TWO MORE XBOX LIVE ARCADE PRICE DROPS INCOMING

Microsoft has announced that two more titles will be joining the ranks of it's price reduced Xbox Live Arcade Hits series this Wednesday. Both Assault Heroes and Doom will see their prices slashed from 800 points ($10) to 400 points ($5) – not a bad deal if you've been thinking of grabbing either of the two titles

"Whether you’re avoiding spring cleaning or revving up for spring break, be sure to check out the latest Arcade Hits coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade on Wednesday, including “Assault Heroes” and “DOOM.” The Arcade Hits program offers some of the best-selling Xbox LIVE Arcade games at permanently reduced prices. They can be found within the Xbox LIVE Arcade section of the new Game Store, making it easier than ever to build a library of great downloadable games.

• “Assault Heroes” (Sierra Online). Become the only surviving member of an elite special forces unit searching for a secret underground lab. Play the mission alone or fight side-by-side with a friend in the two-player cooperative mode. The winner of IGN’s Xbox LIVE Arcade game of the year for 2006, “Assault Heroes” will be available for 400 Microsoft Points.
  
• “DOOM” (id Software). Originally released in 1993, “DOOM” introduced millions to the white-knuckle excitement of the first-person shooter (FPS). Relive the classic demon-blasting action with up to four players over Xbox LIVE*, complete with 5.1 surround sound and smoother graphics. “Doom” will be available for 400 Microsoft Points." – Microsoft press release

While Doom may not have held up to the test of time that well, Assault Heroes is definitely worth the soon to be reduced price. – even when you consider the fact that Assault Heroes 2 is coming soon. It's a great twin-stick top down shooter that captures that classic arcade feel – check it out, I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. 

• Xbox Live Arcade Titles Become "Hits"! – Gamerscore Blog
• Spring Fever is in the Air – Xbox LIVE Arcade Adds New Arcade Hits and Gives You a Sneak Peek at Upcoming Titles – Official press release
• Assault Heroes – Product page at Xbox.com
• Doom – Product page at Xbox.com

RUMOR CONFIRMED: XBOX 360 HD-DVD DRIVE NOW $49.99

While no one at Microsoft is shouting this one from the rafters, if you take a look at the product page for the Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player over at Xbox.com, you'll notice that the official MSRP is now $49.99.

I'm guessing the lack of any kind of fanfare over this second price drop centers around the fact that Microsoft has officially discontinued the drive and would probably like nothing better than to never hear the words HD-DVD again. Regardless of the reason, if you've been considering grabbing one for either the cheap movies or collectible reasons, now may be the best time to grab one.

(Once again, just in case you aren't aware, Toshiba has officially abandoned the format, and Microsoft has announced they are discontinuing the drive. You have been warned.)

• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player –  Xbox.com 

XBOX 360 HD-DVD DRIVE NOW $49.99 NEW AT AMAZON

Well, I was planning on hitting the sack, but then I made one last stop in at Amazon.com to check on the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player and, as was the rumor this weekend, the drive is being sold (at least at Amazon right now) for $49.99 brand new. While I haven't seen the price drop at other retailers as of yet, I can't imagine Amazon will be the only one.

(Just in case you aren't aware, Toshiba has officially abandoned the format, and Microsoft has announced they are discontinuing the drive. You have been warned.) 

• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player – Xbox.com
• Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player $49.99 – Amazon.com
• HD-DVD Statement Issued – Gamescore Blog

UPDATE: 10:42AM – 2/25/08: It looks like the drive is now sold-out at Amazon.

XBOX 360 HD-DVD DRIVE PRICE DROP ANNOUNCED

According to Microsoft's in-house blog, Gamescore Blog, effective immediately the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive add-on will see a $50 price reduction, bringing it's cost down to $129.99. 

"We’re happy to announce that we’re lowering the price of the popular Xbox 360 HD DVD player from $179 to $129 (estimated retail price) in the U.S. and Canada, effective immediately." – Gamerscore Blog

That's the whole text of the message – which makes me think that Microsoft isn't quite as happy to be making this announcement as they claim to be. I don't know about you, but this one has the smell of desperation written all over it. With the recent upswing in Blu-Ray's install base and the rumored departures of even more studios from the HD-DVD side, I do have to wonder if Microsoft will continue to produce the drives or if this is just their way of clearing inventory. 

One thing is for certain, collectors should begin keeping an eye on the drive, because if history teaches us anything, it's that once the price bottoms out and the spare inventory is gone, the aftermarket cost will explode. It may not happen this month, next month or the even in the next six months depending on how the high-definition video format wars go, but I get the feeling at some point, the drive is going to wind up in the clearance bin.

•  Xbox 360 HD DVD Drops Price to $129.99 in US and Canada – Gamerscore Blog

MICROSOFT CONFIRMS XBOX 360 PRICE DROP

Microsoft has now confirmed that the rumored price drop we told you about last week will be going into effect on August 8th. The price cut will affect all versions of the Xbox 360 including the upcoming Halo 3 Special Edition console.

While I’m sure many will agree that Microsoft had to do something to attempt to spur 360 sales heading into the fall, I question just how effective this price cut will be. Simply put, it’s just not that large of a drop. Despite Microsoft stating that this is a $50 price reduction, when you look at the updated prices of the different models of the 360, you’ll note that the real savings ranges between $20 and $50 depending on which model you buy.

Before we get to the text of the press release, let’s cut to the chase – here are the new retail prices that will be taking effect on the 8th;

• Xbox 360 Core System: $279.99
• Xbox 360 Premium System: $349.99
• Xbox 360 Halo® 3 Special Edition Console: $399.99
• Xbox 360 Elite: $449.99

Personally, I was hoping Microsoft would also take the initiative to drop the price on the 120GB hard drive – especially when you consider that it’s in the company’s best interest (Due to downloadable content and such) to get as many of the larger hard drives out there are possible. No luck on that end though.

“REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 6, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. today kicked off the greatest holiday lineup in video game history by announcing it will reduce the estimated retail price (ERP) of Xbox 360™ by $50 (U.S.) beginning Aug. 8. Soon to follow, Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) will release its blockbuster video game title “Madden NFL 08” on Aug. 14. “Madden NFL Football,” one of the most important mass-appeal franchises in video games, was the top-selling game of 2006 and is the top-selling franchise of the past 10 years. Only Xbox 360 offers a console for all interests and budgets.

“The fact that we have been able to keep our launch price longer than any other console while retaining our leadership position demonstrates that consumers believe in the value of Xbox 360,” said Mitch Koch, corporate vice president, Global Retail Sales and Marketing Group, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “On the eve of the best holiday games lineup ever and the launch of ‘Madden NFL 08,’ there has never been a better time to jump into Xbox 360.”

Xbox 360 will enhance the value of its entire family of consoles beginning on Aug. 8. At a new ERP of $349.99 (U.S.), Xbox 360 offers an unsurpassed experience right out of the box with a 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox 360 headset, and more. For those looking for the ultimate value and the freedom to customize their console as they see fit, Xbox 360 Core System now has an ERP of $279.99 (U.S.). Xbox 360 Core System provides everything needed to start gaming while giving consumers the ability to add new features and accessories they want. Dressed in black and equipped with a 120GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Elite will be priced at an ERP of $449.99 (U.S.) for those who want the premium games and entertainment experience. In anticipation of this year’s largest blockbuster game launch, the Xbox 360 Halo® 3 Special Edition Console will hit store shelves in September with an ERP of $399.99 (U.S.). Featuring an authentic Spartan green-and-gold finish, this console will include a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 20GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Headset, an Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit, and more.” – Microsoft press release

Those of you looking for more information on the price drop or the full text of the press release should check out the below links.

• Xbox 360 – Which Console for You? – Xbox.com
• Microsoft Lowers Price of Xbox 360 by $50 – Microsoft press release
• Xbox 360 Drops Price $50 in US – Gamerscore Blog

XBOX 360 PRICE DROP COMING?

It may have taken over a year and a half, but it appears as if Microsoft is finally ready to lower the price of the Xbox 360. According to CheapAssGamer, flyers obtained for the week of August 12th from both Walmart and Toys R Us are showing a $50 price drop on the Xbox 360 premium model.

While a price drop has been rumored for some time due to the recent decline in Xbox 360 console sales and the lower costs associated with the upcoming 65nm processor, this is really the first time that we’ve seen any kind of concrete proof that it’s really going to happen. Now we’re left with the questions of whether a $50 drop will be enough to reinvigorate sales of the 360 and if the price drop will be spread across all models of the console, or if it will just be an inventory cleaning solution prior to the roll out of the 65nm processors.

Hopefully Microsoft will clear things up a bit over the course of the coming week. We’ll be sure to let you know of anything we find out about this as soon as possible.

• Walmart & Toys R Us Ads Confirm $50 Xbox 360 Price Cut – CheapAssGamer

SONY CONFIRMS PLAYSTATION 3 PRICE DROP, ANNOUNCES 80GB SYSTEM BUNDLE

In a post over at PlayStation.blog, Sony Senior PR Manager Patrick Seybold confirmed the rumored PlayStation 3 $100 price drop and took the opportunity to announce that Sony will be making an 80GB model of the PlayStation 3 available with a bundled copy of MotorStorm for $599 starting this August.

"…we’re introducing a new PS3 model with a 80GB hard drive which will include a free copy of MotorStorm, all for the retail price of $599. This 80GB package will be available starting in August, just a few short weeks from today. The larger hard drive will give players more of an opportunity to take advantage of all the downloadable games and trailers on the PLAYSTATION Network, including the content from our forthcoming download service which will include videos, movies and other entertainment content.

In addition, as some of you speculated last week, we confirmed today that we are lowering the price of our current 60GB PS3 by $100, to $499, effective immediately in North America. I know many of you were eager to hear this and we’re thrilled to share this with you now as we head into E3." – Patrick Seybold

While I believe the price drop was an absolute necessity for Sony, I’ve got to question the wisdom of this new 80GB SKU. In essence, what Sony is offering here is a copy of MotorStorm ($59.99) and an extra 20GB of hard drive space for $100. It just doesn’t add up – why not just buy the 60GB model for $499, a game of your choice at $59.99 and keep the rest for another purchase.

One big question being repeated by commenters over at PlayStation.blog is whether the 80GB SKU will include the PlayStation 2 Emotion Engine chip or rely on software based emulation for backwards compatibility. We’ll be sure to keep you updates on any additional information about the new SKU as it becomes available. Personally, I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that Sony will throw early adopters some kind of bone to make up for the price drop and lack of titles available.

• New PS3, New Price Drop & More News Coming – PlayStation.blog

PLAYSTATION 3 TO GET $100 PRICE CUT ON JULY 12TH?

That’s the current rumor floating about the internet. According to Kotaku, a poster over at the DVD Talk forums is advising he got an early look at the Circuit City sale circular for the weekend of July 15th. According to the poster, the 60GB PlayStation 3 will be advertised with a $100 price break, bringing the cost of the system down to $499.99.

Many would argue that the circular could be taken to indicate either an as-of-yet unannounced price drop or perhaps just a one week sale to clear inventory, GameDaily Biz followed up the story by announcing that they had received confirmation from an insider at “one of the world’s biggest retailers” that the price of the PlayStation 3 will be dropped by $100 effective July 12th. Looks like Sony has one heck of an announcement on their hands for E3, eh?

While I think it’s definitely the right move for Sony given the relatively lackluster sales of the PS3, as an early adopter – and someone who understands that early adopters always take some degree of risk – I can’t help but feel completely shafted now. I’ll tell you why;

1. Unlike other systems I’ve owned, even after 8 months I really don’t feel like I’ve gotten any benefit by having been an early adopter. There hasn’t been a single “must have” game on the system since launch (and I’d even dispute whether one could call Resistance: Fall of Man a “must-have” title) and at this point, a price drop would just serve to reinforce the “sucker” feeling.
2. I get the feeling that by the time Sony gets any product worth playing that hasn’t been on other platforms into the stores, my factory one year warranty will either have expired or be close to expiring. From a piece of mind perspective, I would have liked to have seen that the PlayStation 3 could handle the load of being played on a daily basis. Now, given the low number of failure reports for the PS3, I doubt this will be an issue, but it’s one of those nagging thoughts that sticks with me.
3. Between the rumored price drop, new 5 Blu-Ray Disc movie offer and the prospects of having to purchase new Sixaxis controllers when the vibration feedback enabled models become available, I just can’t help but feel like Sony has taken advantage of me.
4. Everything I’ve experienced with the PlayStation 3 to this point has really made me feel like I paid to beta test the system. From the disorganization of the PlayStation Store to the lack of quality titles on the shelves, everything just feels like it wasn’t quite ready for release.

Again, I know this is a move Sony must take in order for the PlayStation 3 to have any chance of surviving, and I know that as an early adopter, there’s always an inherent risk of getting burned, but I’m not going to lie and say that I’m happy with the situation as it stands. The only thing I can hope is that since Sony has not made any official comment on the matter as of yet, there’s always a chance they will do something to show a bit of loyalty to those who were willing to buy the system at it’s original price.

I’ll be sure to update this story with any new information that comes in. As of right now, it’s looking pretty solid, so to those of you who have been waiting for a price drop before picking up a PlayStation 3, your wait may finally be nearing an end.

• PLAYSTATION 3 $100 Price Cut Hits July 15 – Kotaku
• Report: PS3 $499 on July 12 – GameDaily BIZ
• Circuit City Prices: July 15 – July 21, 2007 – DVDTalk Forums

SONY TO DROP PSP CORE SYSTEM TO $169.99?

Kotaku is reporting that Sony will be dropping the price of the PlayStation Portable’s Core pack to $169.99 effective immediately. While I’ve certainly been impressed with the direction Sony has been taking with the PSP lately, I still think that the buy in is still a bit too high. The Core PSP includes only an AC adapter and battery, meaning at the very least you’re going to be on the hook for a memory stick as well.

Given the fact that the rumor mill is still pointing towards the possible announcement of a PSP2 sometime this year, you have to wonder if this is an attempt to bolster the system’s install base or if it’s more about clearing out inventory. I don’t know about you guys, but I think I’ll wait for the price to hit $149.99 or less before I bite – even with the enhanced version of Rondo of Blood coming this year.

• Sony PlayStation Portable – Official site
• PSP Core Drops To $169 Tomorrow– Kotaku
• Rumor: No Denying It, PSP2 Is Coming – Kotaku
• Castlevania: The Dracula X Chronicles – Gamespot

MICROSOFT SHOOTS DOWN 360 PRICE DROP RUMOR

Microsoft’s in house blog, Gamerscore Blog, posted a reply from John Porcaro to the recent holiday price drop rumors. For those who were thinking of holding off picking up a 360 in anticipation of a drop later this year, the news was not good;

“As you’re all aware, there have been rumors of a price drop for the Xbox 360 coming along later this year.   The official word from folks in the know is that there are currently no plans for a price drop this fall. “ -John Porcaro

Now while he did specify that there were currently no plans for a price drop, I’d probably also guess that it’s a safe bet things will stay that way for the foreseeable future. Simply put, unless Sony somehow magically drops the price of the PS3 or the Wii puts up unheard of sales numbers, Microsoft has no need to drop the price of the 360.

Porcaro’s advice for those sitting on the proverbial 360 fence?;

“Pick one up on the way home from work, and tell your S.O. that you got a killer deal that you just couldn’t pass up.   C’mon.  You know you want to…” -John Porcaro

Check out the full text of the Gamerscore Blog entry here and then figure out a good story to tell about how you got that 360 for free, but had car trouble…

XBOX 360 HOLIDAY PRICE CUT RUMORS ARE BACK

UK game site Britbox is reporting that a source close to Microsoft has told them that the company is working on redesigning the hardware for the Xbox 360 in hopes of lowering the price in time for the holiday season and the launches of both the Sony Playstation 3 and the Nintendo Wii. As per their source;

“A new version of the Xbox 360 would be cheaper to manufacture and debut about a year after launch.

“If they hit their targets, the Microsoft would be able to cut the costs of its console in the autumn of 2006. Microsoft would have the option of slashing the price of its console, just as rivals come out with their first consoles.

“That would put a lot of pressure on Sony and Nintendo.”-Britbox unnamed source

I’m not sure what to make of this one. While I’m sure Microsoft is working hard on lowering the production costs of the 360, the wording of the quote above strikes me as odd. It almost sounds as if it was said much longer ago than this week – you’ll note how it doesn’t talk about “this holiday”, but rather “a year after launch” and “in the autumn of 2006” rather than this fall. It just strikes me as odd. While the price drop certainly would be welcome to many people still on the fence about the 360, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for it. Check out the BritBox article here.

XBOX 360 GAME PRICE DROPS

News from around the web shows several Xbox 360 games getting price drops coming into the Memorial Day weekend. Here’s a quick list;

Burnout Revenge – Electronic Arts – $39.99
Madden NFL 06 – Electronic Arts – $39.99
NBA Live ’06 – Electronic Arts – $39.99
FIFA Soccer ’06 – Electronic Arts – $39.99
Tiger Woods PGA Tour ’06 – Electronic Arts – $39.99
King Kong – Ubisoft – $39.99
The Outfit – THQ – $39.99

So there you have it, if any of those titles have been on your want list for awhile, now may be the time to pick them up.

MICROSOFT: NO 360 PRICE DROP THIS HOLIDAY

Next Generation is reporting that Microsoft responded to the rampant rumors of a holiday price cut on the Xbox 360 with the following statement;

“We have no plans to make any price adjustment. Xbox 360 is a great value proposition.” -Microsoft Spokesperson

While I’m certain everyone would welcome a price drop on the 360, the response from Microsoft while short, is a step above the usual “we don’t comment on rumors and speculation” they usually give out. I’d be willing to believe Microsoft may have been contemplating a price cut prior to E3, but after the Sony price announcement Microsoft really doesn’t need to make any moves. They’ve got a nice head start, they’re still losing money on the hardware, they’re competitively priced and most importantly, they’ve got Gears of War riding into the holidays. What more could you ask for?

Click here to head over to the Next Generation tidbit and here to head over to the official Gears of War site. Can you tell I’m psyched about letting Marcus Fenix loose on my 360?

ATARI TO LOWER PRICES ON ENTIRE “CURRENT GEN” LIBRARY

Gamespot is reporting that while at E3, Atari announced that effective June 1st, they will be lowering the price of all their games for current generation games (Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube and Gameboy Advance) to $19.99. In addition, all of Atari’s current PC titles, with the exception of Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach, to $19.99 as well. Check out the full Gamespot article here for more information.

DS PRICE DROP AT GAMESTOP & EB – SORT OF

Gamestop and EB Games are offering the current model Nintendo DS in a bundle with Animal Crossing: Wild World for $129.99 – the previous cost of the system by itself. Odds are they feel the need to start moving the system out of inventory before demand drops when the DS-Lite hits on June 11th. If you don’t want to wait for the DS-Lite (and the inevitable DS price drop once it comes out) and are already planning on buying Animal Crossing, this could be the deal for you.

DS PRICE DROP AT GAMESTOP & EB – SORT OF

Gamestop and EB Games are offering the current model Nintendo DS in a bundle with Animal Crossing: Wild World for $129.99 – the previous cost of the system by itself. Odds are they feel the need to start moving the system out of inventory before demand drops when the DS-Lite hits on June 11th. If you don’t want to wait for the DS-Lite (and the inevitable DS price drop once it comes out) and are already planning on buying Animal Crossing, this could be the deal for you.

Possible Gamecube price drop?

Gamespot is reporting that an EB Games employee has informed them their store has received promotional material for the May 3rd – May 23rd marketing period advertising a “New Low Price” for the Nintendo Gamecube. While the area the new price would be reflected in is blank, it’s certainly a good indicator that EB is at least considering a drop in the price on the ‘Cube. The employee did point out that the note included with the signage stated it was being sent out so stores could be prepared if Nintendo drops the price of the Gamecube, so there is a possibility that nothing will change. It should also be noted that the same employee told Gamespot that stores received the same type of kit just before the Playstation 2 price drop announcement.

So what does it all mean? My guess is with the 360 already on the market, and the Playstation 3 and Wii just around the corner, Nintendo may be looking to give the Gamecube a final push or Gamestop/EB may be deciding it’s time to start clearing out their inventory of Gamecube consoles. Ultimately, my guess is we’ll see the Gamecube drop to a retail price of $79.99 come E3.

SONY ANNOUNCES PLAYSTATION 2 PRICE CUT EFFECTIVE APRIL 27TH

Well, the long mentioned Playstation 2 price drop has finally been announced – the console will officially drop from $149.99 to $129.99 on 4/27.

There are still unconfirmed rumors about a second price drop going around – this one to $99 when the Revolution and PS3 hit the shelves