XBox 360 - 2 SKUs: $299 & $399

[BobMurdoch]

Here are a few links announcing the pricing for the new units.

Bad news, "core" version will not have hard drive, potentially limiting developer use of the extra space.

Good news, wireless controller, 20GB hard drive, AND HD Component cables will be included in the Premium bundle.


http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/12412937.htm


http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,122232,00.asp

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Announced-the-Price-for-Xbox-360-What-Will-Sony-Do-6531.shtml

[BobMurdoch]

Here's more info regarding what you get with the upgraded package.

It seems like a no brainer to get this iteration, but I understand that financial constraints may push some to the cheaper model, but they'll wind up paying $30 for flash memory to even be able to save any game files, and $30 for HD Cables (if they have an HDTV). After that it is only $40 to get a hard drive and all the other accessories.

It is a British website, but this lists all the upgrade items that will be included on these shores as well....

http://www.pro-g.co.uk/news/nid/1314/

[djlong]

If they have HDTV then, pretty much by definition, they don't have THAT tight of a inancial constraint situation.

[BobMurdoch]

Point taken.

From a marketing stadpoint, they are trying to get the kids and others who can't afford the big bucks an entry level system to steal market share from the $500 PS3. I'm just worried that they will have to dumb down some games (or remove the ability to save games whenever they want -- ie. forcing the dreaded "save points") as the programmers can't assume that a hard drive will always be available.