Gamertell

  Over the bast couple weeks, rather convincing scans from some popular retail circulars such as K-Mart and Circuit City were posted on the web suggesting an impending Xbox 360 price drop. Microsoft initially refused to confirm or deny these rumors. Many thought Microsoft would wait until its E3 press conference to tell the world the good news.

Instead, the hype machine has moved in its favor and Microsoft finally confirmed via press release what everyone suspected. (Sort of.)

The Premium Xbox 360 console will receive a price drop. As of yesterday (July 12, 2008) the Premium bundle sold for $349 but, beginning today (July 13, 2008), a $50 discount brings the price down to $299.99. This pricing scheme is only available for the United States and Canada at this time. The Xbox 360 Arcade and Xbox 360 Elite models will retain current retail values ($279 and $449, respectively).

Microsoft is clearing out its supply of 20GB Xbox 360 units in order to pave the way for a new model. In early August 2008 a new 60GB model will appear on store selves. Besides the bigger hard drive, this model will be identical the the Premium. There isn’t any word on whether the 60GB version will bare a different name, or whether it will stick with the Premium brand name.

If you were holding out for a price drop to buy a Xbox 360 now is the time to strike. It’s reasonable to believe Microsoft will or has already stopped production on the 20GB console. The discounted price will only last until there are no more Premium consoles left on store shelves.

Read [Gamertell] Also Read [eFlux Media] Also Read [I4U]