Rumor: New $199 360 SKU with motion controller

[hdinred]

Take it for what it's worth, but we've received a tip from a source close to Microsoft's marketing department who has shed some light on the Xbox 360 price cuts that are rumored to be going down in a few weeks time. More specifically, the $199 Xbox 360 Arcade bundle.

According to the source, Microsoft will be positioning the Arcade bundle to be in direct competition with the Wii, meaning that the marketing push behind it will focus on family friendly entertainment. With family oriented games on the packaging, the Arcade console will come packaged with the traditional Arcade goodies (512MB memory card, etc.), the new Fall update pre-loaded as well as a motion controller and a few motion controlled mini games developed by Rare. That's right, a motion controller! Supposedly, the motion controller will work with all 360 consoles and will even be sold separately, bundled with an even more expansive list of mini motion controlled games. This new $199 Xbox 360 Arcade bundle is said to release Holiday 2008.

File this all under rumors'ville for now, but don't totally discredit the information. $199 Arcade's are sounding very likely and, with Microsoft's push to undercut the Wii, matching the Wii's motion controls sounds like a total possibility. We'll just have to wait and see. Link

I have to say I somewhat predicted this about a month ago, but what do you guys think?

[wingnut]

In before SDF desperation remarks!

I'm all for them trying to tap into the casual market, as long as they don't pull a Nintendo and alienate the hardcore gamers.

[crazzeto]

It's possible I think.

[SoylentGreen]

I thought Microsoft didn't copy anyone....

At least that's what MAD told us a couple of days back..

[TheAnalogKid]

It's not copying....This is a revolutionary, new concept!

Just like a standardized hdd!

[diggumsmax]

Originally Posted by TheAnalogKid

It's not copying....This is a revolutionary, new concept!

Just like a standardized hdd!

You mean the standardized HD idea that Sony stole form the original Xbox.

[hdinred]

I don’t mind if they copy, as long as they improve.

$199 ($50 cheaper) + HD graphics + day one 1:1 motion controls = enough improvement to make it worthwhile IMO.

[wingnut]

Originally Posted by hdinred

I don’t mind if they copy, as long as they improve.

$199 ($50 cheaper) + HD graphics + day one 1:1 motion controls = enough improvement to make it worthwhile IMO.

I'd play my Wii more if it were in HD. 480p on a 56" screen just magnifies the yuck.

[ShadowcasteR]

Originally Posted by diggumsmax

You mean the standardized HD idea that Sony stole form the original Xbox.

or the standardized DVD drive that Microsoft stole from the PS2?

[viewsonic]

If its this close to release why no announcement at E3?

this = bullshit

[AnimalMother]

Maybe if they sell it for $99 and bundle in five free games they''ll match the Wii's February numbers.

Nobody wants a clone of the real deal. Ask the Zune.

[kowhite]

It would seem odd to announce this so late...X08 perhaps?

But...I'm all for the idea. It would allow me to use motion controls, without having to buy the Wii. I'm liking some of MS' caqsual strategy, like lower priced family software (the Banjo pre-order deal at 39.99 got me to buy when I wasn't going to originally).

[kickingtotalass]

Originally Posted by viewsonic

If its this close to release why no announcement at E3?

this = bullshit

It's tricky, because if you announce the bundle and price point that early you fuck your sales until then.

Honestly i'm surprised Sony announced the 160 bundle so early.

[Jimbo976]

Are Wii-motes compatible with this?

[miDnIghtEr]

Originally Posted by SoylentGreen

I thought Microsoft didn't copy anyone....

At least that's what MAD told us a couple of days back..

Originally Posted by TheAnalogKid

It's not copying....This is a revolutionary, new concept!

Just like a standardized hdd!

Originally Posted by viewsonic

If its this close to release why no announcement at E3?

this = bullshit

Originally Posted by AnimalMother

Maybe if they sell it for $99 and bundle in five free games they''ll match the Wii's February numbers.

Nobody wants a clone of the real deal. Ask the Zune.

all expected answers by the SDF.

and good for MS.... let's see if their idea works... i'll pick up the motion controller and the games if they are good. i'm a fan of the Wii, and a nofriendo fanboy at heart... so i'm all for this.

i was not aware that MAD said MS doesn't copy things. i'll have to look in my handbook. but it's good to see you guys all together again. even dukhat is around again.