Monday, July 14, 2008

60GB Xbox 360 Confirmed With 20GB Price Slash


We've been hearing rumors and rumblings about a new 60GB Xbox 360 SKU and a possible price cut on the 20GB unit for weeks now. As confirmed by Microsoft today (via ShackNews and a bevy of official Sunday store ad pamphlets), both of these juicy tidbits are actually true, with one justifying the other.

According to its new listing on retailer GameStop's website, the 60GB unit will be available beginning in August, taking on the 20GB Premium pack's cost of $349. The 60GB package will contain the same controller, headset, and free month of Xbox Live Gold service that comes with the 20GB pack -- the only difference will be the hard drive. Microsoft told ShackNews that 20GB units have had their price cut to $299 in the mean time "while supplies last," suggesting that they are likely no longer manufacturing this SKU, and it will soon be unavailable.

Last year, amidst similar leaks, Microsoft confirmed a similar price cut shortly after E3. However, that price reduction was across all varieties of the Xbox 360 and did not include a new SKU announcement.

When we spoke to Microsoft PR director Heather Snavely about the leaks last week, she told us that true or not, they were not affecting Microsoft's E3 plans. "The truth is, rumors will always be a part of our industry -- it's just one more sign of how eager gamers are to learn how we'll innovate next," Snavely commented. She also noted that Microsoft has "a lot of exciting news" planned for this week, so let's hope the price drop and new 60GB model aren't the end of it.


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