Post by: couchmonkey on August 17, 2005, 06:29:40 AM
Microsoft has announced the pricing for Xbox 360: $299 for the "core" system and $399 for the deluxe version. The deluxe version gives you:
•20GB detachable hard drive
•Wireless controller
•Wireless Xbox Live headset
•High-definition AV cables
•Ethernet cable
•Xbox 360 Media Remote Control (limited time)
The cheaper version comes with a wired controller and none of the other stuff. Also worth noting is that the hard drive alone will cost $99, so it's stupid to buy it separately. So what do you guys think?
I'm not surprised they're charging $400 for the hard drive version, MS wants to make more money this time around. Will the two different prices help? I think they probably will, a lot of people will probably get sucked in by the $300 version only to realize they really want a hard drive later, and of course some will just live without the hard drive. I think a lot of people will balk at the $400 version, but then again, I've been known to underestimate what people will spend on this stuff.
Edit: changed "base" to "core".
Post by: nickmitch on August 17, 2005, 06:55:17 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on August 17, 2005, 07:39:38 AM
Post by: Ian Sane on August 17, 2005, 07:50:37 AM
The price is about where I expected: too high. Oddly enough though in Canada it will only be around $485. That's not that bad because that's practically what the original Xbox cost here. Because of the change in exchange rate us Canadians will get a very small price hike.
In the States however Nintendo could probably charge a considerable lower price to combat these more expensive consoles. The X360 will likely have had a price drop by then however so the PS3 is what Nintendo has to base their price around.
Post by: PaLaDiN on August 17, 2005, 07:56:22 AM
Regardless, MS just took the modicum of interest I had in the 360 and defenestrated it.
Post by: Spak-Spang on August 17, 2005, 08:00:47 AM
The Deluxe package is definately the way to go, but $400.00 brings you back to the exact same situation the PS3 will be in...it is VERY EXPENSIVE for mass market.
$299.00 can get you the system, in a very basic form, but will gamers ever need to buy a harddrive? This just seems like it can really divide MS's market.
Basically it is forcing developers to design games without the harddrive in mind, at least for the first generation games...does that mean that MS will package a harddrive with a system, or does it mean that Square will have to go out on a limb and offer a RPG that uses the harddrive and hope people have the harddrive or will buy the harddrive for it?
Really stupid.
Microsoft you should have just offered one unit with or without the harddrive your decision. I think this will hurt MS more than help them.
Post by: jasonditz on August 17, 2005, 08:22:14 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: PaLaDiN
Is this the first time a console launches with two versions?
Regardless, MS just took the modicum of interest I had in the 360 and defenestrated it.
I think in Japan you could buy the Dreamcast with or without the modem
Post by: zakkiel on August 17, 2005, 08:57:10 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: PaLaDiN
Is this the first time a console launches with two versions?
Regardless, MS just took the modicum of interest I had in the 360 and defenestrated it.
Well played, well played.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 17, 2005, 09:17:45 AM
During the 'launch window' the "core" system will be no where to be found, all that will be on shelves is the "complete" $399.99 model with all the bells and whistles?
Only when sales slow down or don't meet expectations (which ever comes first) will the "core" system for $299.99 be released.
Then when PS3 is released the "complete" system will drop in price to $349.99 but not inlude the remote or the headset.
that is what I forsee
*disclaimer*
I am not now nor have I ever been a psychic, all predictions posted here are for entertainment purposes only, and should be read at you own risk of believing
Post by: stevey on August 17, 2005, 10:20:48 AM
and there be another coming with hd drive.
Post by: vudu on August 17, 2005, 10:26:57 AM
Why anyone would buy the core system is beyond me.
Why anyone would buy the deluxe system is also beyond me.
Post by: couchmonkey on August 17, 2005, 10:37:40 AM
Good point, Ian. Personally, I don't think selling the hard drive separately will hurt Microsoft that much, but I guess it's hard to say. Unlike the PS2 hard drive, Xbox owners are already used to having a hard drive, Microsoft is offering the Xbox 360 hard drive right at launch, it sells a console bundle that includes the hard drive, and Microsoft and some third parties have released bonus content using the hard drive in the past. I think it will be a much hotter item than the PS2 hard drive.
It's still a tough outcome to predict though. Nobody has ever launched a major console along with an expensive peripheral that might be required to play certain games before. Some consoles had peripherals you could add, but most of them came out later and were even more expensive than this hard drive.
Edit: I think the NES also came in more than one version. I think some versions included the Light Gun and, for a short while, R.O.B., while others were more straightforward.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 17, 2005, 10:42:14 AM
$299.99 + $40 for a mem card + $50-60 for a game = $400.00 roughly
add a HDD later + $100, Remote + $35, Headset + $35 = $570 estimated
or
$399.99 w/ everything + $50-60 for a game = $450-460
you actually save $100.00 in the long run
hmm imagine that
Post by: Spak-Spang on August 17, 2005, 12:25:21 PM
The memory card is very very expensive, but it is also large enough that you should only need 1 card for a year or so, it is really acting like a mini harddrive with that much space.
I predict the first 2 years no harddrive neccessary games will be released, and that also includes bonus online content. Either you can still get that content via the memory cards which will eat alot of memory or non will be offered.
This prediction will be void if someone the deluxe set sells much better than the Core set...then developers won't be afraid to develop HD neccessary content.
I think this still a strange marketing for a console system. It appears to be more PC marketing than console marketing.
Post by: jasonditz on August 17, 2005, 12:54:33 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: couchmonkey
Edit: I think the NES also came in more than one version. I think some versions included the Light Gun and, for a short while, R.O.B., while others were more straightforward.
Were they at launch though? I thought the launch NES was the Mario/Duck Hunt double game pack and a light gun and two controllers.
Post by: Nephilim on August 17, 2005, 01:14:33 PM
Custom soundtracks, and voice chat is useless as a hd only supported by 2 games?
remember the rev is launching with 2 versions, dvd player version and non dvd version (confermed).
I will get the deluxe version, hd is a one of the best features of xbox
but it should come with atleast a 6month subscription to there new plat live service
Post by: NRevolutionR on August 17, 2005, 01:14:50 PM
I want to buy the X360. However, it is way to expensive at $300. Ouch, look at the Deluxe version at $400. It's even worse. So either way I will be spending a house payment, and if I get the cheaper one to save money, all my friends will shurley laugh at me for not having the most expensive version.
Hardcore gamer:
WTF......$400 for the "gamers" system. Man that is just ridiculous. Not even any real backwards compatability. No good launch games. Many of which are the same pieces of generic crap that I bought just last month for the Xbox 1. Also, PD0 missing the launch window. Wow, I just soooooo need a 360. NOT
Best impersenations ever
Post by: Ian Sane on August 17, 2005, 02:19:16 PM
DVD playback has nothing to do with actual games so it makes no difference to a developer how many users have the feature.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 17, 2005, 02:29:32 PM
Quote[pure speculation based on nothing] What if games that do use the HDD for streaming / LIVE! / B/C content can use the Mem cards instead, prompting that you need a mem card in slot with X amount of available space to play this game. Not only would that prompt people to go get another Mem card($$$)but eventually if they were smart would just go get the HDD.
Originally posted by: Spak-Spang
I predict the first 2 years no harddrive neccessary games will be released, and that also includes bonus online content. Either you can still get that content via the memory cards which will eat alot of memory or non will be offered.
And besides w/o the HDD isn't true that you get no B/C or LIVE!?
Post by: stevey on August 17, 2005, 04:00:54 PM
In ms mind the $299 core will make ms money, the 399 thingy will lose them money, but people see 299 as ms losing money and 399 as trying to make money make every buy the core thingy make ms money because your so supid. In a gamer mind is 399 thingy save money and the 299 core is losing money and they buy the 399 or a rev and in the long run making ms lose money make them leave game recking. my post is a train wreck
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 17, 2005, 04:07:33 PM
QuoteI'll drink to that
Originally posted by: stevey
my post is a train wreck
Post by: Caliban on August 17, 2005, 04:57:31 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Ian Sane
Oddly enough though in Canada it will only be around $485. That's not that bad because that's practically what the original Xbox cost here. Because of the change in exchange rate us Canadians will get a very small price hike.
Actually you are wrong. Today I read in another forum an official press release from Microsoft(or X-Box) Canada that it will be $399.99(CAD) for base bundle, and $499.99(CAD) for core/premium bundle. Yes, they are charging more than it actually costs if you reference the price just from current exchange rates.
Just for reference: $299.99(US) = $362.xx(CAD)_____________$399.99(US) = $485.xx(CAD)
Post by: Bill Aurion on August 17, 2005, 07:09:55 PM
Memory card = $40
What a bloody ripoff...There goes that slight chance of me getting a 360...
Post by: IceCold on August 17, 2005, 08:25:20 PM
Just for reference: $299.99(US) = $362.xx(CAD)_____________$399.99(US) = $485.xx(CAD)
If it's $399 for the core instead of $362 (or would be probably $359), then it makes even more sense to go for the deluxe at $499, because then you wouldn't lose as much in the exchange. You would lose about $30 more if you buy the "base" package. But then, the premium package is $500, and that's waay too much for most people. So MS is stuck there - they give a much better deal in the premium bundle (even moreso in Canada), but it's so expensive that not many people will buy it
Post by: KDR_11k on August 18, 2005, 01:32:54 AM
The 300$ version is just to silence the critics who would attack MS for demanding 400$ for a console.
MS apparently wants to enforce "no harddrive-only games". Well, you can operate RE Outbreak without a HD...
If MS once AGAIN releases a console for 400 Euros here they obviously haven't learned their lesson the first time 'round. The XBox launched at 480 Euros, noone bought it so they dropped to 300 and offered a big "apology" package (controller and some games IIRC) to existing owners.
Post by: Spak-Spang on August 18, 2005, 05:29:35 AM
Stevey I think your right, but I think Microsoft is losing Money no matter what. I think they are losing less with the $399 package and that is one reason they are throwing those extras in there...it costs them little to nothing to add into the pot, and it makes the gamers (hopefully) more willing to buy those extras. However, if they don't buy the deluxe edition we will get them back on the uber expensive accessories.
I think Microsoft is losing alot of money on this launch, and they are pricing premium money on the extra controllers, memory packs, harddrive, headsets and more to make up for the losses.
I beat Microsoft hopes to make all their loses up in the first few years with those extra accessory sales.
Post by: stevey on August 18, 2005, 06:03:52 AM
and 3rd party accessory
Post by: KDR_11k on August 18, 2005, 06:53:22 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on August 18, 2005, 06:54:27 AM
If the Canadian dollar was as weak as it was when the original Xbox came out, we might be paying about $450 and $600 for the systems, and I think that would definitely slow down sales.
Post by: BlackNMild2k1 on August 19, 2005, 05:13:47 AM
Post by: couchmonkey on August 19, 2005, 06:41:21 AM
Quote
"The PC model is the example, giving gamers the experience they are happy to pay for. Xbox 360 actually beats the PC as there's a common high-quality 3D baseline, so you can only go upwards. I hope Microsoft enjoys the experience from this strategy and truly opens up the model for Xbox 720. Meaning if I choose to add extra features or enhance features, I can do that. (Faster hard drives, more texture memory, physics chips etc.) Fingers crossed.
The reason I don't play a lot of PC games is because I don't like upgrading my PC. I like how console gaming is as simple as plugging it into the TV, plugging it into the wall, popping in a game, and pressing "Power". I don't want to have to own components x, y and z to play a certain game. (That's why Nintendo usually takes the smart step of including accessories like the Bongos and the Mic with key games).
It was an interesting read. It brought up a point a couple of posters here have made: if games are supposed to be developed with non-hard drive owners in mind, the hard drive becomes a glorified memory card. So this choice will either render the hard drive pointless for creating new gaming experiences or it will force non-hard drive users to buy a ton of memory cards. Maybe both.
Post by: Ian Sane on August 19, 2005, 07:33:40 AM
If a console loses these advantages then it will fail because it's nothing but a crappy PC. The console gaming market won't buy it. And even if they did for a little while because there was nothing else it would be so easy for another company to release something that was a real console and console gamers would flock back to it. If console gaming became the same as PC gaming PCs would crush consoles because almost everyone already owns a PC so if they have to upgrade hardware all the time they might as well do it for the machine that can also be used for word processing, accounting, shopping, listening to music, programming, web surfing, emailing, etc.
Post by: Spak-Spang on August 19, 2005, 09:07:10 AM
Umm...I hate to tell you there are other games for PS2 and Gamecube coming out that I may want to play more than Xbox 360. Perhaps the question should be which games could I get now for my system I own for $299-$399 while I wait for the inevitable price drop when the PS3 or Revolution launchs (whichever launches first.)
Microsoft is making stupid blunders and acting as if they are the market leader and this generation is already theirs for the taking. Well, they aren't the market leader, they are second place in America, and a distant 3rd in Japan.
Asking people to pay premium prices for controllers and other accessories is insane.
Preventing 3rd party hardware makers to make cheaper products by making them give part of their profit to Microsoft is a lesson Nintendo learned years ago is stupid.
Trying to fool the public with up to 40 launch games (but really launch period means up to 4 months after launch.) First off the 40 number is bloated to begin with...not all these games will make it, and second a 4 month period is not a launch window. Launch is what games I can buy when the system is released or maybe the next month.
Not that I really like Sony and the Playstation, but I perfer them over Microsoft at this point. Geez, they already assume they have are money and we are just begging to play Halo 3 and Perfect Dark 0.
Post by: Stimutacs Addict on August 19, 2005, 10:27:05 AM
Post by: IceCold on August 19, 2005, 08:27:23 PM
QuoteIt never really has been, and they tried to cover that fact, but ultimately they can't.
"Also, if backwards compatibility is dependent on having a hard drive, it's very odd that Microsoft has now set pricing to make it tougher on consumers who might want to get into the next generation but are cost-conscious. They are the ones most attracted by backwards compatibility. For Microsoft then, backwards compatibility is not a key issue.
Quote
Microsoft runs the risk of making the same blunders that killed Sega, which had too many SKUs on the market at the same time. It dilutes the energies of the game developers, confuses consumers, but it saves the company money
Post by: Shecky on August 19, 2005, 10:20:58 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
Yep, in case anyone still wonders why I wouldn't want Microsoft in first place no matter what.
The whole micropayments thinking should be enough... do people like this "Xbox Marketplace"
Post by: KDR_11k on August 19, 2005, 11:12:28 PM
Post by: Sir_Stabbalot on August 21, 2005, 04:58:44 AM
Post by: Flames_of_chaos on August 21, 2005, 08:00:59 AM
Post by: Bloodworth on August 21, 2005, 09:01:30 AM
I was surprised to see them even offer wired controllers --and at $40! Why? Yeah, it's one of the comfiest controllers I've ever held, but that has nothing to do with cost. $100 for WiFi? I figured out that if you want to get a full set of controllers, a couple of games, WiFi, and a useless piece of plastic to snap on your box, it's going to cost you about $800.
Post by: Darc Requiem on August 21, 2005, 08:35:45 PM
Quote
Originally posted by: Bloodworth
I'm of the same mind. Even with a hard drive, would there be anyway to transfer files from your original Xbox? The Revolution is going to let me clear four consoles out of my entertainment center. The 360 would force me to keep the biggest one and add another huge one.
I was surprised to see them even offer wired controllers --and at $40! Why? Yeah, it's one of the comfiest controllers I've ever held, but that has nothing to do with cost. $100 for WiFi? I figured out that if you want to get a full set of controllers, a couple of games, WiFi, and a useless piece of plastic to snap on your box, it's going to cost you about $800.
I agree Bloodworth. They've cancelled my purchase as well. I was looking to the 360 to hold me over until the Revolution got here but now I'll just play my DS. The DS has a bunch games I want anyway. I have an extra $300 to play with. I can't believe how stupid MS was this two trim levels of console. Its gaming system not a car. Worse yet, the harddrive is just going to be a giant memory card because its not standard. My favorite features of the X-box will be basically non existant because publishers will know that not everyone will have a harddrive. MS had prime opportunity to stick it to Sony, instead they've made it easier for Sony to continue to control the market. This is the biggest opportunity Nintendo has had to retake the market, both of its competitors seem to be making grave errors. Hopefuly Nintendo can keep theirs to a minimum and capitalize on its opponents mistakes.
Post by: nemo_83 on August 21, 2005, 11:44:30 PM
Post by: Infernal Monkey on August 22, 2005, 05:09:44 AM
Quote
360 is too expensive, the DS has nothing I have to play, my GameCube will not have another game until half way through next year, and the REV won't launch until at least then but most likely later. Man, I'm screwed.
Go play Road Avenger on Sega CD. Or any one of the million games you haven't played.
Post by: Bill Aurion on August 22, 2005, 05:12:05 AM
WTF?
Post by: KnowsNothing on August 22, 2005, 05:15:25 AM
Yay for fun!
Post by: Bill Aurion on August 22, 2005, 05:21:54 AM
Post by: Infernal Monkey on August 22, 2005, 05:22:28 AM
Post by: Sir_Stabbalot on August 22, 2005, 06:05:55 AM
Quote
Originally posted by: Infernal Monkey
I hear Kirby, Meteos, Zoo Keeper, Another Code, Wario Ware, Bomberman DS, Advance Wars and Puyo Pop Fever are all awful games.
Eh? Is that sarcasm or something? I mean, at least one of those games has to be good...
On-topic: Looks like Microsoft is serious about making a profit this generation. For crying out loud, $40 for a memory card, $50 bucks for a controller? Not to mention that Live marketplace thing where you'll need to spend actual money to unlock features in your games. They're not making a profit, they're ripping their customers off!
Post by: KnowsNothing on August 22, 2005, 06:15:27 AM
Quote
They're not making a profit, they're ripping their customers off!
Something's wrong with that sentance!
By the way, Infernal was being sarcastic
Post by: Sir_Stabbalot on August 22, 2005, 06:20:09 AM
Post by: vudu on August 30, 2005, 10:25:12 AM
Xbox 360 Omega Bundle
List Price: $1,999.69
It comes with 20 games (more than half of which probably won't be out this year), 3 extra wireless controllers, and a bunch of other accessories (including the $40 memory card, which is pointless since the system comes with a hard drive).
I actually tallied up each individual item separately and not counting the cost of a separate 1 Year Product Replacement Plan the total is $1,991.70. (So I guess the replacement plan costs $7.99?)
I totally want to walk into GameStop with two crisp $1,000 bills and try to buy the thing. And then when they want $80 for tax, walk away because I didn't bring enough cash. I just think that would be really funny.
Post by: Toruresu on August 30, 2005, 11:07:51 AM
2k bucks for a console and games, at once? That's just...overwhelming (sp?)
Post by: KDR_11k on August 31, 2005, 01:05:50 AM
X360 console, deluxe pack
3 Games
17 vouchers for the delayed ones
