400 bucks for the system, a wireless controller, the 20 gig hard drive and DVD remote.
300 bucks for the system and a WIRED controller. That's it.
GC 2005: Xbox 360 Sells For Two Prices
Two SKUs offer premium and core pricing for US and European launch.
by Douglass C. Perry
August 17, 2005 - Confirming long-standing rumors of two different Xbox 360 set-ups, Microsoft today officially announced two differently-priced SKUs for the North American and European markets. The Redmond, WA company will offer a premium system for $399.99 and a core set-up for $299.99.
The premium and core systems will sell for, respectively, £279.99 and £209.99 in the UK and €399.99 and €299.99 in the rest of Europe. Microsoft said it will announce Asian-market news at the Tokyo Game Show in mid-September.
Microsoft remains officially silent on a release date, confirming only that it is on target for "holiday launches" in all three territories. Since rumors regarding all Microsoft products have generally panned out so far, IGN expects a fall ship date (November) for X360 in North America and Europe.
The premium, or "Xbox 360" package ($399.99), is designed for the hardcore, HD-ready gamer, while the Xbox 360 Core System ($299.99) is your basic set-up.
The premium package includes an Xbox 360, a detachable 20-GB hard-drive, a wireless controller, faceplate, headset, a component HD AV cable, an Ethernet cable, and for a limited time, a remote controller.
The Core 360 System is stripped down in comparison. It includes an Xbox 360, one standard wired controller, a faceplate, and a standard AV cable. The $399 package is designed for the high-definition gaming era; the other is designed for a no-frills, current-gen set-up. Presumably both systems come with power cords, though Microsoft's press releases didn't actually include them.
Taking into account that a memory card for $39.99 (€34.99/£22.99) is required for saving games, a headset for $19.99 (€19.99/£14.99) is necessary for Xbox Live play, a second controller sells for $39.99 (€34.99/£24.99), and a remote goes for $29.99 (€29.99/£19.99), totaling $130, the premium price appears the better deal. The above tally doesn't include a hard drive, which costs an additional $99 (totaling $229).
Microsoft Vice President Peter Moore explained the company learned through extensive research that gamers and consumers wanted options above all else.
"We've learned gamers want choice," explained a confident Moore. "We really believe in the early-going that the Xbox 360 package will be the majority of purchases. It's huge value for the money at $399, with a hard-drive, with wireless controllers, with HD cables, and you get high definition right out of the box, and there will be content loaded on the hard-drive, high definition videos included, and you will be immediately able to see HD broadcast."
IGN's editors responded with their own comments on Microsoft's announcements.
"I think a lot of people will take a look at the $399 price tag for the 'complete' package and balk a bit, but it's actually a great deal in the end. The headset and HD AV pack would cost upwards of $50, even if you bought cheap third-party versions of them. Add in the hard drive that you'd have to purchase separately from the core system, plus a wireless controller and you've got a great package deal, certainly better than any retailers would have put together themselves. Many people will need all this stuff anyway, so Microsoft is actually cutting everyone a deal.
"The major problem I have with the whole thing is the lack of a hard drive in the core system. Sony's optional hard drive was a complete failure from a support standpoint, and while I'm sure the Xbox 360 will see much stronger support for its drive, not every developer will be willing to spend extra time and money to support something that may or may not be there.
"I'll obviously be picking up the full, $399 version myself. I've already got a bit of cash down on one, so now I just need to make sure they've got me in the computer for the right system.
"I do find it funny that Microsoft is listing a faceplate as part of each package. That's like selling a car and advertising that it includes a hood."
"So is that controller on the core system a wired one?
"If it isn't, then they're saying that a headset, hard drive and cables would cost $200 which is somewhat believable, I suppose. I'm still a little disappointed that the hard drive is only 20 gigs since I can currently shove a 200-gig drive into my Xbox for less than $100. In terms of an all-in-wonder device, I'd like to have the capacity to store 20,000 songs and still have room for a few seasons of The Simpsons, but then that's just me.
"I think that the pricing is a great idea since it helps to upsell people to a $400 price point, which is where the system truly begins. Once people go onto Live, they're going to want to have a hard drive and likely a headset so that they can hear the young'uns scream when they get killed in Halo 3/4/whatever. It also makes it look like the Core system is a real system instead of a crippled version of what the 360 is supposed to be. Nice touch."
"I've grown up with one console with one set-up costing once price. Though it sounds simplistic, a single price and a single set-up will be easier for most consumers to understand. Sure, we're not talking rocket science here. Heck, we're not even talking basic geometry, but let's face it, look at all those accessories, add-ons, peripherals, and what not. We're not even talking about the games yet. People are going to get confused. People are, well, you know, not all that smart when it comes to hardware. They need serious help. Microsoft's different set-ups, while pretty simple, will confuse people, sadly.
"And a small portion, probably the hard-edged, HD-ready gaming group that's going to buy the Xbox 360 on day one, won't be confused one bit. They're already pimping out their stereos, TVs, and living rooms in preparation for just such an occasion. For these guys, the Premium package of $399.99 is perfect. I know that's the system set-up I'm getting.
"But if games cost $59.99 and I buy four, that's $240. Add in a $399 set-up, and wham, I'm already at $640. That's a lot of dough. Makes you think twice about which games you'll have to get versus the ones you might get..."
--Douglass C. Perry, Editor-in-Chief, IGN Xbox/Xbox360
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"The announced price of Xbox 360 isn't all that surprising. I would've liked the console to come with a hard drive and a couple of controllers for $299, heck I'd like to have the whole thing cost 10 dollars and come with five free games but Microsoft's price point fits the current market trends to a tee.
"The core package comes in at the same price as the first Xbox at launch - a system with far less functionality that never produced a profit. This allows people to take the plunge into the next generation without veering too far away from that 300 dollar sweet spot for electronics which has been made all the more attractive due to the rampant success of the iPod. The core can be looked at as a starter kit that can be added to over time, or at least that's what Microsoft is hoping.
"The $399.99 version of Xbox 360 is really for those of us who would probably pay far more just to own the new console. This bundle comes with HD cables because it is targeted at early adopters to new technology or those who simply must have the latest toys no matter what the cost. These are the people Kutaragi was indirectly targeting when he touted the plans for a ridiculously high price for PS3. These are also the people who will be dropping another roll of twenties for another controller and a couple of games. Microsoft's pricing of the peripherals also follows Sony's model of cashing in on the little things. Money is not made on the sale of consoles alone and we already know all of those memory cards, Multitaps, and Dual Shocks added up to a big pile of money in the past years.
"With all the recent reports on the skyrocketing costs of development it's no wonder this would eventually be handed down to the consumer. But like most of our readers I'd rather live on canned soup and frozen waffles for a couple of months than miss out on PGR3. Its time to pick your favorite games and return the rest in preparation for launch. I already know I'll be dropping some bills for the hot new hardware, but we have yet to hear a definite price for next-gen games. If the increase is comparable to everything else, I might be more thankful for 360's backwards compatibility out of necessity."
-- David Clayman, Editor, IGN Xbox/Xbox 360
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"I was hoping the 360 gimmick would carry over to the price of the fully loaded system. But, $400 isn't too far off of what I was willing to pay to get all those extras. In fact, I hadn't expected the rumor that component HD cables being included would come true, so that's nice (no HDMI option kind of sucks, though) . That combined with the fact that a remote for the Media Center cababilities is included makes it a fair price for me. I am wondering how much extra controllers will run and I wish I had the option to get a 40GB drive right out of the box.
However, compared to past console launches this is extremely expensive. If I weren't a hardcore industry member-follower, I may not be as compelled to jump on at system launch. If Perfect Dark Zero's single-player doesn't rock my face, I don't know how excited I'll be about the launch line up. Really, in the end, that's what it comes down to for me: I need to see the launch games. Only then can I be sure how worth it owning 360 at launch is.
-- Fran, Chief Video Producer
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"I understand why Microsoft is offering two Xbox 360 packages: the company is ready to take gamers into the next generation (the "HD era" if you must) with slick advances like wireless controllers, hi-def connections, and a hard drive; but the company is out for blood this time -- it wants to reach as many consumers as possible. For most of us, the premium package (which Microsoft notably is calling just "Xbox 360") is the no-brainer choice. It's pretty clear the company wants us to think of this as the standard set-up, while the "Core" system is there to catch the consumers hesitating over price. 'Don't miss out on X360!' Microsoft seems to be saying. 'If you can't afford the full ride, don't go away -- I bet we can make you a deal.'
"Honestly, it's a smart move. If Microsoft wants to dominate this new generation, or even put up a real fight, it's going to have to move as many units as it can starting as early as possible. This is no time to leave launch sales to the hardcore while the rest wait for a price drop. Since the extra goodies in the premium package will be available separately, no one really misses out in the long run."
Quote:Chaos erupted this morning at the Richmond International Raceway as thousands of people stampeded through the gates in a rush to buy used iBook laptop computers for $50 each.
There were several minor injuries and one person was taken to a hospital with a leg injury, fire Battalion Chief Steve Wood said during a 1 p.m. news conference. In all, 17 people were treated, the majority for heat- or diabetic-related problems, he said.
Thousands of Henrico County residents and/or taxpayers stood in a half-mile-long line as dawn broke while others waited in cars parked nearby or milled about not far from the entrance to RIR. One official estimate put the crowd at 5,500. Other observers estimated more than twice that.
Many had come prepared with books, snacks, umbrellas and chairs. The first car arrived at 1:30 a.m. By 6:30 vehicles were backed up on Laburnum Avenue about a half mile to Carolina Avenue.
Even before the gates opened, the atmosphere turned surly, with people yelling at police officers who were trying to keep the crowd civil.
When the first off-duty police officers arrived at 6:10 a.m., they called for more officers to assist with security, Police Chief Henry W. Stanley said.
Ultimately, up to 45 officers were there, as were fire and rescue personnel.
The gates opened at 6:54 a.m., and the stampede -- literally -- was on. The first crush occurred at the main gate to RIR and the second occurred at the entrance to the building where the 4-year-old iBooks were being sold.
Police Lt. Doug Perry said a few people who acted inappropriately made the situation bad for everyone. When police arrived, he said, they took control of the situation.
One Henrico resident, Devra Sirot, attended the sale with her two young sons and said she feared for their safety.
"My kids almost got stampeded. If it wasn't for these two really strong guys . . . Everyone was stampeding to get in."
She bought three iBooks -- one for her and one for each of her sons.
Once people were inside the building, the sale went smoothly and all 1,000 laptops were sold, officials said. County officials said they will be meeting to review the situation to see what could be done differently in the future.
The laptops were made available at a bargain-basement price after the county school system chose a new vendor -- Dell -- to supply the high schools with laptops. Henrico had used Apple iBooks in its high schools for the past four years.
For more on-the-scene details of the chaotic sale and an account from columnist Mark Holmberg, check out tomorrow's Times-Dispatch.
tubtub Wrote:The Nintendo DS will be $129.99 just in time for Nintendogs. I believe the drop occurs 8/21, but it might be sooner. More info soon.
Quote:Update - TRU is sending out a flyer for it. It's advertised $129.99, but will be $129.95. The ad is basically for Nintendogs and includes a $10 off $50 NINTENDO purchase coupon(should work on the hardware, so you could get it for $119.95). The flyer is only going out to R-zone best guests, though, and should arrive at homes next week.
Update 2 - I figured I might as well post this here, too, since it's more Nintendo news. There are two new items listed in the TRU computer. There is a "GC Ltd Ed PK XD Bundle" listed. The Bundle is priced at $99.99 with no date yet, but at least it looks like Nintendo is going to be trying this Christmas. Also, a GBA SP Sponge Bob system is listed.
Update 3 - The price drop is actually occuring this week. Probably Wednesday or Thursday. It is universal, also. Second, if you do get the $10 off coupon from TRU in the mail it WILL work on the system, so you can get it for $119.95 making it an even better deal.
Also Popular Science might've given away GB Micro price - $100
Quote:I just got the September issue in the mail today, and it's right there on page 32, in "The Goods," section.
Quote:A Small but Bright Star
Game Boy Micro » Nintendo shrunk its Game Boy down to the size of a pack of gum. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery nets about 10 hours of battery life for the backlit two-inch screen. Swappable faceplates. $100 » nintendo.com
Quote:No new information other than the price, so maybe that's just an estimate (it sometimes is on the page), but I assume they usually go with the information given to them.
Quote:Gamasutra: Do you think the market for 2D action games in general is getting smaller? Will we ever see that kind of gameplay on consoles again, or only handhelds?
KI: To tell the truth, I don't think it's even that 2D is only possible on handhelds, but more that it's only possible on DS. Personally speaking, I'd jump at any chance to develop a 2D game for any console, or even the PSP, but those chances are getting fewer and fewer. I feel like the DS is the last fortress of 2D gaming. So if we can get a younger audience with this DS 2D game, and prove to them that 2D gaming is worthwhile and fun, maybe then we can increase the market for that type of game.
So I'd like to ask any gamer that cares about this to educate their children about 2D games, and maybe together we can build a bright future for this type of gameplay.
Quote:Our development team has decided to take extra time to add some incredible new elements to The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. As a result, the game will now launch in 2006 globally. We recognize there may be some disappointed fans, however we firmly believe this additional time will result in a much more enjoyable gaming experience. GameCube fans will have a variety of Nintendo games to choose from this Christmas, including Mario Smash Football, Battalion Wars, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.
Quote:In order to try and lift dampened spirits, Nintendo released seven new screenshots of Twilight Princess to accompany the statement.
Meant to post this two days ago, but my computer crashed and killed the post and I didn't bother. But I will now. :)
I got a SNES two days ago... it was in the local indepentant game store for $40 and I couldn't resist. :) Also got a second controller ($5) and five games... Mario World and Mario Kart for $13 each and Super Street Fighter II, Hyper Zone, and Super R-Type for $5 each. Yup... there are a few other games there I also want (Tetris Attack, Stunt Race FX, Super Return of the Jedi, and Mario Allstars...)... not nearly everything though, so I guess I'll have to eventually use ebay or something (and overpay)... oh well. But yeah, it's cool... (sure, I played many of these games as recently as last year before I got rid of my roms, but it's always better with the real thing...)
Um, Mario World is easy as remembered, while Mario Kart is frusteratingly hard. But probably better than Mario Kart 64... though I would rather have F-Zero. :)
It is, in my own humble opinion, one of the best fantasy series of all time. To be more precise you might say that Discworld is a comedy/fantasy, but not because it has a lot of jokes in it or because it TRIES to be funny, but rather because Discworld is simply a funny place full of people who are, by their actions, very funny. It would not be accurate to say that Discworld is a parody of legitimate fantasy, rather Discworld IS legitimate fantasy that just happens to satirize a great number of things, other legitimate fantasy books/series included.
In the Discworld series there are several story arcs or groups of people who regularly have books about them. There's Rincewind [the innept magician who simply wants to be left alone, the Night Watch [a group of policemen], and the head wizards of the Unseen University [who generally don't do anything worthwhile]. There's also a large cast of characters who appear from time to time.
There are roughly 20 books in the series released from 1983 to present. All of them are consistantly good, though some ARE better than others. One thing that I find to be very unique about Terry Pratchett's book are that, although they are humorous and satirical, the characters and story do not suffer because of it. All the major characters and many of the minor characters are well fleshed out and get ample space in the book, despite the cast being quite large at times. And the stories are never boring and in many cases rival the stories of regular fantasy books, both in terms of how good they are and in how unique they are.
In short, if you haven't read any of the Discworld books yet, you probably should really soon.
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