Microsoft Lowers Price of Xbox 360 by $50

[Ian]

Maybe its just me, but the Xbox 360's price drop didn't get the same sort of coverage that the PS3's did.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/pres ... ropPR.mspx

Xbox 360 will enhance the value of its entire family of consoles beginning on Aug. 8. At a new ERP of $349.99 (U.S.), Xbox 360 offers an unsurpassed experience right out of the box with a 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox 360 headset, and more. For those looking for the ultimate value and the freedom to customize their console as they see fit, Xbox 360 Core System now has an ERP of $279.99 (U.S.). Xbox 360 Core System provides everything needed to start gaming while giving consumers the ability to add new features and accessories they want. Dressed in black and equipped with a 120GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Elite will be priced at an ERP of $449.99 (U.S.) for those who want the premium games and entertainment experience. In anticipation of this year’s largest blockbuster game launch, the Xbox 360 Halo® 3 Special Edition Console will hit store shelves in September with an ERP of $399.99 (U.S.). Featuring an authentic Spartan green-and-gold finish, this console will include a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 20GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Headset, an Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit, and more.

If I bought Xbox 360, I'd have to go with the Elite. No way I'd buy one with only a 20GB hard drive.

[Wesociety]

Oh yeah, it's definitely not getting the same amount of coverage compared to the PS3 "clearance".

[dolphinius_rex]

Realistically, less people care. There are probably hundreds of thousands of people, if not millions, waiting for PS3 price drops, and for the system to come down to a realistic price range. The XBox 360 always had a more consumer friendly price range, and between that, and the 30-50% failure rate of the systems, it's just not nearly as big news.

Also, I feel sorry for whoever bought into the core system with no HDD... or even the 20GB HDD system. Even the PS3's 60GB HDD is remarkably small for my tastes, and for what both these systems are going for, it's a joke.

[jjones]

The HD pricing is due to the fact that 2.5" SATA drives are still fairly expensive compared to 3.5" SATA drives. So far, the HD is mainly used for saved game files and downloadable Xbox Live games. Unfortunately you can't install a regular 360 game onto the HD to make it run faster at this time. Is the extra $100 worth it for the larger HD and 1080p HDMI? I don't think so, but others may disagree. 1080i or 720p Component look pretty good.

[Ian]

The HDMI port does make it a bit more tempting... but enough for me to buy one.

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/48351

[JamieW]

Another $50 and I'm tempted enough. However, when I play games, it tends to be with friends which makes the Wii more than sufficient for me.

[Wesociety]

I still can't believe they are not offering some type of console + HD DVD add-on bundle package...