XBOX 360 PRICE CUTS CONFIRMED FOR SEPT. 5

[SYN Classic]

Microsoft has confirmed what has been heavily rumored recently. All three versions of the Xbox 360 console will see a price cut as of September 5 in the U.S. The Xbox 360 Arcade will now clock in at $199, formerly priced at $279, after an $80 drop. The standard 60 GB hard drive model will cost $299, a drop of $50. The Elite, which comes with a 120 GB hard drive, will set you back $399. Previously it was priced at $449.

This move comes after months of staggering hardware sales from the Xbox 360. According to NPD, the Xbox 360 was outsold by the Wii in the month of August by over 400,000 units. It was also outsold by the PS3 in that month, though by a slimmer margin. The sales of 360 have failed to pick up in 2008, despite high profile releases such as Grand Theft Auto IV and price shuffles that occurred near E3. This move makes the Xbox 360 Arcade SKU the least expensive home console on the market.

Summary:

• Xbox 360 Arcade $199
• Xbox 360 Premium $299
• Xbox 360 Elite $399

 

[Chandler]

Lol, now all those "rumor" stories I've posted have been confirmed.

 

[SYN Classic]

Update to this story: Not even a week after the recent 360 bargain cuts, Microsoft's already has noted their system's significant sales boost through several press alerts sent out. Here's an excerpt from the Microsoft's statement:

"Coming off the heels of the console price drop last week, Microsoft Xbox 360 sales have surged, with retailers reporting over 100% sales lift for all Xbox 360 models compared to the previous weekend. Additionally, retailers are reporting that between Friday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 7, some Xbox 360 models were selling at six times the rate they were the weekend prior."

Could this surge of sales lead to a very promising holiday momentum for Microsoft? Is the Arcade bundle finally competing with the hot-selling Nintendo Wii? Do you think the PS3's begging for a price-cut this holiday? Only Time Will Tell! The XG news team will keep you up to date on everything worth reading!