James Delahunty
17 Aug 2005 22:14
Software giant Microsoft has revealed just how much money gamers will have to spend to get their hands on a new Xbox 360 console later this year. The console will be launched simultaneously in the U.S., Japan and Europe "in plenty of time for the Christmas market," according to European home and entertainment head Chris Lewis. In the U.S. it will cost $299 and €299 (£209 UK) in Europe. The price rises to $399(€399 £279 UK) if you want other accessories like wireless controllers, detachable hard drives and headsets also.
The price of the console in Japan was not revealed, nor were any details on the amount of units that will be initially available in the U.S., Europe and Japan. The Japanese price details will be revealed at the Tokyo games fair next month. No actual dates have been set for the console's launch either, although the belief is that it will be launched in November. A Christmas release of the console should spark many sales, months before Sony's PS3 is expected to be launched and Nintendo's Revolution console.
The first mover advantage is being played by Microsoft, which launched it's Xbox console over a year after Sony launched the PS2. This was a mistake that Microsoft was not willing to make again. Sony currently holds two-thirds of the games console market.
Source:
Reuters