XBOX 360 prices

[spottedfool]

Ok everyone there will be 2 360 packages:

Package 1 - 299.99 - Xbox console, 1 wired controller 1 faceplate and xbox licve silver package (get online, download games, updates, levels, chat...NO LIVE GAME PLAY.


Package 2 - 399.99 - Xbox console, 1 wireless controller, 1 faceplate, 20 gig hard drive, hd cables, remote control, headset, and Xbox Live Gold Package (includes all of Silver package plus online game play)

[JSein456]

Just out of curiosity, where did you get this information? I was under the impression that the console will ship with both standard and high definition cables. From the pictures I've seen of these cables, there are the two audio, high-def video, and standard video cables all attached together so you plug in just the one you want. And they wouldn't be able to separate them into regular and HD, because one end is a puck that slides into the XBox. Besides, for a company bolstering that they're ushering the new era of HD gaming, putting standard cables in the basic package is just plain silly. Including both is the safest way to ensure both crowds are happy.

Also, I think the hard drive should be included in either package because without it, saving game data to memory cards is just unrealistic. Besides, it's only 20GB...it's pretty much free space nowadays.

I really feel they should sell XBox Live sets and subscriptions separate like they do now. Personally, I already have a headset, and a subscription. In fact, most people who already play Xbox live have both, so does it make sense that they spend 100 dollars on a hard drive and mid-quality cables (they're not Monster cables you know)? The console will be compatible with any standard cell phone headset anyway. It seems like a merketing gimmick. Maybe that's the only way they can get people to buy it?

IMHO, accessories should always be sold separate, except for the hard drive and connection cables, because it's a subjective item that people may not want to buy.

You know, I don't think Microsoft realizes how outplayed they will be when the PS3 comes out. They've openly admitted, in an article I read recently, that the PS3 will be "faster in a few areas." If they don't support HD and standard gaming out of the box (either box) they're not getting started on the right foot to stimulate demand from as many people as possible.

But, there's still time, and packaged contents can change up until the day before release. So, I'm hoping that, if you're right, they come to their senses before it's too late and they alienate some of their customers.

P.S. What about the power cable? ;-)

[spottedfool]

Here are 2 sites...I have seen much more

Here (http://http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/17/commentary/game_over/column_gaming/index.htm?cnn=yes)


And Here (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/default.htm)


looking at the sites the Accesories will be kind of steep..50.00 for a wireless controller

[JSein456]

Thanks for the links. If this holds up until release date, it will be disappointing for a lot of people. If you already have the ED/HD capabilities on the current XBox, paying 300 dollars for a next-gen system with a basic wired controller and simple cables would be a step down and there would be no reason to pay for it. Your games would never look as good as they do now, not even if it had 17 processors in there. Alternately, expecting people to pay 400 for all the extra packaged accessories is a bit extreme.

I would like to see a mid-level package...say priced at 349.99, with a wireless controller, silver live service, a hard drive, and HD cables...I think a lot of people would agree that the wireless and HD features are what makes it an attractive product, and as such, might purchase it (if you have everything else already). Hard-core gamers, if they wish, can buy the most expensive one. It's all a matter of preference, and there should be some middle-ground.

If you want money, you have to assimilate as much customers you can by giving them something they might not already have...wireless controllers is one thing...if they do, resistance is futile :yborg:

[spottedfool]

Well thats just it. I have the xbox now and the hd tv so im not sure how much better of a system im looking at. I have decided to just go with the big package..pay the 400.00 and not really need to upgrade anything.

now here is an actual breakdown a little better to understand:

Microsoft announced that the Xbox 360 will be released in two SKUs, the "Xbox 360 Core System" and the "Xbox 360." The two products will be sold at $299 and $399, respectively. The two systems break down as follows:

Xbox 360 Core System - $299 (299 Euros, 209 GBP)
•Xbox 360 console
•Wired controller
•Detachable faceplate
•Xbox Live Silver membership
•Standard AV cables


Xbox 360 - $399 (399 Euros, 279 GBP)
•Xbox 360 console
•20GB detachable hard drive
•Wireless controller
•Wireless Xbox Live headset
•High-definition AV cables
•Ethernet cable
•Xbox 360 Media Remote Control (limited time)
•Detachable faceplate
•Xbox Live Gold membership


Accessories

• Faceplate ($19.99, 19.99 Euros, 14.99 GBP)
• Hard Drive (20 GB) ($99.99, 99.99 Euros, 69.99 GBP)
• Memory Unit (64 MB) ($39.99, 34.99 Euros, 22.99 GBP)
• Wireless Networking Adapter ($99.99, 79.99 Euros, 59.99 GBP)
• Wireless Controller ($49.99, 44.99 Euros, 32.99 GBP)
• Play and Charge Kit ($19.99, 19.99 Euros, 14.99 GBP)
• Rechargeable Battery Pack ($11.99, 14.99 Euros, 9.99 GBP)
• Controller ($39.99, 34.99 Euros, 24.99 GBP)
• Headset ($19.99, 19.99 Euros, 14.99 GBP)
• Universal Media Remote ($29.99, 29.99 Euros, 19.99 GBP)
• Component HD AV Cable ($39.99, 29.99 Euros, 19.99 GBP)
• S-Video AV Cable (US) ($29.99)
• SCART AV Cable (Europe) (24.99 Euros, 17.99 GBP)
• VGA HD AV Cable ($39.99, 29.99 Euros, 19.99 GBP)

[Smthkd]

Correction! The Xbox 360 for $399 comes with the "Xbox Live GOLD Membership" not the Silver! :hyper:

[spottedfool]

yea..my bad..I will edit it

[Smthkd]

yea..my bad..I will edit it
Execellent info though! :cheers: Cant wait to get mine!

[chad1279]

Correction to the correction...premium edition doesn't come with XBOX Live "Gold".

For gamers who want the ultimate experience (and the best value) right out of the box, Microsoft will offer the $399.99 U.S. 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. The system includes:

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: 20GB 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 of up to 30 feet and 30 hours of battery life on two AA batteries. 3

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 like demos, trailers, and casual games from Xbox Live Arcade.

A bonus Media Remote: Included for a limited time only, 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 with a single remote.

reference (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/news/2005/0817-xbox360launchdetails.htm)

[JSein456]

All well said...that's a lot of hardware for a little box. I just hope it's not too heavy to carry.

Oh, btw, does the console come in black too? I like black and I think it's stylish (just like the one I have now).

[spottedfool]

thw xbox site shows the black and the white...Im hoping we have the option as well though I think the white one looks kinna sweet

[Matt27]

Check www.gamespot.com in the forum section, microsoft has already lost the console war because of these mistakes.

Sony is now the better value because of blu-ray, built in Wi-fi, wireless controlers.all of which xbox360 does'nt have included with their base model.

You can bet that sony is watching microsoft like a hawk :wow:

[JSein456]

Sony has the advantage here because they're the ones post-releasing their console. Up until their own release, they can look at what Microsoft did, if it worked, and perhaps improve their marketing strategy. Both companies will take on major losses though, and that's virtually expected with any console.

I think, though, by release time, Sony will realize that including those hi-tech features will require a substancial price increase over the XBox, and if people are already unnerved by the price of the next Xbox, that will not bode well for Sony and they'll have to make changes (which is still possible - blu-ray can go away in a snap if they figured out they won't be able to sell it).

But price increases parallel to the quality of technology used to build these consoles. And the problem here is that both companies were so eager to out-do each other, that they tried to revolutionize the computer/technology market. That's why the prices are through the roof...they went just a little bit too far than they should have.

Seriously...who needs 3 "brains" that can think up to two thoughts each? For that matter, who needs a brain that can think 9? The full potential of the components in themselves will probably never be utilized...or it may even be underused. There are so many other industries that could benefit from such technology and use it to make incredible progress, it seems almost a shame that where technology improves is usually in the video game industry rather than everywhere else.

Overall, I think Microsoft and Sony should be congratulated. They really went as far as they can go with their respective consoles. The ultimate test about whether it's worth it, however, lies where it has been for hundreds of years - the consumers...

Cheers!

[bigshot1982]

Well if you already have a xbox live membership all you have to do is transfer your gamertag over to the xbox360. As for them releasing two consoles its a great idea, because some people dont need the HD cables, Hard Drives, Wireless Controller, Ect. As for me I'll get the 399.99 package. I think alot of casual gamers will go with the 299.99 because the games are gonna be 59.99 this time around, I think the system is gonna sell like crazy being that its the only one coming out this Christmas, I figure that Sony will try to Lower Prices on PS2 and the PSP to try to steal some of Money this Christmas.

[mech]

Sony has the advantage here because they're the ones post-releasing their console. Up until their own release, they can look at what Microsoft did, if it worked, and perhaps improve their marketing strategy. Both companies will take on major losses though, and that's virtually expected with any console.

I think, though, by release time, Sony will realize that including those hi-tech features will require a substancial price increase over the XBox, and if people are already unnerved by the price of the next Xbox, that will not bode well for Sony and they'll have to make changes (which is still possible - blu-ray can go away in a snap if they figured out they won't be able to sell it).

But price increases parallel to the quality of technology used to build these consoles. And the problem here is that both companies were so eager to out-do each other, that they tried to revolutionize the computer/technology market. That's why the prices are through the roof...they went just a little bit too far than they should have.

Seriously...who needs 3 "brains" that can think up to two thoughts each? For that matter, who needs a brain that can think 9? The full potential of the components in themselves will probably never be utilized...or it may even be underused. There are so many other industries that could benefit from such technology and use it to make incredible progress, it seems almost a shame that where technology improves is usually in the video game industry rather than everywhere else.

Overall, I think Microsoft and Sony should be congratulated. They really went as far as they can go with their respective consoles. The ultimate test about whether it's worth it, however, lies where it has been for hundreds of years - the consumers...

Cheers!

You have to love a person who is not for using technology to make games better. I don't know about the rest of you, but I could handle a thousand processors if SONY or MS would put them in there!

I really don't think that because SONY and MS put so much time into these consoles, that they have delayed a cure for cancer by 5 years. LoL....

[mech]

Thanks for the links. If this holds up until release date, it will be disappointing for a lot of people. If you already have the ED/HD capabilities on the current XBox, paying 300 dollars for a next-gen system with a basic wired controller and simple cables would be a step down and there would be no reason to pay for it. Your games would never look as good as they do now, not even if it had 17 processors in there. Alternately, expecting people to pay 400 for all the extra packaged accessories is a bit extreme.

I would like to see a mid-level package...say priced at 349.99, with a wireless controller, silver live service, a hard drive, and HD cables...I think a lot of people would agree that the wireless and HD features are what makes it an attractive product, and as such, might purchase it (if you have everything else already). Hard-core gamers, if they wish, can buy the most expensive one. It's all a matter of preference, and there should be some middle-ground.

If you want money, you have to assimilate as much customers you can by giving them something they might not already have...wireless controllers is one thing...if they do, resistance is futile :yborg:

Hi,

I know this is the second post in a row that I don't agree with you but I have to set the record straight. This comment about XBOX 360 not looking as good as the old XBOX because of cables is somewhat ignorant. Sure I have the current HD pack for my XBOX and I will say that it looks pretty good. But TV resolution is only about half of the factors that make a game graphically pleasing. You are not taking the graphics card or processors into play at all. They can seriously impact the graphics of games as wells as speed and performance. Anyone who has played games on PC's can tell you that. I remember playing with a Voodoo 3000 back in the day (16 bit), and now with ATI's latest card with the same monitor resolution, and there is no contest!

I am not even going into stuff like modeling, shading and rendering that the developers control to make or break a games graphics and performance either. My point is that there are many factors that make games perform and look better. Not just TV resolution!

[Matt27]

I agree, and i'm going to be getting the $399 version anyways since it's a better bargain, than buying the core system and buying the accessories seperately

[JSein456]

The way they priced the packages, and the things they included is the equivalent of me saying: "My computers start at $299. For $299 you get the chassis, the power supply, and the fan...you have to get the rest to put it together."

I still don't understand why they have a package for "hard-core" gamers, and one for beginners, but not for people who are in between beginner and hard-core. They really should have three if they want EVERYONE to be happy. The fact is, some people like their pricing and some don't. Pleasing everyone is not easy by any means, but making us get the big package because it comes with the hard drive, other essentials, and other useless gadgets that people may or may not need is not what I expected them to do. Getting the hard drive for the core is obviously going to end you up at 400, and that's what Microsoft hopes you realize and go for the big one. It's all marketing really.

As far as how the games look...you can have all the hardware you want in there...but the video signal over composite, even s-video will NEVER be as good as component video. And, believe it or not, the resolutions are what makes everything crisp, clear, and worth playing. That's not ignorance, it's a scientifically proven fact. Would you play Half-Life 2 in 640x480? Would it ever look as good as 1280x1024? The processors may be able to handle all the shading, textures, and other calculations, but the OUTPUT is what's important. You can still play on a regular TV, yes, but you will never experience what Microsoft calls the high-definition era until you play it in high-definition. I don't want to deter anyone. I'm sure they'll look good enough over composite, but if you've had the taste already, trust me, going to composite is going down a notch...a big notch, even with all the included hardware. You won't even have progressive scan DVD playing capabilities unless you have the HD cables.

Weird thing is...the HD cables also have the composite cables built into them...it's just an extra cable they glued to the package. All people would have to do is pick which ones to plug into their TVs and leave the rest literally hanging. If they added that to the basic bundle, JUST that, they might get people like me, and possibly others who feel like I do, to consider buying the system. I like the hardware, but they're not allowing everyone to get it to perform to its true potential.

[spottedfool]

it's amazing..the bundle prices, varying from 499.99 up to 1099.oo but I guess some people will pay that much

[bigshot1982]

Look at the Bundles from gamestop.com they got one now for 1999.99, thats unbelelivable.

[mikehbkwm]

i personally will be getting the 399.00 package gotta having everything at the start.......

[bigshot1982]

Yea, if you go and preorder at the store u cant get the 299, and 399, packages. These online preorder bundles are Nuts.

[newf]

on future shops web site you can preorder the xbox360 499.99cdn.

[pcoffman]

Well I was one of the first to get the original xbox and the year after the price dropped by half plus i had problems with my hard drive so this go around as much as i am going to hate it I am going to wait till end of next year to get one. Now if they come out with a 360 version of Battlefront I may change my mind though...:D

[newf]

I'm getting it when it comes out, I want to wait for ps3 and see if thier is price drops but I can't do it, I stoped buying my PC games and I am not doing anymore upgrades ,the xbox360 graphics for me are worth the price of the console 500.cdn for xbox360 or another 1000. on my pc, I'll be saving money this NOV.

[gtsp33d]

microsoft F up big time with their pricing. no hard drive so you gonna have to get the memory card, and how in the world does the hard drive get smaller from xbox 1 to 360? bill gates is the cheapiest *******, charged me almost another xbox just to fix the damn thing. sorry, i have lost faith in microsoft, i hope apple, sony, and every other company crushes them like little bugs.

[tcrews]

All the other consoles "require" you to buy a memory card so I don't understand why you would be upset. If you don't care about backwards compatibility, game data "caching" and larger than memory card storage, then the lower priced model is perfect. If you do....$399 is quite reasonable for what you are getting.

As for the harddrive getting smaller?? XBox = 8 gig HD while Xbox360 = 20 gig HD. That's not smaller, it's more than twice as big.

Tom

microsoft F up big time with their pricing. no hard drive so you gonna have to get the memory card, and how in the world does the hard drive get smaller from xbox 1 to 360? bill gates is the cheapiest *******, charged me almost another xbox just to fix the damn thing. sorry, i have lost faith in microsoft, i hope apple, sony, and every other company crushes them like little bugs.

[pcoffman]

and me personally I have barely even used 3 gig on the xbox i have now so I am sure 20 gig is going to be way more then enough for me. granted it may take a little more space maybe for the 360 games when something is saved considering all games will be in HD. Not sure if that would make a difference on how much space it would take but I am just assuming. :)

[mountainman]

I am thinking about jumping into the gaming world and I am conflicted about whether to get an Xbox 360 (when they come out) or just settle for a regular Xbox now. I have never owned a game system. (Yeah, I am finally crawling out from under a rock. :D )

When the 360 comes out, won't the regular Xbox systems drop in price, as well as, the games?

The regular Xbox does HD with the proper cables so is the 360 that much of an improvement? Do the extras really justify the extra costs? ($149.99 versus $299.99+)

I assume "yes" or you guys wouldn't be busting a gut to get one!

(This can be moved. I meant to start a new thread!)