Microsoft votes 'yes' on Xbox 360 120GB hard drive price cut

According to our main homeboys / homegirls at GameDaily, Microsoft has confirmed that it's dropping the price of that big, delicious Xbox 360 hard drive from the dizzingly high $179 to a totally thrifty $149. According to a Redmond rep: "We reduced the price of the Xbox 360 120 GB Hard Drive to $149 in conjunction with the recent Xbox 360 console price drop. We believe this offers consumers even greater value when selecting accessories that meet their individual gaming and entertainment needs." Hey, no need to explain -- we like things to be cheaper.

[Via Joystiq]

[Evangelion @ Sep 12th 2008 12:37AM]

Sweet!

[adam @ Sep 12th 2008 7:49PM]

hardly, this is still a major ripoff. I bought a SATA2 Seagate Barracuda 1TB Hard Drive w/ 32meg cache off new egg for 140 w/ free shipping last weekend. why in gods name should I pay that same price for 10% of the capacity? This is blatant price gouging that will only stop when people stop buying the overpriced crap.

[Pip @ Sep 12th 2008 1:45AM]

Anyone else agree the prices should something more like... $49 for 20GB, $79 for 60GB, $99 for 120GB. I mean, bulk pricing for a decent 120GB 2.5" SATA HDD is between $40-50. The hard drive is just plastic with a custom SATA connector on it. Couldn't cost more than $1-2. So let's figure the high-end, and assume $52 per 120GB HDD. With 100% profit, it comes to $99. $149 has to be bring Microsoft at least 200% profit.

[jko @ Sep 12th 2008 4:36AM]

Let's assume for a moment that your analysis is correct. Even if Microsoft is making 200% profit on the 120GB, they're probably using that "profit" to fill in where they're at a loss. That's just business. It's about the entire business and complete lineup of products. You can't single out the 120GB Hard drive and say they're making a killing.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Sep 12th 2008 4:37AM]

Sure makes the $399-499 PS3 with it's user upgradeable HDD look like the better bargain compared to the 360.

[DrXym @ Sep 12th 2008 5:26AM]

$199 360 + $149 HDD + $50 XBL Gold sub. Hmmm, not so much of a bargain after all.

[WhoMe @ Sep 12th 2008 12:49PM]

GROW A PAIR ENGADGET!

This price is still ASTRONOMICAL, and insulting at that.

[Evangelion @ Sep 12th 2008 2:37PM]

Don't worry guys, I'm a PC gamer, and I will always choose PC over a console anyday. I love the 500GB hard drive that I bought for $60!

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Sep 13th 2008 12:54AM]

@DrXym

XBOX
$100 for an XBOX WiFi Module, $30 add-on for Vibration, Monthly fees,
PS3: WiFi Included.

XBOX:No HDMI (most models), HDMI v1.0 only on the $479 Elite Model. (Basic PS3 costs about $399)
PS3: Includes HDMI v1.3 on all models, even the cheapest ones.

XBOX: HD-DVD drive (defunct) $200 on it's debut.
PS3: Built in HD Optical Media Player (Blu-Ray)

XBOX: Monthly Fees to play on line, plus your ISP's monthly bill.
PS3: Free Online Play, plus the cost of your ISP.

XBOX: No Motion Control (May be an additional cost at a later time)
PS3: Built in SIXAXIS motion control

XBOX: No reader for SD, CompatFlash, or MS flash media. ($30)
PS3: Built in multi-flash card reader for CF, SD, and MS.

XBOX: Wireless Controller: $30 extra
PS3: Wireless Controller included, complete with USB charging cable.

XBOX: Rechargeable batteries for Wireless controller, $30
PS3: Included in with the package.

XBOX: HDD 20GB, $100 or more. Upgrades require superhuman skills or paying outrageous prices for a proprietary drive. Warranty may be voided if you use a drive other than the one provided by microsoft. ALL Data stored using DRM. :(
PS3: 20, 40, 60, 80GB drive included. And upgrades use cheap standard laptop drives that can be changed by the user with no warranty voided. Most data is not held captive by DRM.

XBOX: Communicatins Headset, Proprietary XBOX headset must be used. Costs $50
PS3: Any Cell Phone Blutooth earpiece, USB headset, USB Microphone, and most USB sound cards will work. Including the ones you already own. Advantage- PS3. (My Sennheiser USB Headset works very well)

XBOX: Tons of Engineering Problems. Rushed to market, reliability was an after thought. 30% failure rate. Expensive aftermarket parts (lian li, water cooling, etc) to fix problems that shouldn't have been there in the first place.
PS3: Delayed to market, in order to iron out problems. Highly reliable, Less than 0.1% failure rate. It even works with out fail when wrapped in a large pile of towels or blankets. Well engineered.

And there is so much more good to say about the PS3, but I am running out of time. Just take my word for it, XBOX may look cheaper at first; but when you get down to the details, it will cost you 2x to 3x more than the most expensive PS3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2ImJ3_7r1I

[Mega Math @ Sep 13th 2008 8:19PM]

@ I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY
Stupid PS3 Fan. Xbox 360 owns PS3.

[Wes @ Sep 25th 2008 6:28PM]

@ILoveTheCapLocksKey

Your forgetting the most important part

Xbox 360: Games, games, games
Xbox 360: Multiplatform games running better
Xbox 360: On MetaCritics.com(a review of average reviews from magazines/websites) xbox 360 has over 17 games rated 90% or higher.
Xbox 360's intro level cost if you don't want wifi like myself since non-wifi is better latency for gamers. You know those 'real' non 'wii-tastic' gamers: $279.99 including 20gb hd or $199.99 if you don't mind saying your games onto a memory card(few, far and inbetween).
Xbox 360: Larger selection of 720p hd movies than the PSN store at 3.00 for sd, 4.00 for hd.

PS3: .... 8 games over 90%. Yes, half. So not 'Games games games' but 'Games ga....'
PS3: Cheapest entry model $399.99 CAD where I live.
PS3: Blu-ray discs? $20-$40 dollars per movie. versus the price of dvds ranging from $8.00 to $13.00 for new release titles. Very new special two-disc collectors editions? still only $16.00-20.00. Blu-ray rentals? more expensive than sd rentals.
PS3: Less exclusives, losing exclusive, smallest install base.
PS3: Not lowering price till 2k9 Q2 according to Sony. No price cuts at all for another 8-9 months. Enjoy the $399.99 price tag this x-mas. I think the uninformed masses might look at the two systems side-by-side. See a similar catalog of games, see similar graphics, see the price tag of one is HALF the other and go for.....the double price one! (Good luck with that idea with our current economy:P).

[jeff @ Sep 12th 2008 12:38AM]

how is this a real price cut so instead of being alot over priced its only a little. Xbox's hard drive lack of ability to replace easily like the ps3 and expenses is my only complaint about the system.You think with the new ability to install games they would drop it to idk MAYBE 100 bucks. I would rather go through the huge hassle of buying a 20 gig and upgrading it myself.

[Striker @ Sep 12th 2008 12:44AM]

What the hell are you on? You press the tab on the end and pull it out, do you really think it is harder than flipping over the console, using a tool to open up the plate, ejecting the disk (I don't know how this works on the PS3) and finding a new one with the right specs, and replacing it, closing the cover, and formatting the drive? Retard.

[zomg0t @ Sep 12th 2008 12:51AM]

What Jeff is saying is that the PS3 supports several hard drives, whereas the only hard drives you can use in the Xbox 360 are the ones Microsoft sells. You can't buy a 250GB hard drive for the Xbox 360; you can buy one that will work with the PS3.

[Flashpoint @ Sep 12th 2008 1:01AM]

What pisses me off is the seeming refusal to upgrade the 360's with built -in wifi and the complete neglect of the severely overpriced wifi adapter exclusively for the 360. $89? BULLSHIT.

[Reader @ Sep 12th 2008 1:25AM]

Microsoft can kind of get away with charging so much for the HDD. The only people that need anything bigger than 20gigs are those that use the 360 as a media center. These people might not buy as many games, and the 360 is sold at a loss (or near so) so this is pretty much a charge for upgrading to media center status (instead of using it mainly for gaming). On the other hand, an HDD is required for the PS3 since many games require installation.

Of course, I'm not siding with Microsoft here. I hate propriety storage as much as the next guy, but you have to see it from the business side. On the other hand, I think the propriety USB is complete bullshit. Of course you can use a Tomato'd router to get around that, but it sure as hell isn't elegant.

[Striker @ Sep 12th 2008 1:36AM]

@Reader

It isn't proprietary USB, it is a combined SATA Data and SATA Power cable to make the detachable design work.

[DrXym @ Sep 12th 2008 11:26AM]

I installed a new 320Gb HDD into my PS3. I watch a lot of movies so its handy.

Anyway, I would classify HDD installation on the PS3 as straightforward but not simple. You must remove a hatch and pull quite firmly on a square handle to detach the old HDD from the PS3. Then you unscrew the HDD from the tray, screw the new HDD to the tray and then re-seat the tray firmly back in the console and replace the hatch. This isn't hard but it is a little intimidating. It is also possible to strip the screws if you are not careful which means you should be very careful and have some needlenose pliers ready in case you do it.

It is important to back up the drive first before doing anything which also necessitates having an external HDD as well. This is a pain to be honest and Sony should really release some network backup software for the PC so you can back up remotely. The backup also needs to ask the user what they want to backup since it takes a hideously long time to do.

In summary, the PS3 HDD replacement isn't as easy as the 360 but then again you can pick any size HDD and get it for below 1/2 the price of the equivalent 360 drive.

[Adam @ Sep 12th 2008 12:38AM]

Well I bought it when it was $180 lol :(

O well it was a while ago. Like to see things cheaper :)

[gabe @ Sep 12th 2008 12:39AM]

cant u just install your own harddrive?

[Seanross @ Sep 12th 2008 12:41AM]

You can, although it's a hassle

http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EEZZkAAAVVpHxXqpYb.php

[Chris @ Sep 12th 2008 12:40AM]

So basically an Arcade + 120GB HDD = $350

Sounds pretty good!

Plus, before anybody says "It's still a bad deal", this HDD also adds backwards compatibility, and the ability to store your music on your HDD.

[xValentine @ Sep 12th 2008 1:07AM]

Oh?

But my PS3 hard drive can copy tons of movies/music/pictures from any external hard-drive. Oh did I mention you can also install Linux in it ?

Oh, wait, Samsung has released a 500GB 2.5'' SATA HD.

[kingofwale @ Sep 12th 2008 12:41AM]

Redmond rep: "Instead of costing you an arm and leg, we will only rip your leg out"

Again, are you kidding me with that price?

[Sean @ Sep 12th 2008 12:48AM]

I think it's highly overpriced, but something like $100 or $120 wouldn't be too unreasonable.
And before you go "NOES OVERPICED" remember this.
There is no installation, there are no drivers, there are no cables.
You put it in and turn it on and it works.

[LC @ Sep 12th 2008 12:53AM]

Sean. When I put my $60 250GB HDD in my computer. I put it in the drive cage. Plugged two wires in. Turned it on, and it worked. Enough said.

[kyle @ Sep 12th 2008 1:22AM]

i don't even have to mess with cables when i plug a hard drive into my computer. i slide it in on the rails and it slots right into the SATA backplane. microsoft could easily have done this with the xbox, i'm not sure if that's how it works on the PS3 or not.

[Alex Padilla @ Sep 12th 2008 1:31AM]

I bought a 250GB drive for $80. Now tell me that half the capacity and double the price is fair.

[pillock @ Sep 12th 2008 4:53AM]

@kyle: Yeah that's exactly how it works with the PS3.... the HDD goes into a slot, and the slot is designed so as you push the drive in, it connects to the backplane. No wires, no messing, just four screws to screw the drive to the cage and one to secure the exterior cover. Takes 60 seconds tops.

@striker, there's no 'finding a drive with the same specs'..... it's SATA, that's a standard. Any 2.5" standard height SATA drive will work. Hence my 160Gb PS3 upgrade which cost £43 (or, what, $90ish?)

[Andrew @ Sep 12th 2008 10:30AM]

@Sean
4 screws (2 if you're lazy), and 2 dummyproof cables? Wow, doesn't sound like you've really installed a hard drive before. Sounds like what you're talking about is rocket science!! It's not like there is any assembly required. AND, since when do you need to install DRIVERS for a hard drive? Come on .. Seriously

[ufdlim @ Sep 12th 2008 12:44AM]

Considering the cost of 2.5" drives, this is still expensive (more than 2x so). They went from overpriced to slightly less overpriced. Real news would be a price cut to sub $100. Considering how they are pushing this to be a media center, what good are HD downloads if you do not have the space to store them.

[Sean @ Sep 12th 2008 12:49AM]

Please see my above reply.
Alternatively, find me a 2.5" drive that I can plug in to my computer/laptop and have it work. Without opening a case or anything.

[ufdlim @ Sep 12th 2008 12:59AM]

I have never had to install a driver for any hard drive, be it USB or SATA or IDE. Even if I had to, it would not be worth the ~$50 to save the time necessary to do so.

And if you mean the physical ability to plug a 2.5" into a laptop without opening the case... that is a hardware limitation of the laptop. Buy a new laptop with eSATA and you will get your plug and play functionality with 2.5" drives.

[Tim Burns @ Sep 12th 2008 1:04AM]

@ Sean
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822204075

There you go: less than half the price, an extra 40GB and you can plug it into the computer/laptop and have it work without opening the case or anything.

[Zeus.:God @ Sep 12th 2008 1:19AM]

Tim, you do realize that an external hard drive doesn't serve the same purpose as a primary hard drive like the 360's, right?

[Tim Burns @ Sep 12th 2008 1:38AM]

It fit's all the requirements laid out in Sean's post.

Besides, the 360's HDD isn't the primary storage device, that would be the onboard flash where the OS is stored, the storage that allows the arcade to work. The HDD is for secondary data storage.

[Sean @ Sep 12th 2008 2:18AM]

@Tim
That's going to work in every single computer every made without needing to install any software?

[Tim Burns @ Sep 12th 2008 2:31AM]

There is no such hardware that will work in every computer ever made, it's an impossible demand that the 360's HDD doesn't adhere to either.

It will work in every computer that isn't more than about 9 years old.

[Happy_man @ Sep 12th 2008 12:56AM]

Wow, what a rip off still.

[jeff @ Sep 12th 2008 12:59AM]

sean your an idiot im not paying 100 dollars extra because im too lazy to open up my hdd and undo a few screws and copying the hdd's image. Your pathetic if you deem it worth spending that much money because your lazy and pathetic. Plus the ps3's hard drive is as simple as you unplugg the hdd and slide in the new one. It was microsofts fault its so hard to upgrade manually.

[LethalPhoenix @ Sep 12th 2008 1:09AM]

PS3 Fanboy alert.

[xValentine @ Sep 12th 2008 1:03AM]

320GB drive from Tiger Direct, $110. Still way, way overpriced.

[PS360WiiDsPCGamer @ Sep 12th 2008 1:09AM]

I dont see how you guys can complain, here in the UK its around £90-£130 or $180 - $260.

Really pisses me of when people who get things dirt cheap complain...

[kyle @ Sep 12th 2008 1:26AM]

320GB Seagate momentus 2.5" hard drive - £65. overpriced is overpriced.

[Thinker @ Sep 12th 2008 2:50PM]

PS360WiiDsPCGamer,

Your language and tone is not necessary, especially when your analysis is absolutely wrong!

In the U.K. you get free medical coverage. In the U.S., medical coverage for a family of two can easily cost $6,000 per year. So that cheap price you see is not so cheap when you see the big picture!

[alienbat @ Sep 12th 2008 3:54AM]

MS rips you off hard.
For a PS3, you can probably get a 500GB sata drive for $149. And you can still use the old one from PS3 as a portable drive (just buy a USB box for about $5). For Xbox360? $149 getting a ridiculous 120GB and the old drive could do nothing but rot.

[jeff @ Sep 12th 2008 1:12AM]

i dont even own a ps3 moron i only own a 360. I SAID THIS IS MICROSOFTS ONLY FLAW. overall the 360 is a better system. geez you mention a ps3 and all the sudden im a fanboy what a tard you are.

[kingofwale @ Sep 12th 2008 1:16AM]

Only flaw?

I suppose you are overlooking the lack of wifi, console failure rate as well as paid online, right?

[Zeus.:God @ Sep 12th 2008 1:21AM]

Failure rate - irrelevant.

WiFi - wireless should NEVER be used for gaming.

Paid online - not a flaw at all- still better than PSN in terms of features and user friendliness.

[redringofdeath @ Sep 12th 2008 2:25AM]

Hardware failure is irrelevant? I don't see how anything could be more relevant. It's rather hard to play games when your console's broken and your house is burning down.