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Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Launch Price
news
announced
posted by: Aaron Stanton
publisher: Microsoft
developer: Microsoft
date posted: 01:39 PM Wed Aug 17th, 2005
last revision: 01:45 PM Wed Aug 17th, 2005


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Click to read.There\'s been a lot of speculation over the last few months about the entry price for the Xbox 360. Since Microsoft officially revealed the system in May on an MTV special prior to E3 2005, educated guesses have put the system anywhere between $300 and $500 dollars. To complicate matters, a number of comments made by Microsoft people lent credibility to the idea that maybe the Xbox 360 would be sold in multiple versions.

Microsoft has now confirmed that the Xbox 360 will indeed sell in two different versions. A $300 dollar version will sell without the hard drive, wireless controller (comes with a wired controller instead), or Xbox Live headset. A $400 dollar version comes with a 20 GB hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox Live headset, and a remote control. Additionally, the $300 dollar Xbox 360 will come with standard audio/video connections, requiring owners to purchase additional cords if they want to use the Xbox 360\'s much touted high-definition ability. The $400 dollar 360 comes with the high definition connectors in the box.

Without a hard drive, the Xbox 360 will not be backwards compatible with the current generation of Xbox titles. It\'s unknown if the lack of hard drive will adversely effect Xbox Live features that are currently considered standard, such as the ability to download and install extra levels for some games, and other downloadable content. It\'s possible that stand-alone memory cards will enable non-HD versions of the Xbox 360 to still take advantage of Xbox Live downloadable content.

Microsoft also announced the price points for a number of other Xbox 360 related peripherals, including stand-alone wireless controllers for $50, a detachable 20 GB hard drive for $100, Xbox Live headsets for $20, and Xbox 360 faceplates for $20.

With a confirmed price, game fans now know exactly how much they have to save by Christmas season if they want to be playing the Xbox 360 after the holiday season. These prices are confirmed for North America. Pricing for other areas has not yet been announced.

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