For the folks out there dreaming of getting an Xbox 360, but just couldn’t afford it at the time, well now is your chance to get it. Microsoft has slashed the Arcade version to US $349, making it the cheapest non-handheld gaming console available to date. Ofcourse, Microsoft had to support this price slash with positive words, saying currency fluctuations and manufacturing efficiency costs savings are being passed on to the consumer. However, game retailer EBGames has suggested differently. They sum up different points, which really go negatively to the Xbox’s favour. They believe the drop in sales of Xbox 360 games has forced to sell the system for much lower prices to encourage more buyers to come into the market.
Wii is so far in front, then PlayStation 3 is a clear second with Xbox coming in at third
EBGame merchandising director Shane Stockwell said.
The Wii is now the second cheapest system, which doesn’t meet one of their needs, which is being a low budget gaming system. Nonetheless they are still leaving the other competitors in the dust. The Playstation 3 is also selling strongly. Even though it is still going at US $699, fans are not deterred by the price, since they know they are getting performance for their buck.
Price Cuts
Low Range Xbox 360 - was US $399, now is US $349
Mid Range Xbox 360 - was US $579, now is US $499
High End Xbox 360 - was US $729, now is US $649
In my opinion, I think the Xbox 360 system may be suffering from the onslaught of the Wii. The Nintendo system really revolutionized the markets, because of it’s unique motion-sensitive controller and variety of games. The system is geared towards everyone, making it a very popular buy. The PS3, well that’s just the future work horse. It’s capabilities are still being unlocked and many game publishers are releasing PS3 exclusive games, becuase they think the Xbox just can’t handle the new level of graphics. Is the Xbox 360 nearing it’s peak? Is it going to fall (sales) or is this just a temporary fluctuation. We won’t really know for now, but hopefully more sales figures could give us an idea of what’s what.
Source: TheAge
