Target bidding the Xbox 360 Core model adieu?

It wouldn't be a legitimate discontinuation rumor without an incredibly blurry picture as proof, now would it? In yet another disputable case of "is the Xbox 360 Core model on its way out," a certain Target employee apparently snapped a picture of horrific quality showing the "Xbox 360 Core Hardware Sys" with a "Discontinued" status. The shot was reportedly taken from one of the store's oh-so-knowledgeable PDAs, and while there's obviously no confirmation either way just yet, this tidbit does substantiate the questionable Best Buy slip. Ah well, it's not like we won't have yet another iteration coming up soon to ease the pain if this proves accurate.

[strider_mt2k @ Aug 7th 2007 11:44PM]

What, no shots of Bigfoot while they were at it?

Cripes man, I thought it was some kind of ice cream cake or something.

[Chuckles McGee @ Aug 8th 2007 9:44AM]

Oooh, they got the picture from a google phone too!

[DickHardknocks @ Aug 7th 2007 11:50PM]

And you expect me to consider a story valid with this?
This is easily the worst photo ever taken.
Worse than Bigfoot @ 100 yards with dirt on the lens.

[Anonymous @ Aug 8th 2007 12:43AM]

I have a clearer photo I took today at work, I am trying to find my miniSD card adapter so I can pull it off my cell phone. I will send it in as soon as I do.

As for the knock on the PDA's, I wouldn't be able to do my job without that thing. Other discontinued items I saw today include the Sponge Bob Square Pants body pillow!! Seriously though, it was awesome last week when they did a software update and none of us in the backroom could do anything for an hour.

[Anonymous @ Aug 8th 2007 1:04AM]

I snapped a photo while at work after reading the initial report. I have personally never seen a PDA to be incorrect involving discontinued items. The blacked out area is removed to prevent tracing back to the store the photo was taken from. It is a camera phone and it was nearly impossible to get it to focus correctly on the PDA screen.

This is from a Target PDA and I used Adobe Photoshop to make it as readable as possible:
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/0bc172738628

Original:
http://www.freeimagehost.eu/image/2a8065738810

[strider_mt2k @ Aug 8th 2007 7:56AM]

SO back the camera off until it IS in focus.

This isn't rocket science dude.

[Brian @ Aug 8th 2007 2:01AM]

You know, it's interesting to see Target's PDA on here. I work for Target and it looks real to me.

[teel @ Aug 8th 2007 12:02AM]

I've always wondered how trustworthy a technology related rumour can be, when it comes from someone who can't even focus their camera...

Not very :)

[Alvin @ Aug 8th 2007 2:01AM]

Macro people, macro!

[joseraulnova @ Aug 8th 2007 12:24AM]

Yay another rumor packed with a blurry picture...

[m0bus @ Aug 8th 2007 1:30AM]

I've always wondered how people can't focus a camera cell phone camera, the autofocus isnt exactly briliant so you can outsmart it..

Alternatively: Oh GOD! I've got to run out and buy a CORE 360 :\

[Garst @ Aug 8th 2007 2:53AM]

I highly doubt that Microsoft will discontinue a version of a system that is virtually indistinguishable to another. That said, it might just be that Target and any other store might stop carrying it in store for the same reason that Microsoft won't stop making it. I mean, the only real difference in the core and premium versions of the systems is what in the box. So it extremely cheap for Microsoft to continue making them. Unfortunately, it's not cheap for store to keep to very similar versions of a system in stock. I doubt that Target will stop selling the core version outright, I just think that they will only continue selling it online.

[brian2090 @ Aug 8th 2007 2:55AM]

So is this just a sign of an updated XBOX model UPC/SKU being released with, dare we say, "adequate" heat dissipation installed? Or do we actually have a product line ending since hardly anyone wanted just the "core" system anyway? And before Christmas... what kinda timing is that? Maybe MS is paving the way for a new XBOX package deal for Christmas called the XMAX EDITION - :)

[allaina @ Aug 8th 2007 11:25AM]

if you want to call our PDA's 'all knowledgeable," then by all means, go ahead.


but, i am the department head of electronics and I can say that we continue to receive a TON of merchandise labeled as 'discontinued.' some of it has even has that status for months and i keep getting it.

[Mike @ Aug 9th 2007 9:38AM]

I have a shift later today and will see if it's the same in my store. I do know that we haven't had a Core in months though.

[Tyler @ Oct 31st 2007 3:03PM]

I work at target and I use those little PDA/RF things every day.

What you're looking at is someone doing an 'Item Search' instead of actually checking the RF Location under 'Store Apps'

So, this screen doesn't show if we expect any further shipmets, but just shows that we don't have any in the back room. Also, we keep very few systems other than the ones on the floor at the stores because of theft.

The only console we have a bunch of at any time now is the Wii, and those sell out every day we get them still.

Now I haven't been in to work for a few days, and I don't go in again until friday, but whoever took this picture didn't show you anything a person holding the console to a 'Price Check' thing on an end-cap can't show you.

I'll see if I can't get something a little more conclusive... and umm... focused.