Microsoft drops Xbox 360 prices by $US50

Model with 20GB hard drive drops to $US349 starting today, Madden NFL 08 to launch August 14.
The recent $US100 price drop by Sony from its PlayStation3 console has already had the desired effect for consumers with Microsoft succumbing to the pressure to offer a reduction of its own.
The software giant has done that dropping the prices of all Xbox 360 models by $US50, coinciding with the release of Madden NFL ’08 due August 14.

That brings the price of the standard 20GB console down to $US349, the basic Core model down to $US279 and the 120GB-equipped Xbox 360 Elite to $US449.

Microsoft also expects big business from its upcoming Halo 3 release with plans to offer a limited edition green-and-gold finish Xbox 360 in September for $US399. The kit will features a matching wireless controller, Xbox 360 20GB model, headset, Play and Charge kit and other extras.
“The fact that we have been able to keep our launch price longer than any other console while retaining our leadership position demonstrates that consumers believe in the value of Xbox 360,” said Mitch Koch, corporate vice president, Global Retail Sales and Marketing Group, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “On the eve of the best holiday games lineup ever and the launch of ‘Madden NFL 08,’ there has never been a better time to jump into Xbox 360.”

All of the major console manufacturers are lining to grab a slice of the US holiday action as new price drops and greater competition come into effect.

Microsoft has already fired its first salvo with the price drop plus the news that market research firm NPD Group found that 6.1 games are sold to every Xbox 360, the highest game takeup rate for any console according to its latest June 2007 figures.

Source: Techlogg