RUMOR: Xbox 360 Core system to drop to $249.99 on Nov 1st

[Anthony1]

With Nintendo pricing their Wii at $249.99, I would be absolutely shocked if Microsoft doesn't take full advantage of the situation. All they have to do is drop the price of the Core system by $50, and they can have a direct head to head comparison with the Nintendo Wii. Some people will say that they are competing for two different kinds of gamers, and two different kinds of markets, but I beg to differ. Both companies are trying to sell their systems to gamers that happen to have $250 plus tax to spend on a new gaming system.

If the 360 core system and the Nintendo Wii are sitting side by side on the GameStop shelf with a big $249.99 sign in front of each one, then I think it makes the decision making process a little more difficult for gamers that originally had their minds set on getting a Nintendo Wii. Sure, with the Wii you get Wii Sports packed in, (a $34.99 value in my opinion), and you get a fully functional system. (at least I think it's fully functional) Some gamers might need component cables, but it's the same for the 360 core. You have to buy the component cables extra. The Wii comes with the real deal controller, while the 360 tard pack comes with the wired 360 controller. Also, with the 360 tard pack, you pretty much are forced to get a memory card, but no need to get into semantics LOL


The bottom line is that if both systems are sitting there at $249.99, I think it makes it a much more compelling argument. I still would expect most gamers to stick to the idea of getting the Wii, and not waver, but I'm guessing that as many as 3 out of 8 prospective Wii customers could change their mind at the last minute and go with a 360. Let's face it, the Wii has it's advantages and the 360 has it's advantages. The big advantage with the 360, is that you are getting some serious next gen hardware, and you are getting games that aren't quite as "kiddie" in nature. With the Wii, the big advantage is the fact that they are going with a different philosophy and control scheme, and idea around basic, fun games without all the razzle dazzle. It will depend on the gamer. If the gamer likes Nintendo, but isn't so thrilled with all the "kiddie" games, they could easily turn to the dark side. But if the gamer really enjoys the kiddie games, and is really looking forward to the new control scheme, they probably won't waver and will stick to the Wii.

In any event, Microsoft would be absolute idiots not to match the price of the Wii with the core system. As for when they will actually do it, I'm thinking that November 1st is a good time to launch the pre-emptive strike. Also, I think Microsoft should sweeten the deal by adding in 2 free months of Gold Service, as well as 800 free Microsoft points, and also a demo disk with some basic demos of various 360 games. Those freebies will cost MS virtually nothing, but will help then alot when people are making their back and forth comparisons between the Wii and the 360 core package.

[AMG]

Very misleading title.

That said, I do agree with you that an Xbox 360 core system price drop would be a smart move by Microsoft. It would not only put some pressure on Nintendo, but also make Sony nervous.

[Lady Jaye]

The problem with your thread is as follows:

the title gives the impression that you're reporting on some confirmed news about a price drop when, in fact, you're just speculating.

Maybe you should send a long-winded letter to Microsoft, telling them that's how they oughta run their business.

[norkusa]

Yeah, change that title. Total buzzkill.

[segagamer4life]

LOL... yeah false advertising... HMMMM... LOL LOL LOL

[GrandAmChandler]

Title changed by me. This is just speculation.

[7th lutz]

Very missleading title.

It is great bussiness sense for microsoft to do what you mentioned for the core system. Microsoft has denied this before for this year if I recalled correctly. After finding out the price of the wii, this would be a good move by microsoft. You got problems with this though: The 360 pro system wouldn't be selling of the shelves.

If Microsoft doesn't, they do have a couple good reasons. This could cause a double edge Sword to microsoft. Microsoft looses more money with the Pro System setting on the shelves then the core sytem of the 360. The 360 Pro system costs more to make then the Wii, I think. Halo 3 being delayed hurts this from happening. This is the game people want from the 360. If Halo 3 was released this year, this game will attract gamers away from the wii and the ps 3.

[Lady Jaye]

Well, it's not so misleading since GAC added the word RUMOR to the thread title.

[johno590]

I think the title is still misleading.. It's not a Rumor, its just someones opinion...

[bigdaddychester]

Instead of marking it "RUMOR" which has a tendency to reflect that what one is about to read somehow has been leaked by an industry insider, perhaps it should be captioned "IN MY OPINION" instead....and looks like Johno beat me to it.

[Kroogah]

I nominate we change the name of the thread to "The Anthony1 Show, Episode 3299"

[jajaja]

In this case its not wrong to use the word "rumor". This is exactly how rumors starts, one (or several) person says something without having the info confirmed, like in this case :)

I wouldnt be surpised if the did drop the price on the 360 to match the price with Wii. Im sure Microsoft is thinking of something.

[Anthony1]

Ok, sorry about the title, I was just a little too hyped when I first wrote it. :D


Certainly, if Microsoft drops the price of the Core system by $50, they will most likely do the same thing with the Premium. Core would be $249.99 and premium would be $349.99. The big downside of course, is that Microsoft is already taking a loss on both packages and dropping the price $50 on each one, would make it that much harsher to their bottom line, but if they are commited to being the No.1 system in this new generation, they absolutely have no choice but to match the price of the Wii on day 1. This is the reason they have the Core in the first place. I remember listening to a IGN podcast in which the editors were talking about how they were talking to some people at Microsoft who came over to show them the new camera and the force feedback steering wheel and the HD-DVD add on unit, and the editors asked them if the core was going to be phased out, and they said absolutely not, that the core was a central, key part to their strategy. Their master plan was to get the core to $199.99 as quickly as they can. Of course they said all of this off the record, while just chatting to the editors while they were setting stuff up.


But based on that, it appears that this was the strategy all along for the Core system. I think if Nintendo priced the Wii at $199, Microsoft wouldn't be forced to match prices, cause that would be too drastic, but with the Wii at $249.99, how could they not do it? And you can't lower the core system by $50 and leave the premium system unchanged. What they could do, is lower the core system by $50 and instead of lowering the premium system, they could put some other goodies in the box. Like maybe putting both PGR3 and Kameo in the box, to try to compensate. Both games are selling for $19.99 and the cost of including them, considering they are first party would be negligiable. It would be nice for them to be at $349.99 though, cause that would almost be half the price of the premium PS3, plus when the HD-DVD add on comes out for $199.99 they can claim to still be lower than the PS3 with the two items combined.

[gamegirl79]

If faced with the choice to buy a 360 or a Wii for $250, I'd still choose the Wii.

[7th lutz]

Very missleading title.

It is great bussiness sense for microsoft to do what you mentioned for the core system. Microsoft has denied this before for this year if I recalled correctly. After finding out the price of the wii, this would be a good move by microsoft. You got problems with this though: The 360 pro system wouldn't be selling of the shelves.

If Microsoft doesn't, they do have a couple good reasons. This could cause a double edge Sword to microsoft. Microsoft looses more money with the Pro System setting on the shelves then the core sytem of the 360. The 360 Pro system costs more to make then the Wii, I think. Halo 3 being delayed hurts this from happening. This is the game people want from the 360. If Halo 3 was released this year, this game will attract gamers away from the wii and the ps 3.

I thought was missleading before the title was changed to Rumor mill. It sounded like Microsoft made an official Announcement that the core system will being selling for $250.00.

[7th lutz]

Very missleading title.

It is great bussiness sense for microsoft to do what you mentioned for the core system. Microsoft has denied this before for this year if I recalled correctly. After finding out the price of the wii, this would be a good move by microsoft. You got problems with this though: The 360 pro system wouldn't be selling of the shelves.

If Microsoft doesn't, they do have a couple good reasons. This could cause a double edge Sword to microsoft. Microsoft looses more money with the Pro System setting on the shelves then the core sytem of the 360. The 360 Pro system costs more to make then the Wii, I think. Halo 3 being delayed hurts this from happening. This is the game people want from the 360. If Halo 3 was released this year, this game will attract gamers away from the wii and the ps 3.

I thought was missleading before the title was changed to Rumor mill. It sounded like Microsoft made an official Announcement that the core system will be selling for $250.00.

[s1lence]

I think gas prices will keep the price at 300 bucks.

[SamuraiSmurfette]

OFFICIAL: Microsoft is not dropping the Core system in price, rather, they are going to be bundling it with Kameo (and I think PGR as well) and keeping it at the same price.

Also, the Pro pack will be coming bundled with Ghost recon and Live Arcade instead of a price drop.

[jajaja]

I think gas prices will keep the price at 300 bucks.

Is the gasprices already at 300 bucks since you use the world "keep"? :P

Anyway, if you want to start another rumor, like the gas prices, post it here (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=8&sid=6e778f7b976e8b25c9578fabf5fdfe46) instead.

[s1lence]

I think gas prices will keep the price at 300 bucks.

Is the gasprices already at 300 bucks since you use the world "keep"? :P

Anyway, if you want to start another rumor, like the gas prices, post it here (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=8&sid=6e778f7b976e8b25c9578fabf5fdfe46) instead.

Lol, I was just being sarcastic.

[jajaja]

I know hehe. Thats why i used ":P"

[scooterb23]

I would like to believe this rumor, but GLOBAL WARMING is going to cancel any plans for a price drop

[Jackattack]

Not that any of us actually have any real information about these speculations, but if you asked me I would completely disagree with your guess.

First off I do want to make it clear that I realize that microsoft has tons of money, no question about that, but you also know that microsoft is taking a serious hit on every system they sell. And if you think that adding a wired controller or leaving out a set of cables is going to save them that much money you are crazy. The big thing is the hard drive, but never the less the system itself is way before cost. Plus microsoft already knows that people will pay more money for there system over a nintendo system. Think of xbox to gamecube, people bought it for the graphics, and now the graphical difference is even greater. Microsoft has no reason to lower the price based on past events and their desire to not throw away even more money.

However like a previous poster mentioned, a cheap bundle game or two does seem much more plausible. Just my two sense.

[s1lence]

I would like to believe this rumor, but GLOBAL WARMING is going to cancel any plans for a price drop


God damn Global Warming and Gas Prices, no cheap consoles for you!!!

[Nez]

Bad idea, I immagine ms is trying to keep an immage of having a superior product.

If they price it down to the price of the WII it might give a negative image toward the system. You get so much more with the 360 in terms of raw power, why would you want to drop the price to compete with someone who has a "lesser" product then you.

I'd still get a WII either way however.

[Garry Silljo]

I personally would abolish the core packages for 360 and PS3. It's too much like buyin half a system to me. More on topic I would be more likely as Microsoft to keep the price as is and pack in games. I know everyone is bitching in the wii thread that pack-ins suck, but I think every system should come with a game. Anytime I invest more than $100 on something I should be playing SOMETHING whether its my first choice A1 best game or not. Pack ins are a great incentive, because if I only have enough to buy a system, I'll pass so that it's not a glorified paper weight till I get more money. With a Pack-in, I'll make the purchase.

[Slate]

I heard there is going to be an 80 gig hard drive for 360 sometime this year or early next year.

[Bronty-2]

I don't think a price drop is likely either. They're probably still losing money on every system sold. Dropping the price another $50 means they lose another 50 on each... as suggested above, a pack in much more likely. All that really costs them is the cost of a dvd.

[Mr. Smashy]

Let me see if I have this straight, Anthony1. If you take a popular retail item and reduce the price, more consumers will end up buying it? That's absolutely brilliant! I'm certain that Microsoft will appreciate this lesson on how to turn a profit.

[Anthony1]

I don't think a price drop is likely either. They're probably still losing money on every system sold. Dropping the price another $50 means they lose another 50 on each... as suggested above, a pack in much more likely. All that really costs them is the cost of a dvd.


I agree with your takes, but I disagree that a pack in would really help them very much. The best way for me to explain it is to consider a very likely scenario in late November at a Kay B Toys in one of thousands of shopping malls across America:


Mom and Dad walk into a Kay B Toys, looking to possibly buy a new video game system for their teenage boy as a Xmas present. They walk up to the counter. Dad says to the salesperson, "So how much are the various new video game machines that have come out?" The Salesperson says, "well, the Nintendo Wii is $249.99, the Xbox 360 core system is $249.99 and the Playstation 3 tard pack is $499, but we are sold out of the PS3 tard packs." Now, the fact that both the Wii and 360 core is $249, the same price, that will give those parents something to really ponder. Would their teenage son like a Xbox 360 or a Nintendo Wii under his tree. Then they will probably look at the library of games for both systems, and make their decision based on what their teenage brat would more like to play. The fact that the core 360 doesn't include a way to store game saves without a memory card, is probably something they will overlook, and not really be that concerned with. They are going to be more concerned with the expression on their sons face when he opens up his Xmas present.


Now, had that salesperson told them, "Well, the Nintendo Wii is $249, the Xbox 360 core system is $300 and the PS3 tard pack is $500, but it's all sold out" Well, I don't think the parents would have to think about it all that much. That $50 price difference can easily be the key factor that would get them to take home the Wii. Packing in a game like Kameo or Project Gotham or whatever, isn't going to add a whole lot to the argument. Price is what matters. Price is so huge in America. Being able to match the Wii's price, even though it's just the core system, would be so huge for Microsoft this holiday season, it just doen't seem possible that they could avoid doint that. They absolutely have to. You can't walk away from an opportunity like they. Yes, it means they will bleed another $50 on each unit sold, but the end game is installed base, and matching the Wii's price head on, means the 360 will get to 15 million much faster than anybody else, and it means they will get to 20 million much faster than anybody else, and it means they will lock up the No.1 spot in America, and locking up the No.1 spot in America is absolutely huge, there are so many things that go along with that. Can you say Metal Gear Solid 4?

[Leo_A]

Does KB Toys even still carry videogames? The ones around here phased that portion of their business out during the spring and early summer.

[Garry Silljo]

I don't think a price drop is likely either. They're probably still losing money on every system sold. Dropping the price another $50 means they lose another 50 on each... as suggested above, a pack in much more likely. All that really costs them is the cost of a dvd.


I agree with your takes, but I disagree that a pack in would really help them very much. The best way for me to explain it is to consider a very likely scenario in late November at a Kay B Toys in one of thousands of shopping malls across America:


Mom and Dad walk into a Kay B Toys, looking to possibly buy a new video game system for their teenage boy as a Xmas present. They walk up to the counter. Dad says to the salesperson, "So how much are the various new video game machines that have come out?" The Salesperson says, "well, the Nintendo Wii is $249.99, the Xbox 360 core system is $249.99 and the Playstation 3 tard pack is $499, but we are sold out of the PS3 tard packs." Now, the fact that both the Wii and 360 core is $249, the same price, that will give those parents something to really ponder. Would their teenage son like a Xbox 360 or a Nintendo Wii under his tree. Then they will probably look at the library of games for both systems, and make their decision based on what their teenage brat would more like to play. The fact that the core 360 doesn't include a way to store game saves without a memory card, is probably something they will overlook, and not really be that concerned with. They are going to be more concerned with the expression on their sons face when he opens up his Xmas present.


Now, had that salesperson told them, "Well, the Nintendo Wii is $249, the Xbox 360 core system is $300 and the PS3 tard pack is $500, but it's all sold out" Well, I don't think the parents would have to think about it all that much. That $50 price difference can easily be the key factor that would get them to take home the Wii. Packing in a game like Kameo or Project Gotham or whatever, isn't going to add a whole lot to the argument. Price is what matters. Price is so huge in America. Being able to match the Wii's price, even though it's just the core system, would be so huge for Microsoft this holiday season, it just doen't seem possible that they could avoid doint that. They absolutely have to. You can't walk away from an opportunity like they. Yes, it means they will bleed another $50 on each unit sold, but the end game is installed base, and matching the Wii's price head on, means the 360 will get to 15 million much faster than anybody else, and it means they will get to 20 million much faster than anybody else, and it means they will lock up the No.1 spot in America, and locking up the No.1 spot in America is absolutely huge, there are so many things that go along with that. Can you say Metal Gear Solid 4?

Actually if they made them the same price then the parents would buy a wii because IT HAS A PACK-IN GAME. Out of the box the 360 is an overpriced DVD player, because it certainly isnt a game system if there is no game to play. If you don't think including software adds value, you just don't know people. Any parent I know whould see two equal price tags and one system that has a game and one that doesn't and pick the one that has more stuff. Keep in mind most parents aren't fucking graphics whores like you and may not know much about the specs (even if they read them will they understand them?).

[Andred]

I think it would be hilarious if Nintendo announced the $250 price point, waited until MS announced a $250 price for the 360 core pack, and then announced the real Wii price of $199. That would absolutely roast Microsoft's chestnuts since they'd be losing an additional $50 on every 360 core sold and Nintendo would still (most likely) be turning a profit and also be the cheapest current gen console on the market. *chuckle* man, I'd like to see that.

[Garry Silljo]

Does KB Toys even still carry videogames? The ones around here phased that portion of their business out during the spring and early summer.

No, they don't carry games anymore. Anthony1 just sucks.

[Joker T]

Does KB Toys even still carry videogames? The ones around here phased that portion of their business out during the spring and early summer.

No, they don't carry games anymore. Anthony1 just sucks.

God dude why don't you take up what ever problems you have with Anthony1 through Private Messages.

[Garry Silljo]

Does KB Toys even still carry videogames? The ones around here phased that portion of their business out during the spring and early summer.

No, they don't carry games anymore. Anthony1 just sucks.

God dude why don't you take up what ever problems you have with Anthony1 through Private Messages.

He doesn't annoy me in private messages he annoys me out here in the board. I attack the problem where it lies.

[ty896]

Does KB Toys even still carry videogames? The ones around here phased that portion of their business out during the spring and early summer.

No, they don't carry games anymore. Anthony1 just sucks.

LOL


Anyway...I for one would be tempted by a 360 for $250. I don't think it will happen (the cost of production and everything) and pack ins wont do it, unless they are Dead Rising & Table Tennis (the only games that currently interest me).

But since I don't own an HDTV, have no intrest in live or playing 'selected' old Xbox titles, and the 20gig HD strikes me a WAY too small (especially when choked up with unwanted 'selected' emulation).

Really a $250 'tard pack would fill my needs pretty well.

Although the Dead Rising text issue might still put me off.

[Mangar]

I'm buying neither console.

I'm happy with my Nintendo DS and PC for new games. Maybe when the Wii hits 199$ i may consider it. But anyone who wants it for the "Virtual Console" or even the "X-Box Live Arcade" would better be served with a laptop hooked up to their HDTV and some NES/SNES Emulators and Mame.

[MegaDrive20XX]

Anthony1 doesn't suck, he just knows how to stirr up people and he's probably laughing his ass off from seeing the reaction he gets out of most of us :) He's just an sick little monkey...

[jsiucho]

I think it would be hilarious if Nintendo announced the $250 price point, waited until MS announced a $250 price for the 360 core pack, and then announced the real Wii price of $199. That would absolutely roast Microsoft's chestnuts since they'd be losing an additional $50 on every 360 core sold and Nintendo would still (most likely) be turning a profit and also be the cheapest current gen console on the market. *chuckle* man, I'd like to see that.

Do you know how much the Wii costs Nintendo. I didnt think companys made a profit when selling a console. I thought profit always came in accesories, games, etc.

[Nez]

Nintendo has allways made money off of consoles. They are desined to be profitable from day one.

[Iron Draggon]

I'd still like to know how it is that Nintendo can make their new system so cheaply, while Sony and Microsoft can't do the same with their systems. Does Nintendo have some kind of spectacular chip discount deal with someone that Sony and Microsoft don't have? I find it hard to believe that once again Nintendo's system is much cheaper than their competitor's systems, and yet it's a comparable system.

[ianoid]

My impression of the American buyer is that $50 more isn't much to ask for the 360 when it's bundled with 2 games, both of which are kid friendly. I think that 360 will be highly competitive with the $250 Wii at $300 with 2 games. I'm not saying that I would buy the 360 like that (I bought the premium set a while back), but I know that the American buyer can handle a $50 jump- definitely NOT a $250 jump- Blu-ray or not. Interesting holiday season we'll have to watch. Gamers win no matter how you look at it.

The shortage of PS3s will give a perceived interest in the system, but it will be more indicative of the drastic shortage of hardware than the actual demand for the system. It's just too expensive for most!