Presently, Microsoft has three Xbox360 SKUs for sale; the count will get a notch-up to four as Halo 3 themed edition steps in - hence, Microsoft might be planning to slim down the line-up with discontinuing the Xbox360 Core system. Some leaked images from Best Buy confirm that Microsoft is planning to discontinue the Xbox360 Core System in the US that ships for $299 without a hard-drive.
The blurred image shows a Best Buy stock sheet showing that the Core system has been rubbed out and store codes indicate the stock will not be refilled. The news is really disappointing for those who were expecting a price-drop for the core system making it cost merely $249 i.e. equivalent to Wii.
Just a day before, Walmart was showing some images confirming a $50 price drop for the Xbox60 Premium console, and this time, it’s Best Buy who tends to follow the suit.
However, Microsoft has denied all rumors regarding discontinuity of the Xbox360 Core model and claimed that the system still remains an important member of the Xbox360 family.
As, it’s merely a speculation and Microsoft has disproved discontinuation of low-end console, hence should be taken with a grain of salt. In near future, if Microsoft plans to trim down the console line-up the way mentioned above, it would negate all the essence of so-called Xbox360 price-drop. Prior to this, you could purchase an Xbox360 for $300, $400, or $480, but now if low-end system is outlawed, you will have to pay $350 or $480 - hence, from average consumer point of view, even after $50 price-drop the Xbox360’s cost went up.
On the other hand, putting an optimistic eye on the matter, this could turn out to be boon to the 360 enthusiasts, because ruling out core model shipment could be a sign of accommodating a price-cut (still hang around) for both Premium as well as Elite consoles.
Via: Joystiq
