Xbox 360 price drops now official

Xbox 360: now cheaper than ever.

(Credit: Microsoft)

After weeks of credible rumors, Microsoft finally made it official: the Xbox 360 will be cheaper as of August 8. The new price points are as follows:

• Xbox 360 Core: The cheapest 360 drops just $20, to $280. But since it still doesn't come with a hard drive--which will cost you at least $100--you're much better stepping up to the Premium version (see below).
• Xbox 360 Premium: The sweet spot in the Xbox 360 lineup drops $50, to $350. If you don't need HDMI output and you're not planning on downloading a lot of videos, this is the ideal version of the 360.
• Xbox 360 Elite: The flagship 360 version drops $30, to $450. It adds HDMI output, a larger 120GB hard drive, and it's finished in black (unlike its bone-white underlings).

In addition, Microsoft confirmed the details of the Halo 3 Special Edition Console announced at last month's E3. Available in September for $400, it's basically a green version of the Premium model (20GB hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox Live headset, Play & Charge Kit) that also supports HDMI output. But Halo 3 isn't included in the box--you'll need to purchase Master Chief's latest adventure separately when it hits stores on September 25.

For now, these pricing changes are only applicable in the U.S. The cuts come in advance of some hotly anticipated games for the late summer and fall, including Madden 08, Bioshock, Halo 3, and Mass Effect (the latter three being console exclusives to the 360). Simultaneously, Microsoft is on the defensive regarding continued reliability problems and repair snafus with its gaming hardware.

[vaulting16]

All good...but what about the new system???

It's good to see these price drops...even though they are not much, but we all will take them. Now comes the question of Microsoft giving answers towards their new Xbox 360 "falcon" system? Is there any such system? If so, when will it be released? There has been talk of a release this fall, is that true? I hope something is said soon since i need a system and don't want to buy the "old" if I only have to wait a little longer to get the "new."

[zgreenwell]

Falcon is a new chipset not a new system.

The "Falcon" system is a new chipset. The new Falcon Xbox 360 are currently being manufactured and this price drop is timed partly as an effort to clear out existing stock of the old 90nm systems. The new systems are cheaper to manufacture and that is also part of the reason for the price reduction. If you are looking to purchase a new "Falcon" system just look for one with a manufacturing date after July 07. The premiums should be available next month.

[vaulting16]

Good stuff!!!

Hey thanks a lot! One question though... how certain are you that systems after july 07 are the new ones??? Do you know something i don't? I've read up a lot and never saw a difinitive date like that. What reasoning are you using? And will there be a public release by Microsoft to tell us for sure? Thanks and sorry to question your statement, just want to know how you know :)