Xbox 360 Arcade ads spotted in the wild

As if we needed any more proof that Microsoft is set to replace its current low-end Xbox 360 Core console with the long-rumored Xbox 360 Arcade version, GameSpot has now scored a picture of an actual retail display that seemingly all but confirms the Arcade's existence (and imminent release). While there's no price to be seen, the ad does apparently confirm that the console will come bundled with a wireless controller, a 256MB memory card, and five unspecified arcade games. Still no word from Microsoft on all this, of course, although we have a sneaking suspicion that the next "sighting" will likely be in the form of an official announcement.

[Via Joystiq]

[waiownsyou @ Oct 11th 2007 2:37PM]

Something tells me that a $300 "Arcade" system won't go well with the general public.

[PG @ Oct 11th 2007 2:45PM]

It would be foolish to price it at $300.00, considering that Premium is only $50.00 more. I am guessing it would be in $249.00 - $279.00 range, and the inclusion of arcade games makes me suspect that Arcade will be released to specifically go against Wii.

[MacBookOwner @ Oct 11th 2007 3:00PM]

Is the Arcade Core backward compatible with Xbox games?

[Alexander @ Oct 11th 2007 3:35PM]

Yes. unlike Apple, which makes you buy your OS every time there is a h/w upgrade or a SKU change...

[DonCarcharo @ Oct 11th 2007 3:57PM]

Who knew a single OS update to a fairly marginal MP3 player could rewrite Microsoft's entire history and render it the benevolent company it is today. Who knew?

[Hitchcock @ Oct 11th 2007 3:03PM]

Seems like a strange strategy. One of the biggest selling points of the XBox line is Live and the Live market place.

Now they're going to sell a system that can't use Live Marketplace or download patches/demos.

[frrs @ Oct 11th 2007 3:37PM]

256MB memory card

[engadget#1 @ Oct 11th 2007 3:03PM]

LOOK! on the side, there is no mention of a core on a "Xbox 360" which has a 20gb hdd.

probably what will be this holiday:

$230 Arcade
$300 Xbox 360 (what it will be called. used to be premium)
$350 Elite

[Billy Gun @ Oct 11th 2007 3:42PM]

Sorry this won't happen. Xbox 360 Is sellig more than Wii those Halo weeks, Only if Sony sels alot of Ps3's, Microsoft will reduce their prices. They are looking for a first time profit on the game divizion. Mabe a 279, 329, 429 (arcade, premium, elite) prices.

[Jason @ Oct 11th 2007 3:31PM]

I must say, for a product doing quite well for the less "casual" gaming market, labeling a new xbox 360 version as "arcade" seems a direct competitor to the Wii's casual appeal. This isn't a good idea, as trying to market the xbox 360 as a "casual gaming platform" will only weaken it on both fronts; the casual and the "hardcore".

[Mike Gorman @ Oct 11th 2007 3:37PM]

A retail display? I'll do one better! I don't have the pic to prove it, but I saw an XBox 360 Arcade for SALE at my local Target last night (while trying to track down a copy of Orange Box). I didn't think much of it because I'd all but assumed it was coming out.

I'll swing by Target again on the way home tonight and, if it's still there, snap a pic.

[Tam @ Oct 11th 2007 3:51PM]

Was it a green box like this one?

http://www.eastluna.com/basis/pics.php?id=2916&p=1

[Mike Gorman @ Oct 11th 2007 4:38PM]

That looks like the one.

[Marty @ Oct 11th 2007 3:56PM]

It's just a re-packaged Core system. They did away with the wired controller and give you a wireless... they included 5 arcade games and a mem card. In all honesty, it's a BETTER package than the core system which didn't come with any memory storage at all.

It used to be:
Core - no HD
Premium - 20GB HD

Then:
Core - no HD
Premium - 20GB HD
Elite - 120GB HD

Now:
Arcade - 256MB mem card
Premium - 20GB HD
Elite - 120GB HD
Halo Ed. - 20GB HD

Nothing's changed really. I bought a Core back in the day cause I everyone was sold out and it was the only 360 I could find. You can buy the HD (20GB or 120GB, either or) seperately.

Rather uninteresting news if you really think about it.

[Scott R @ Oct 11th 2007 6:34PM]

Does it have HDMI? The photo has a line about HDMI but I can't read what it says.

[Garst @ Oct 12th 2007 4:30AM]

It looks like it has the same text as the Premium system which we know has HDMI support. So it fairly safe to say that the Acade one will also have it. After all, it would be foolish for Microsoft to have three different production lines for virtually one produt. It just makes more financial sense to give everyone the HDMI port.

[MO Fire @ Oct 11th 2007 7:52PM]

The price for the arcade system will be 279.00!

[Kamikazetedibear @ Oct 11th 2007 7:53PM]

Honesty, this is a smart move. The downside is no backwards compatibility without a hardrive, but the upside is if it replaces the core there is an immediate value to the console. Now if you don't want a HD right away you can get a core, and grab a 20 gig down the road for only 20 dollars more than the total cost of a premium. Of course you still need to pick up a component cable to so that makes it a 50 dollar over the cost premium. For grabbing the non HD market though it is an awesome position.

[Paul @ Oct 12th 2007 10:41AM]

"The downside is no backwards compatibility without a hardrive...."

Dude, have you really played anything from the original Xbox. Backwards compatibility is a joke. They release a few compatible games and rarely. I've been waiting to play a few games from my Xbox, but now I've just given up. I just have no desire to play Halo 2 on my Xbox 360.
If they are out for Wii blood, they are gonna get their feeling hurt. People play wii cause of the fun factor, mostly provided by the remote & nunchuck. Take those two things out and what do you have? If I wanted to play an arcade game and was game enough to play 360, I'd just download Mame on my PC.

[Kamikazetedibear @ Oct 12th 2007 8:02PM]

I have backwards compat support for all the games I own on the and other than a couple it works fine. It isn't all inclusive but i think your being a little disingenuous when it comes to the supported games.

I am glad you like your wii but some people are not necessarily taken by the games the wii offers right now. I loved it for playing through RE4 again and metroid, but the rest of the games just don't do it for me. On the other hand I can see a cheaper working alternative for Gears, Dead rising, Rainbow 6, forza, etc to be a big deal for casual older gamers. The arcade is now the cheapest option for that style of game play out of the box. The core did that too but not having the memory card and wireless controller was a huge turnoff for some buyers.

[JoeStalin @ Oct 11th 2007 8:25PM]

And this gives me even less of a reason to get new extenders. I just need two more 360s. Funny how that worked out, eh Microsoft?

[master_sword @ Oct 11th 2007 8:34PM]

i think this is gonna be sweet

[Robert @ Oct 12th 2007 8:46AM]

From what I've heard some targets around the country have put the arcade out early and have been in trouble with Microsoft, but the release date is scheduled for Oct 23rd in the USA.

[BEASTMAN @ Oct 12th 2007 9:03PM]

The arcade system is street dated for 10/23/07, but there has been some sold throughout the country already, certain Target stores have already been fined

[ycabrera @ Oct 13th 2007 11:25AM]

Sooo, does this come with the deemed xbox "savior" 65nm? or is this basically repackaged surplus 90nm?

I'd like to buy it, but no way I'm risking my money on a 90nm when i live in a country where that 3year warranty everyone seems to think is nice gesture from MS has no effect.

[bman @ Dec 17th 2007 6:24PM]

so i have a quick question:
the arcade CAN play live and use high def, but i would just need to buy a hard drive and HD cables, right? (and a hard drive would make it backwards compatible?)