Xbox360 Pricing Announced!

[Shayne]

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/aug05/08-17EuropeNA360PricePR.mspx



2 versions.



$299USD for the base model and $399USD for the loaded model.



Rough math would be $374.99 and $499.99 in Canada.



$399 version

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S./?399.99/?279.99 Xbox 360 console. This premium edition ? distinguished by signature metallic detailing on the console itself ? comes fully loaded for the ultimate gaming experience, with components and accessories that would cost more than $200 if sold separately:



* Xbox 360 console. Sexy styling that packs a punch ? three powerful core processors are poised to pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.



* Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace.



* Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming features the Xbox? Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries.



* Xbox 360 Faceplate. The removable Faceplate comes in stylish ?chill? (white) and can be swapped out with custom Faceplates to reflect gamers? personalities or decor.



* Xbox 360 Headset. This lets gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games on Xbox Live.



* Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360 games and graphics through high-definition and standard-definition connections.



* Xbox Live Silver membership. With this, gamers can chat with friends online, send and receive voice and text messages, and access new content from Xbox Live Marketplace demos such as trailers and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.



* A bonus Media Remote:  Included for a limited time, the integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as access their Windows? XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC's controls with a single remote.[/b]

$299 version

At $299.99 U.S./?299.99/?209.99, the Xbox 360 Core System comes standard with what consumers need to jump right into next-generation games and media, and is fully expandable to the complete Xbox 360 experience:



* Xbox 360 console. As with the premium edition, three powerful core processors pump out 720p/1080i output, 16x9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound and DVD playback right out of the box.



* Xbox 360 Controller. This wired controller features an extended nine-foot cable and a comfortable, enhanced ergonomic design.



* Xbox 360 Faceplate. Like no other console before, the Xbox 360 console allows customization and a removable Faceplate that comes in stylish ?chill? (white), which can be swapped out with other custom Faceplates to reflect gamers? personalities or decor.



* Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable. This connects gamers to the world of Xbox 360, delivering great next-generation graphics and games using standard-definition connections.

Well, i think i will swing by EBgames tonight and make sure my preorder is the uber version, $500 once every 4 - 5 years isnt that bad...right?  haha.



Others:

The Xbox 360 console also comes ready for customization. With an array of Xbox 360 accessories, gamers can trick out their systems to suit their individual tastes and personalize their experiences. In addition to an ever-growing selection of eye-catching Faceplates ($19.99 U.S./?19.99/?14.99), Xbox 360 Controller (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./?34.99/?24.99*) and Component HD AV Cable (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./?29.99/?19.99*), the lineup includes a wealth of accessories that brings next-generation gaming entertainment to its optimum:



* Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB). 20 GB and detachable, the hard drive allows gamers to store their games, music, downloaded trailers, levels, demos and community-created content from Xbox Live Marketplace and more (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./?99.99/?69.99*).



* Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB). Easily portable, this lets gamers save games, in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles for quick and easy access on the go (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./?34.99/?22.99*).



* Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. The same hassle-free high-performance precision wireless gaming that comes with the premium edition features the Xbox Guide Button for quick access to digital movies, music and games libraries as well as a range and battery life of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of life on two AA batteries (estimated retail price $49.99 U.S./?44.99/?32.99*).



* Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit. This allows plug and play for high-performance, precision wireless gaming with the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller. Gamers will be given ample warning when the end of battery life is nearing so they can connect the Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./?19.99/?14.99*).



* Xbox 360 rechargeable battery pack. This provides up to 25 hours of gameplay for wireless gaming fun (estimated retail price $11.99 U.S./?14.99/?9.99*).



* Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter. With this, gamers can chat with friends and play games via Xbox Live, as well as stream videos and music to Xbox 360 from a Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC, all without the clutter of wires (estimated retail price $99.99 U.S./?79.99 /?59.99*).



* Xbox 360 Headset. This heightens the Xbox Live experience by letting gamers strategize with teammates or trash-talk opponents while playing games (estimated retail price $19.99 U.S./?19.99/?14.99*).



* Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote. Sold as an accessory, this integrated control center for the entire digital experience lets consumers play DVDs, movies and music, as well as control a TV and their Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005-based PC controls with a single controller (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./?29.99/?19.99*).



* Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only) Xbox 360 SCART AV Cable (Europe only). This versatile cable works for both high-definition and standard-definition TVs that use S-Video or composite video inputs. It provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $29.99 U.S./?24.99/?17.99*).



* Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable. Gamers can experience high-definition gaming on flat-panel TV or VGA monitors. This cable provides optimal audio and video signal transfer (estimated retail price $39.99 U.S./?29.99/?19.99*).

[Mags]

Seems upgraded version is way to go for sure. Who isn't going to get the harddrive alone (well till the mods start coming out).



Still though if I'm going to get it, think i'll wait the 6 months for inital price drops.

[Shayne]

Seems upgraded version is way to go for sure. Who isn't going to get the harddrive alone (well till the mods start coming out).



Still though if I'm going to get it, think i'll wait the 6 months for inital price drops.

...id rather be playing for 6 months then save $50  Though my parents are waiting as well.



Mods are gonna be very interesting now.  The machine doesnt boot off the harddrive anymore, its all hardware.  Im thinking that microsoft isnt a dumb company and didnt make moding all that easy.



Here is the catch though, the key reason for my mod was to get the HTPC functionality, and now that its built into the console, i have no reason to mod really.  Sure the free games would be nice, but i get free rentals so its a moot point for me.



I got a feeling that this time around, they have really outdone themselves in terms of locking the machine down.  Fool me once type of thing,.

[Cova]

I can't believe they don't have any type of digital video output dongle - everything that supports HD should support either DVI or HDMI.  I was looking forward to the creamy smoothness of 720p output from games over a digital connection to a 720p native-resolution projector when I get the media room built at my new house.



Oh well, I guess analog HD will have to do.  Now the only decision left to make is whether I get myself one for my birthday present (will mean giving myself cash for my birthday to get the box about a month later probably), or if I should wait and get myself one for christmas.

[Shayne]

Now the only decision left to make is whether I get myself one for my birthday present (will mean giving myself cash for my birthday to get the box about a month later probably), or if I should wait and get myself one for christmas.

Sorta humerous, the woman and i talked about this 6 months ago and decided that her and Santa are teaming up to get one under the tree for me.  Though i will be getting it on release day, i havent decided if im gonna wait on playing it (i doubt it) really all depends if PGR3 actually makes release launch (ive heard that it wont be out for a few weeks after).

[Shayne]

Box shots and such...

[Darren Dirt]

Jeepers, the box design and colour scheme immediately made me think of one thing (and it's a sorta-local Alberta-region reference from a while ago, so bear with me...)





CLEARNET!





( or now, Telus, I suppose :rolleyes: )

[Shayne]

EBGames hasnt got the sku numbers yet, but they do have the rough stuff in their system.  They quoted me $499.99 for the Xbox360 and $399.99 for the core system (though i think that might change to be lower?).



THey have rough numbers for the perpherials as well.



I adjusted my preorder....



Xbox 360 (Premium) + PGR3 + 2nd Controller + Controller Recharge System + 2 controller battery packs.



...estimated at $725 or so. Eeek.

[Ustauk]

Penny Arcade has a comic about this.