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Report: UK retailers increasing price of Xbox 360 Arcade, accessories
UK-based gaming site Eurogamer is reporting that retailers will be jacking up the price of the Xbox 360 Arcade unit, from its current price of £129.99 to the thanks-it's-more-expensive price of £159.99. In fact, even more value is lost when you remove the five free XBLA games that came bundled in the Arcade package; these retailers are stating they will no longer be included. Before you start lighting your torches and taking to the (quaint, cobblestone) streets, keep in mind that this isn't being done because Microsoft just wants more of your colorful money (which we're sure it does). It's due to the poor exchange rate of the pound compared to the Euro, which will also drive Microsoft to raise the price of Xbox accessories £1 to £2 a piece. See how we softened the blow of that last bit of news there? We're finally getting some mileage out of that How to Break Bad News the Good Way training course!
Leaked back-of-box chart shows Xbox line winnowing down to Arcade and Elite SKUs
And then there were two? After Microsoft got all cute with us and introduced its current lineup of three concurrent Xbox versions, we thought we'd never get that portion of our limited brain matter back for storing more important things -- like the complicated political structures of Frank Herbert's Dune, for instance. Well, if this recently leaked photo of a revised Xbox 360 Arcade box is any indication, the regular "Xbox 360" SKU is on the outs, to make room for just the Arcade and Elite configurations on each end of the spectrum. Hopefully this means the Elite is also going to shuffle on down to the middle SKU's $300 pricepoint, but we'll have to wait and see. Naturally, Microsoft might just want that third slot for a Project Natal-packing Xbox edition next year, or perhaps this whole different box situation is just a Excel spreadsheet mishap that's gotten way out of hand. [Via Electronista]
Microsoft confirms new Xbox 360 Arcade systems are bumped to 512MB
There wasn't much doubt that Xbox 360 Arcade systems equipped with 512MB of on-board memory were now shipping, but Microsoft has now come out and confirmed as much to Eurogamer to put any last bit of doubt to rest. For those not familiar with the world of hard drive-less Xbox 360s, that's twice as much memory as before, although that of course doesn't mean all that space will actually be available to gamers. As Microsoft notes, "the Xbox 360 system software uses some of the included 512MB memory," so "less storage will be available to users." Of course, finding one of the newly-upgraded consoles will also be a bit hit and miss for the time being, but it's looking like any console manufactured after April will have the added boost.[Via Joystiq]
Xbox 360 Jasper motherboard with 512MB storage hitting US stores
When the Jasper motherboards started showing up in Xbox 360 consoles late last year there was reason for excitement -- quieter fans, more efficient design, and 256MB of internal storage to set gamers free of overpriced memory cards. Now the systems are receiving an unannounced storage boost, with an XboxHacker forum member braza noticing that his Japanese Arcade model sported a 4GB 4Gb Samsung NAND chip. That's twice the size of the old one, giving the equivalent of a 512MB internal memory unit. That first system was manufactured in April, and they're starting to hit US Arcade units as well. As of now we're not sure if there's a way to tell from outside the box whether you have this beefier revision of Jasper, but we're sure your local retailer wouldn't mind if you just bought their entire stock of consoles and ripped them all open to see.Update: Oops, that's a 4Gb (gigabits) NAND chip, allowing for roughly 512MB (megabytes) of internal storage.
Microsoft confirms 256MB internal memory for Xbox 360 Arcade
Microsoft has partially confirmed rumors of the latest Xbox 360 hardware revision, revealing that new Xbox 360 Arcade units indeed ship with 256MB of on-board memory. In a statement obtained by X3F, a Microsoft spokesperson said: "We are constantly updating the console's more than 1700 internal components. We can confirm that we are moving to internal memory for the Xbox 360 Arcade. The physical internal memory is the same size as the previous external memory units -- 256MB."While vague, the statement seems to imply that Arcade systems will no longer ship with external Memory Units, as reported by at least one Jasper hunter. Assuming this is the case, the Arcade SKU is now equipped to handle various memory-required functions like game saves and NXE (128MB) without the use of an external memory device. Of course, this also means the advantages of the once-bundled Memory Unit must be sought at an extra cost. Microsoft has not confirmed the installation of internal memory for other Xbox 360 SKUs nor has it confessed to outfitting its consoles with the Jasper chipset. (Don't hold your breath for that one.)
Microsoft confirms 256MB internal storage in Xbox 360 Arcade units
As if all the images and videos weren't enough evidence, we've now received official confirmation from Microsoft that new Xbox 360 Arcade units do come with 256MB of internal storage. Speaking with us, a Microsoft spokesperson said quite simply, "We are constantly updating the console's more than 1700 internal components. We can confirm that we are moving to internal memory for the Xbox 360 Arcade. The physical internal memory is the same size as the previous external memory units - 256MB." So there you have it kids, the Xbox 360 Arcade now has internal memory instead of an external Memory Unit. That means you can save games and download content right out of the box, but if you want to take it anywhere, you'll need to pick up a Memory Unit like everyone else.
Dell to offer Xbox 360 Arcade and Rock Band 2 for $199 on Black Friday
The Black Friday deals have already started to flow in over on the HD front, but now that we're closing in on America's most mayhem-filled shopping day of the year, we're beginning to see stellar deals from nearly every CE category. One that caught our eye here recently was from Dell's list, and it involves what's already the cheapest gaming console on the market today (the Vii notwithstanding). On November 28th, Dell Home's website will offer the Xbox 360 Arcade with seven games including Rock Band 2 for $199, and while we highly doubt you'll receive any guitars, drum sticks or sweat bands for that price, we suppose there's always a remarkably small chance that you will. Keep the faith and raise the horns, brothers / sisters.
Microsoft's New Xbox Experience storage "solution": Free memory cards, discounted hard drives
Microsoft's New Xbox Experience has been pored over and dated, but now that Major Nelson has revealed it requires "at least" 128MB storage available to work, where does that leave suckers Core and Arcade SKU Xbox 360 owners? Enter the Xbox 360 Memory Upgrade Program, doling out free 512MB MU's or $20 20GB HDDs to Core owners, and a $30 20GB HDD + 3 months of Xbox Live package to Arcade owners looking to upgrade. November 19, Xbox Live becomes a storage-only affair (that goes for Netflix streams too, requiring 8MB of free space), so grab your serial number and console ID from the current Xbox 360 Dashboard and hit the registration website. Impressive customer service gesture to extend functionality for all, or more evidence of a short sighted and flawed dual-SKU launch plan that's cost gamers and developers alike? All we know for sure is we've probably figured out where the profits from those $149 120GB HDDs are going.[Via NeoGAF]
Europe receiving Xbox 360 price cut on Sept. 19
Microsoft announced today that Europe would be joining North America in receiving an Xbox 360 price cut. The UK will receive a £30 reduction across all three models, while those on the mainland will receive varied reductions for their Euros. Xbox 360 Arcade - £129 / €179 60GB Pro - £169 / €239 120GB Elite - £229 / €299 The previous prices were £159 / €199 for the Arcade, £199 / €269 for Pro and £259 / €369 for the Elite. We'll have to wait and see if the price drop doubles sales in Europe like it allegedly did in North America.
Microsoft: Xbox 360 sales double following price drop
The recent Xbox 360 price cut doubled sales of the console last weekend, according to Microsoft. The company tells Bloomberg that some consoles sold "six times" the previous weekend's rate ... of course, Microsoft didn't actually give any hard sales numbers.For actual sales data since the price cut, it appears we'll have to wait another month for the NPD data -- unless Microsoft just comes out with it. The August NPD data (which should release very soon) won't reflect the alleged jump in sales. [Via GameDaily]
Microsoft: Xbox 360 sales double since price cuts
Good things happen when you suddenly become the lowest-priced console in the US. In the first weekend since cutting Xbox 360 prices, Microsoft is reporting a 100% increase in sales of all Xbox 360 models compared to the previous weekend. While not mentioned specifically, Microsoft claims that one model sold at 6x the previous weekend rate. Gee, could that be the $250 Wii-beating, $199.99 Xbox 360 Arcade at the front of Microsoft's loss-leading lineup?
Xbox 360 price cuts official as of Sept. 5: 60GB $299, Elite $399, Arcade $199
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/Xbox_360_price_cuts_60GB_299_Elite_399_Arcade_199'; Major Nelson announced that the price cuts for the Xbox 360 we reported on two weeks ago will be official as of Sept. 5. The new prices for the console are: Xbox 360 Arcade - $199 Xbox 360 60GB - $299 Xbox 360 Elite - $399 This means that the Elite and 60GB received a $50 price drop, while the Arcade received an $80 cut. Now we wait to see if the new prices help boost the Xbox 360's slouching sales.
Not big in Japan: Xbox 360's price tag
The Xbox 360's continued struggle to win the hearts, minds and tightly shut wallets of Japanese gamers is not without benefits for tardy adopters. Microsoft has announced a new price drop for the system in the region, with the Xbox 360 Arcade model costing 19,800 yen ($180) as of September 11th. The nearly 30% drop will make the system the cheapest of the current-gen bunch -- and yes, that includes the Wii, you snarkastic lot sitting at the back.In addition, the 60GB Xbox 360 will be introduced to Japan at 29,800 yen ($270), while the Elite will have its price chopped to 39,800 yen ($370).[Via Engadget]
Rumor: Kmart flyer shows Sept. 7 Xbox 360 price drop
An image showing up on several forums (including QJ.net and HighDefDigest) allegedly shows the Sept.7 Kmart flyer featuring the expected rumored Xbox 360 price cut. This latest ad comes a week after a Radio Shack flyer featured similar information. If this Xbox 360 price cut plays out anything like the one from last month, we'll continue receiving a steady stream of retail ad and system confirmations without a word from Microsoft until the 11th hour. Expect another gallery post with all the retail information if that's what happens.[Via X3F]
New $199 Xbox 360 Arcade bundle rumored to include motion controller
We've already heard plenty of talk about the Xbox 360 Arcade dropping to a mere $199, but a tipster to Xbox 360 Fanboy is now claiming that there's more than just a price cut in store for the entry-level bundle, with it also supposedly in line to get a motion controller as a pack-in. According to the source, who's supposedly "close to Microsoft's marketing department," the new bundle will include the usual Arcade games and 512MB memory card, as well as the forthcoming Fall update pre-installed, said motion controller, and some motion-controlled mini-games developed by Rare. Supposedly, it'll be released in time for the 2008 Holiday season, which may or may not mean that it's the same $199 Arcade bundle that's rumored to be on track for a September release. That same source also says that the motion controller will be sold separately and bundled with an even more expansive list of games, but word on a price or release date for it seems to be a bit harder to come by.
Rumor: $199 Xbox 360 Arcade with motion controller
Building on reports of an impending Xbox 360 price cut, which allegedly will drop the Arcade SKU below Wii to $199, comes the reemergence of Microsoft's elusive motion controller, now rumored to be included with the Xbox 360 Arcade this holiday. A source "close to Microsoft's marketing department" detailed the bundle to X3F, claiming the new Arcade system will feature a 512MB memory card (in place of a hard drive), the New Xbox Experience pre-loaded and a motion controller, along with a few compatible minigames developed by Rare. The motion controller supposedly will be sold separately as well, in a package that includes even more minigames. The controller is said to be compatible with all versions of Xbox 360. So how 'bout it, Nintendo -- you gonna trump this by tacking on HD?
Rumor: New $199 360 SKU with motion controller
Take it for what it's worth, but we've received a tip from a source close to Microsoft's marketing department who has shed some light on the Xbox 360 price cuts that are rumored to be going down in a few weeks time. More specifically, the $199 Xbox 360 Arcade bundle.According to the source, Microsoft will be positioning the Arcade bundle to be in direct competition with the Wii, meaning that the marketing push behind it will focus on family friendly entertainment. With family oriented games on the packaging, the Arcade console will come packaged with the traditional Arcade goodies (512MB memory card, etc.), the new Fall update pre-loaded as well as a motion controller and a few motion controlled mini games developed by Rare. That's right, a motion controller! Supposedly, the motion controller will work with all 360 consoles and will even be sold separately, bundled with an even more expansive list of mini motion controlled games. This new $199 Xbox 360 Arcade bundle is said to release Holiday 2008.File this all under rumors'ville for now, but don't totally discredit the information. $199 Arcade's are sounding very likely and, with Microsoft's push to undercut the Wii, matching the Wii's motion controls sounds like a total possibility. We'll just have to wait and see.[Thanks, Keyser Söze]
Radio Shack ad confirms Xbox 360 price cuts?
According to our good, dear, beautiful friends at Joystiq (and Radio Shack, incidentally) the Xbox 360 family is going to be seeing those rumored price cuts in the very near future. Falling right in line with that chatter we heard at the beginning of the month, a leaked Radio Shack circular seems to indicate that there will be reductions across the board for the console, with the 60GB version clocking in at $299, the Elite running you a cool $399, and the Arcade setup dropping to a totally affordable $199 (we're looking at you, potential Xbox LIVE opponents). Sure this could all be some Photoshop wiz's idea of a hilarious joke, but we're keeping the fingers and toes crossed over here. Target date for truth? September 7th -- so stay tuned.
Sources: Xbox 360 price cut week of Sept. 7; 60GB $299, Elite $399, Arcade $199
Click to embiggen It appears that two of the Xbox 360 SKUs will receive a $50 price drop by the week of Sept. 7, making the 60GB model $299 and the Elite $399 -- we've yet to hear any change on the $279 Arcade meanwhile, the Arcade will drop $80 to $199. A few of our retail contacts, some of whom have given us good intel in the past and who all work for separate corporations, have sent us identical information regarding a price drop. Evidence of the Elite and Arcade price cut can be found in the gallery below.Update: Oh mercy, it's been a long day. The Arcade is marked as $199 in the flyer as well (under the TV, to the left). Thanks, Strike Man.[Thanks Patrick, Master X, and everyone else who helped.]%Gallery-30107%
Rumorang: 360 Arcade dropping to $199 on Sept. 7
Murmurings of another impending Xbox 360 price drop refuse to dissipate, with an alleged photograph of an unnamed retailer's inventory system, showing an early September price drop for the Arcade model, showing up on VGChartz. The screen seems to indicate a new $199.99 price for the unit -- as was rumored earlier this week -- becoming effective on September 7th, 2008. With veracity and origin unclear, we'll leave you to debate the likelihood of this price drop. Of course, if you work at an electronics retailer, it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out for fellow employees taking impromptu snapshots of their monitors.[Via Engadget]
