This generation’s videogame hardware war looks to be stepping up another gear following the sweeping European price cuts applied to the Xbox 360 range by American software giant Microsoft.
Microsoft sees sales boost following Xbox 360 price cuts in Europe. Credit: Microsoft.
According to UK industry group ChartTrack, which monitors related sales figures, the Xbox 360 experienced a 36 percent jump since in the two days immediately following last week’s retail reductions.
Microsoft’s price drops have left the £159.99 Xbox 360 Arcade bundle positioned as the cheapest videogame console this current generation, undercutting the hugely popular Nintendo Wii and further distancing it from Sony’s PlayStation 3 -- which has also seen a slight 6 percent increase.
Microsoft’s gain, although significant, has not matched the massive 260 percent leap that it experienced in August 2007 when it dropped prices to coincide with the retail introduction of the 120GB Xbox 360 Elite and its software appeal was bolstered by the release of underwater epic BioShock.
“During week 11, Xbox 360 enjoyed a 36 percent jump on week 10, which is a nice refreshing uplift for the console” ChartTrack director Dorian Bloch told trade magazine MCV.
“We need to wait two or three more weeks to see if the 360 sales surge will carry on,” he added. “I would predict that it will increase again over the Easter period. It’s a bit of an odd year for the industry.”
Microsoft’s implemented price drops came into effect last Friday and saw the Arcade model drop €80/£50 to €199.99/£159.99, while the 20GB Pro model also dropped €80/£50 down to €269.99/£199.99, and the 120GB Elite fell €80/£40 to €369.99/£259.99.
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