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Xbox News is a site that brings you the very latest Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One news, the latest games and releases, Part of the
DCEmu Homebrew & Gaming Network.
THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
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March 13th, 2008, 19:38 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Microsoft's Xbox 360 group product manager Aaron Greenberg has rejected recent speculation that the company was looking into adding a Blu-ray peripheral to its console following the demise of HD DVD.
Instead the corporation would continue to invest in digital distribution via the Xbox Live service, he told Reuters.
"Xbox is not currently in talks with Sony or the Blu-ray Association to integrate Blu-ray into the Xbox experience," he said. "We're the only console offering digital distribution of entertainment content."
The HD DVD attachment for the Xbox 360 is no longer in production following Toshiba's withdrawal from the next-generation race.
The news comes just one week after Microsoft's chief executive, Steve Ballmer, told the Mix08 conference that the company was in talks over possible moves for supporting Blu-ray in Windows.
"We've already been working on, for example, in Windows, device driver support for Blu-ray drives and the like, and I think the world moves on," he said then.
"Toshiba has moved on. We've moved on, and we'll support Blu-ray in ways that make sense," he added, statements which led many to believe that a peripheral similar to the Xbox 360's HD DVD drive could be released later in the year.
However, Greenberg's comments appear to clarify Ballmer's original statements as focusing purely on the Windows environment.
Xbox Live Video Store is Microsoft's bid to distance itself from the need for physical media by offering titles for rental via download, and the company's head of Xbox gaming and entertainment in the UK, Stephen McGill, told GamesIndustry.biz at the launch of the service last year that it was about customer choice.
"For the Xbox 360, from design all the way upwards, it's about consumer choice, what the consumer wants to do," he said last December. "Some will want to do it differently, about personalisation, the user interface, and how they access entertainment."
"HDTVs are phenomenally well-priced at the moment, and a lot will sell over Christmas, so we'll see many more people jumping in the high definition world.
"But then some people don't want to go out and buy a disc or anything, so download rental is more their cup of tea. So it's about choice, whatever you want to do, however you want to get your content."
Meanwhile Sony's PlayStation 3 has jumped in popularity following a price cut last year, and its victory in the Blu-ray stakes could lead to a further 10 per cent jump in sales, according to Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter.
This week Microsoft confirmed a price cut for the Xbox 360 in response to Sony's recent upturn in sales, making the Arcade model cheaper than the Nintendo Wii.
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March 12th, 2008, 23:31 Posted By: wraggster
It seems Capcom will be pulling a Crackdown with its upcoming XBLA and PSN game, Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3. According to Gamespot, the latest entry in the top-down shooter series will grant access to an Xbox Live beta of redone and redrawn brawler, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Upon purchasing the game for 800 MS Points ($10), Xbox Live Gold members will be offered an access key for the fighter's stress test. It's expected to become playable shortly after Commando's release and should last approximately eight weeks.
Wolf of the Battlefield: Commando 3 is due to arrive sometime in Spring.
http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/st...th-commando-3/
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March 12th, 2008, 23:25 Posted By: wraggster
When Immersion sued both Microsoft and Sony for patent infringement in 2002, part of Microsoft's $26 million settlement agreement with the company reportedly stipulated that it would be entitled to a payment in the event that Immersion reached a settlement with Sony as well.
Sony did reach a settlement with Immersion in March 2007, and apparently Microsoft has not received a payment because Immersion never called its agreement with Sony a "settlement." According to a Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporter, Microsoft and Immersion are back in court over this latest dispute, with Microsoft aiming to block law firm Irell and Manella from representing Immersion in the case.
Judge Ricardo Martinez refused the motion, however, to disqualify all of the firm's attorneys, since not all of them were individually involved in the case with Sony, and determined that Irell & Manella could represent Immersion so long as the attorneys arguing the case were separate from those who might be required to act as witnesses.
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=17806
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March 12th, 2008, 20:41 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
EA Sports has announced that Jeff Gordon will be the cover athlete for NASCAR 09, which is set to ship to stores on June 10.
Gordon, who was last on the cover of NASCAR 06 and, before that, NASCAR 02, plays a huge role in the game, guiding and mentoring players in the new "Sprint for the Cup" career mode. Gordon will direct players to different locations and situations within the game, offer advice on what to do to improve your abilities within the game, and make suggestions on what events a player should go through in a given order.
"It's exciting being on the cover of NASCAR 09," said Gordon. "The game is as real as it gets and it's been great being involved with it on this level. I look forward to helping gamers in NASCAR 09."
Stay tuned to IGN Sports today for an interview with Gordon as well as a first look at the game and its new handling model.
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March 12th, 2008, 20:40 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Those devoid of Xbox Live win a small victory today, as Ubisoft reveals the Legacy Edition of Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2, which has all of the game's downloadable content to date bundled on a second disk.
The Xbox 360-only special edition ships with the following goodies:- 32 additional maps, a combination of new maps and golden oldies
- New game modes and a large variety of exclusive missions
- Additional weapons that "enrich the tactical possibilities" in Single Player
It'll be in stores next month at "mid-price" says Ubisoft, which hopefully means you'll be able to snap it up for less than 30 quid.
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March 12th, 2008, 20:38 Posted By: Shrygue
via Eurogamer
The first details of Lost Planet Colonies have popped up in scans of a magazine article over on Kotaku.
Apparently you'll be able to play as a girl this time around. And if you're playing online, you'll be able to take the bugs' side and fight the humans. Expect more weapons, new enemies and monster eggs.
The game is said to be in development for PC and Xbox 360, with cross-platform online play promised. It's due out in Japan on May 29th.
Capcom UK has said the details are legit, at least as far as the Japanese version goes. The features of the European game are yet to be confirmed. A representative told Eurogamer, "We will be able to shed some official light on this tomorrow."
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March 12th, 2008, 20:01 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
In conjunction with the release of its financial reports for Q1 2008, Take-Two has announced that BioShock 2 is in development and planned for a Q4 2009 release.
The title is being developed by 2K Marin. The original - developed by 2K Boston/2K Australia - has sold over 2 million units.
During a conference call to investors, Take-Two's CEO Ben Feder was asked why development of the sequel was being handled by a different studio and if Ken Levine would be involved.
"Ken is a terrific asset in the company and he is a brilliant game developer," Feder said.
"He will be working on BioShock 2, and he will be working on a new IP. A lot of the work will be done at 2K Marin, but that's not to say that Ken will not be involved.
"Obviously, we think he is critical to BioShock and he is critical to new IP in the company."
In a statement, Feder said that the company was exicted about its product lineup, most of which is based on internally-owned and developed IP.
"With one of the strongest release schedules in the industry, Take-Two is clearly well positioned for the future," he said.
In addition to Grand Theft Auto IV, for the balance of fiscal 2008 Take-Two's releases will include Midnight Club: Los Angeles, Sid Meier's Civilization Revolution, Top Spin 3, and Don King Presents: Prizefighter.
Midnight Club, originally scheduled for a spring release, was moved to the fall. Take-Two has shipped over 1 million units of Carnival Games for the Wii, and announced that it is bringing the title to the DS as well as developing Carnival Games: Mini-Golf for the Wii this year.
For fiscal 2009, which begins in October of 2008, the company plans additional episodic content for Grand Theft Auto IV, Mafia II, Borderlands, BioShock 2, their regular sports lineup and additional Nick Jr. titles under the company's agreement with Nickelodeon.
Mafia II is currently being developed by 2K Czech, formerly known as Illusion Softworks, a studio which Take-Two acquired in January.
In a conference call to investors, the company also promised one as yet unnamed AAA title coming out of Rockstar in 2009.
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March 12th, 2008, 19:43 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Guilty Gear 2: Overture is set to arrive on 360 later this year. Here's the full feature set along with a bunch of new screens.- Tactical melee action
- Over fifty servants at your disposal
- dual language
- Multiplayer deathmatch over Xbox Live
- Refined mechanics
- New items, skills, tweaks, and additional modes not seen in the original import
Hopefully they'll mean a little more to you than they do to us. But don't worry if they don't, as a picture tells a thousand words.
Screenshots
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March 12th, 2008, 19:34 Posted By: Shrygue
via Computer and Video Games
Rockstar isn't saying much about GTA IV's exclusive Xbox 360 DLC (rumoured to have cost MS upwards of $50m), but the first hints on what we might be able to expect from the downloadable 'episodes' have finally emerged, in the latest issue of Edge magazine.
Speaking to Edge in its massive behind the scenes GTA feature (we almost got our wages docked reading it), Rockstar boss Sam Houser hints that the 360 download content might take the form of random missions, thought it's all dependent on the reaction of fans, he says.
"In the game, you might be walking around and then someone will come up to you and say something like, 'Hey, I need your help', and you'll be like, 'What? This isn't a story mission', and he'll be like, 'You see that room up there? That's my wife and she's f***ing some bloke, and I need you to go and do...' and this little story will unfold from there just randomly," Houser told Egde.
"The opportunity for things like that [with DLC] I would say is enormous. Really, though, for the downloadable content in general, it's about seeing how people get turned on by the game, and then we will tailor the production."
It might not sound like exactly what we were expecting for Microsoft's (alleged) $50m tag, but Houser promises that even if it does come in the from of a mission pack, the 360 DLC will still be "substantial".
"I think the mission packs with the episodes are going to be pretty deep, offering another full-on adventure in this world," he told Edge. "I think we will be in a position to market them not a million miles away from the way the boxed game is marketed."
Assuming people like the game then Houser's sense is that they'll probably like the episodes too, he says.
"And if they like the episodes it will probably make sense to market them aggressively, and we want people to be there on that first day as much as is realistic. Our goal will be to fry those Xbox Live servers - we want to have as many people tune in at that moment as possible."
Don't worry though, the marketing budget isn't going to spawn from your Microsoft Points: "You'll get a lot of content for your money," says Houser. "There are too many stories at the moment of people having the feeling that they're not getting enough for their money in terms of downloadable content.
"I never want people feeling that we've duped them in any way, shape or form. That's something that we've been into from the beginning."
The full 16-page talk with Houser, in which he reveals the stories behind GTA III, Vice City, San Andreas and yes, GTA IV, is in Edge 187, on sale March 13.
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March 11th, 2008, 23:12 Posted By: wraggster
Previously, I looked at the Apple TV in isolation, to see how it fits as a digital hub. Apple isn't the only company that wants to have its device at the center of your home entertainment though, nor the only ones who want its storefront to be the one you use to download TV and movies. So in this next installment, I shall compare the Apple TV to what I think will be its closest rival, the Microsoft Xbox 360. Yes, you read that right. I am going to compare a game console with the Apple TV, but the comparison is not as far fetched as you might think. Both have storefronts where you can download TV episodes and movies. Both will rent you content in both HD and SD, and both will let you stream your own media through them to your TV and speakers.
Why the Apple TV is better:
* Cheaper than the Xbox 360
* Cheaper HD rentals
* Less restrictive licensing
* Build quality
* Better integration with the iTunes store
* Silent running
* Small form factor
Why the Xbox 360 is better:
* Lots of features when combined with Vista Windows Media Center
* Better picture quality (at the expense of file size)
* Plays games
* DVD drive (and the option of HD DVD)
* Includes cables
http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardw...xbox-360.ars/1
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March 11th, 2008, 23:10 Posted By: wraggster
We just wanted to give our XNA Creators Club members a heads up that tomorrow we'll be releasing a title update for XNA Game Studio Connect. There are no significant new features in the update, however this should fix the issues that several forums users have experienced with XNA Game Studio Connect failing to run when they have had their console repaired or used XNA Game Studio Connect on another console. The update will be applied automatically and if you have had previous problems your connection keys will be reset.
http://blogs.msdn.com/xna/archive/20...ct-update.aspx
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March 11th, 2008, 20:43 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
With the recently-announced Xbox 360 price cuts in Europe, a US price drop may not be far behind according to some analysts.
In the US, the current retail price of the basic Xbox 360 model is USD 279.99 - compared to USD 249.99 for the Nintendo Wii and USD 399.99 for the 40GB PlayStation 3. A price drop of just USD 50 would price the Xbox 360 below the Wii and further increase the gap with the PS3.
"I'm pretty confident that they will maintain a spread between the 360 and the PS3, and think that they are proud enough to care if the PS3 outsells the 360 consistently," Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter told GamesIndustry.biz.
"Due to the amount of software available and the performance of Xbox Live, I think that the 360 will hold its own until the holidays, then I think that PS3 sales will pick up dramatically - because of Blu-ray and sales of HD monitors.
"So I expect a 360 price cut before Xmas, perhaps to USD 299 for the premium model. If Sony cuts the price before then, I expect Microsoft to cut to at least USD 50 below the price of the PS3."
Colin Sebastian, an analyst with Lazard Capital Markets, agrees that a US price cut is a strong possibility.
"We believe price cuts are also likely in North America on the Xbox 360, possibly combined with the long anticipated announcement of a new hardware sku with a larger hard drive," he told GamesIndustry.biz.
"As for PS3, Sony probably takes a wait and see approach as to whether Blu-ray momentum and an improving software lineup can sustain higher demand, although competitively they may be left with little choice if pricing continues to limit market share."
Will a lower-priced Xbox 360 take away potential Wii customers - especially if Nintendo's system continues to be supply constrained?
"I think that's a fair point," Sebastian said, "although I think the Wii success has more to do with the gaming experience than the price point."
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March 11th, 2008, 20:43 Posted By: JKKDARK
via GameZone
SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced that Condemned 2: Bloodshot™ has shipped to retailers for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and will be available on the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system on March 18, 2008. Condemned 2: Bloodshot, the next chapter in the horrifying series that began with the award-winning and critically acclaimed Condemned: Criminal Origins™, is a first-person action thriller that will immerse players back into a universe of unimaginable psychological terror.
Condemned 2: Bloodshot follows Ethan Thomas, and his inner demons, in a string of gruesome murders where players must use their deductive skills and brute force to track down sadistic serial killers. The game features all-new fighting mechanics and high-tech forensics tools, giving players the resources they need to unravel the mysteries and cope with every disturbing event. Developed by the renowned Monolith Productions, creators of the original Condemned game, Condemned 2: Bloodshot also introduces a variety of thrilling online multiplayer modes, delivering the most brutal hand-to-hand combat experience the first-person genre has ever seen.
“Condemned 2: Bloodshot takes the horror genre to a whole new level,” said Rick Naylor, Director of Marketing for SEGA of America, Inc. “Its brutal, first-person action, all-new online multiplayer modes, and terrifying atmosphere will stay with gamers even after they’ve turned it off.”
Condemned 2: Bloodshot carries a suggested retail price of $59.95 and is rated “M” for “Mature.” For more informat ion, please visit: www.condemnedgame.com.
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March 11th, 2008, 20:08 Posted By: Shrygue
via Games Industry
Leading UK retailers have told GamesIndustry.biz that the Xbox 360 price cut is perfect timing for the Easter sales period and it will give the console a boost into more mainstream markets.
The Arcade unit now retails in the UK for GBP 159.99, the Premium console for GBP 199.99 and the high-end Elite machine for GBP 259.99, following yesterday's price cut.
Tim Ellis, head of games for HMV, expects the price reduction will help sell more hardware and software after a traditionally quiet retail period.
"We're certainly expecting a discernible lift in hardware sales, and through this, an increase in demand for key software titles also," he said.
"The timing is good - especially as we are now entering the Easter holidays trading period. A balance in timing is always important, but now could be a good moment to re-inject some momentum into the market following the post-Christmas lull," offered Ellis.
Tricia Brennan, UK managing director at GAME was also upbeat about the move.
"We feel that this is a very positive move from Microsoft, and our customers will be delighted as it will make it easier for even more people to enjoy the Xbox 360's incredible gaming experience," she said.
"With prices now starting at just under GBP 160, there's no doubt that the three different versions of the 360 represent outstanding value for money with the incredible technology and sheer volume of entertainment that they offer."
While some have questioned how effective the price cut will be in the long-term, Steve O'Brien of respected independent stores Action Replay and Gameshop, believes retail will benefit not just during Easter, but into the quieter summer months.
"As we near the Easter sales spike it allows us to take advantage of the increased footfall through our stores, and it will disseminate into the normally quieter following quarters too, which will make a welcome increased revenue stream."
He also said that the new prices place a discernible gap between the 360 and the PlayStation 3, and it's testament to the continued good performance of Microsoft's console that it's only now experiencing a more aggressive price point.
"I think it will yet again set enough daylight between it and the PS3 to give it a strong sales spurt.
"It would be churlish not to agree that the 360 needed another sales push but that said two and a half years without much manoeuvring in its price point is testament to how well it's done in the marketplace," said O'Brien.
As Microsoft prices the Arcade unit below the RRP of Nintendo's Wii and just over half the price of Sony's PlayStation 3, retail is hopeful the Xbox 360 will appeal to a more mainstream consumer.
"The 360 is becoming increasingly popular with mass market customers and this news, combined with the arrival of highly-anticipated family games like Sega Superstars Tennis and Lego Indiana Jones can only accelerate this," observed GAME's Brennan.
"Such a large price reduction is great news for the core gamers as well, especially as it comes in time for the launch of GTA IV and Rainbow Six Vegas 2 in the next few weeks," she added.
Ellis also said that the entertainment retailer had noticed a wider audience attracted to games, and this cheaper price could help Microsoft push out to new consumers.
"There's been a noticeable trend in recent years to suggest the demographic of gamers is broadening out a little – age-wise and also more towards female players – so making the Xbox range more accessible on price must surely help Microsoft to tap into this trend further," he said.
And O'Brien called on publishers to do their bit by offering more family orientated or mainstream products to the Xbox 360 consumer.
"The 360 is the console of the gaming connoisseur, an informed choice. I'd hope that publishers would take note of the price point change and branch out in a similar fashion to attract non-core gamers," he said.
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March 11th, 2008, 19:59 Posted By: Shrygue
via IGN
New premium content is now available for Ubisoft's Dark Messiah. For 400 Microsoft Points (US$5), you can gain access to new weapons, classes and multiplayer maps. We know you're excited!
Dashboard description: Extend your quest on Dark Messiah of Might and Magic - Elements with new maps, classes and weapons from Xbox Live Marketplace. Use these new weapons to crush your opponents. According to your character's type, either Undead or Human, you can use exclusive powerful weapons such as bows, swords, or staffs. Also included, two new classes for the single player mode: Paladin He will subsequently use his powerful Charm and Shrinking spells to gain the upper hand. Warlock The Warlock will seek to weaken his enemies from a distance with his spells before moving in for the kill using his sword. What are you waiting for? Download this exclusive package right now! Also available, the demo and themes for your dashboard. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.
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March 11th, 2008, 17:39 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
Failure is not an option. In the third installment of the Soldier of Fortune series, take on the role of a hired mercenary with The Shop, and experience all the thrills and dangers of intense mercenary combat throughout the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe. Blast your way through high intensity combat situations in Soldier of Fortune® Payback, and defeat an extremist organization determined to throw the world into global conflict.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2ngt.html
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March 11th, 2008, 17:38 Posted By: wraggster
Newly released today:
The History Channel takes you to the Battle for the Pacific where you will experience history brought to life in one of the defining campaigns of World War II. Relive epic land battles fought on some of the most brutal and unforgiving battlefields in recorded history. Retake strategically important locations throughout the Pacific Theatre that are vital to the allies on the ?Road to Tokyo.? Play through the eyes of an American GI as you experience intense, no holds barred action against an opponent for which surrender isn't an option! Fire authentic allied and axis weaponry including sub-machine guns, sniper rifles, anti-aircraft guns, pistols, and grenades Relive History - each level begins with a documentary video featuring actual battle footage, key facts and statistics, and the importance that the battle ultimately played in the allied victory.
http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-2k4l.html
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March 11th, 2008, 16:14 Posted By: JKKDARK
via PSO-World
The Japanese Xbox 360 site has been updated with information on this Friday's update. Here's what to expect.
Seasonal lobby
The Jaggo Amures are upon us as White Day comes to Gurhal! This seasonal event will be in effect from March 14th until March 28th.
New mission difficulty
Bruce's Dungeon will be receiving an S-rank difficulty with this update. Please note that this difficulty is available only to those playing Ambition of the Illuminus. If you are still using the base game, only difficulties C-A will be available to you.
New mission type
To go along with Bruce's Dungeon S, a new recruitment mission is being added to help making finding a party easier. You can access this mission from the Dagora GUARDIANS Branch.
System update
The level cap will be increased from LV120 to LV130!
New items
Numerous new items will be added, including new weapons, clothes and parts. Also be sure to check out the two new EX Devices for your partner machine: EX Device GH461 and EX Device GH465. Finally, Casino Voloyal will be receiving an update which will add new items to the exchange counter as well as continue the usual rotation of items.
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March 10th, 2008, 21:19 Posted By: wraggster
Purchasing decisions not just about cost, say experts
Microsoft may have cut the price of the Xbox 360 in Europe, but analysts remain cautious that the console has yet to prove popular with an audience outside of the dedicated core gamer.
Although he agreed that an immediate boost in sales was likely, Screen Digest's Ed Barton argued that pricing is only one factor and consumers can be swayed more by brand appeal than value for money.
"For the longer term it depends on how price sensitive consumers are with regard to games hardware purchasing decisions," he said.
"Naturally Microsoft hopes that consumers prove very price sensitive in their choice of games platforms – after all the Arcade model is now undercutting Wii by GBP 20 – however, hardware pricing is only one of many factors which influence consumers' games hardware purchasing decisions."
David Cole, analyst at DFC Intelligence, also noted that European sales of the Xbox 360 have slowed, and that Microsoft needs a renewed sales push in the region
"The price elasticity for videogame hardware systems has proven quite high, especially when you get down to the price range the Xbox 360 and Wii are now competing at," said Cole.
"However, Europe sales for the Xbox 360 have been disappointing so it remains to be seen whether this will give the system the needed jump-start," he added.
Microsoft has already attempted to attract a wider demographic through previous price cuts and software titles such as Viva Piñata and Scene It? but Barton feels these haven't had the desired effect.
"There is yet to emerge conclusive evidence that the platform is appealing effectively to demographics outside the core gamer with whom the Microsoft platform has resonated strongly, particularly in North America," commented Barton.
At GBP 159.99, the Arcade Xbox 360 is cheaper than the Wii and the PlayStation 3, and while it will help Microsoft sell more home consoles, it remains to be seen just how effective the 360 will be against its competition.
"The impact on Xbox 360's competitiveness certainly won't be negative, however, the real issue is to what extent will it help Xbox 360 compete with PS3 and Wii?" questioned Barton.
"We come back to how price sensitive consumers are. Currently my feeling is that most consumers are not particularly price sensitive and tend to think 'I want a specific games console, how much is it?' as opposed to 'I want a games console, what is the cheapest?'"
David Cole also said that although the price is lower than the Wii, the two consoles are still appealing to different audiences, and as such the price cut isn't likely to be a threat to Nintendo.
"The Wii seems to be off in its own realm so I think the price cut is much more of advantage for competing with the PS3," offered Cole.
"For the overall picture, much will probably depend on how aggressive Sony is for the PS3 with both pricing and new software.
"I think this puts some pressure on Sony in terms of pricing," he added.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=33963
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