Mon, Mar 10, 2008 | 13:47 GMT
Xbox 360 price drop is reaction to Blu-ray victory, says analyst
The simExchange Jesse Divnich is convinced that the impended European Xbox 360 price cut is a specific reaction to the recent death of HD-DVD and emerging dominance of Blu-ray.
“I’ve always considered the console wars to be like a game of chess and Sony’s recent Blu-ray victory is equivalent to putting Microsoft in ‘check’,” he said. “This is why we are talking about an Xbox 360 price cut and not a PlayStation 3 price cut – Sony already made their move, it’s now Microsoft’s turn.”
He added: “Of course, in the short-term this will be a good strategy for Microsoft to position itself away from the PS3 as a cheaper next-generation console, while still being able to compete against the Wii. A price cut will also position Microsoft to take advantage of some of the upcoming releases such as Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV, both of which are multi-platform titles and definite hardware drivers.”
Amazon apparently confirmed a 360 drop in the UK this morning, before putting its prices back up just after midday. An announcement from Microsoft is expected imminently.
5 comments
#1
Blerk
10/03/08, 1:51 pm
Nah. The 360 was under-performing against the PS3 in most of Europe *before* the death of HD-DVD. I reckon this drop was pretty much always on the cards – don’t piss off the people who bought at Christmas too much, entice a bunch of new people in for Easter just in time for GTA4.
#2
patlike
10/03/08, 2:01 pm
Yep, definitely. The whole thing’s pretty much predictable, I reckon. And you’re right: outside the US and Europe 360 really is an under-performer.
#3
Syrok
10/03/08, 2:23 pm
I think that sould be outside the US and the UK.
#4
patlike
10/03/08, 2:29 pm
That’s what I meant
#5
jinxy89
06/05/08, 11:56 pm
I can’t see the PS3 dropping in price again until after summer 2008, for a little under £300 you get a lot of hardware – Bluray for example. Can only see a reduction in response to any further price reductions of the Xbox 360…
I found this site http://www.consolecomparison.co.uk that updates you with the latest prices online from a load of retailers and made my search for the cheapest PS3 a hell of a lot easier!