plentyofpaper654 9.8.2008 at 07:38:49 AM
The "Arcade" model is probably fine for some purposes, but I think it's worth the 60GB model for most.
It comes with compasite cables (no component), some X-Box Live Arcade games,and a 256MB Memory Card.
The composite cables means you'll have to fork over some extra cash for HD gaming (maybe $15 for some component cables) but won't matter on an SD TV.
The memory card is enough for saving about 30 games, but will get you less if you download X-box live arcade games.
If all you want to do is play a few basic downloadable games and the games you buy on a disk (and don't intend to buy a large number), the Arcade model is fine. Otherwise, go for the Pro. The Elite really isn't worth it. 60GB is plenty for all but major movie watchers, and they should just use their computer.
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ershin 9.8.2008 at 02:32:28 AM
I really wouldn't recommend the "Arcade". Yes it plays games perfectly, but it also lacks a harddrive, and only has 256 MB of storage in the form of a memory unit. Even if all you wanted to use it for was arcade games, you'd pretty easily run out of space. The standard unit is probably the best overall value if you're looking to buy one.
The average price for new games is $60, same as PS3. There are a few "budget" titles like the new Viva Piñata and Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, but $60 is unfortunately the standard. That said, there are a lot of good games that you can find used at very fair prices now.
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jesusfreakdk 9.8.2008 at 01:55:30 AM
Cool. I've been wanting a 360 for awhile, and perhaps this is the time to buy. Two questions: is the "arcade model" able to play games perfectly? And how much is the average new 360 game?
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