Xbox 360 Pricing, Models Announced
Microsoft has finally put to rest months of speculation, announcing official pricing and models for its upcoming Xbox 360 home entertainment console. The basic version of the Xbox 360 will run $299.99 USD, will a premium edition priced at $399.99 USD.
The core Xbox 360 model includes only the console without hard drive, wired controller and standard AV cable. For an extra $100, gamers receive a special console with metallic detailing, 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, remote control, headset, high-definition AV cable and an Xbox Live Silver membership.
Individually, the HD cables are priced at $40 USD, 20GB hard drive $100 USD and the wireless controller $50 USD, making the premium edition more economical for serious gamers.
In addition, because the Xbox 360 core model does not include a hard drive, gamers may need to purchase a 64 MB memory unit for $40 USD. Other accessories include a wireless network adapter, which runs $100 USD.
"While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, it's also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras," said Robbie Bach, Microsoft's chief Xbox officer.
Both editions of the Xbox 360 will make their debut in North America, Europe and Japan in time for the Christmas holidays - well before Sony's rival PlayStation 3 console reaches the market next spring.