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XBox 360 Bundles Top $700
Gamespot is reporting that, with some idea of the skus that will be available for the Xbox 360 when it launches, game retailers are now prepping incredibly expensive console bundles for the first of the next-gen systems. From the article: "...when hot new gaming systems come out, supply is short, and demand is often so high that retailers can elect to sell the units only as parts of bundles that include accessories and games of the retailer's choosing. EBgames.com unveiled its holiday offerings today, and the prices may make some gamers feel as though they're getting 'scrooged.' Like Microsoft, EB Games is offering two bundles, one for gamer's interested in the Core System and one for gamers eyeing the premium package. The Xbox 360 Core Bundle is priced at $599.93, and it includes everything in the standard package, plus an extra wired controller, a 64MB memory unit, and four games: Perfect Dark Zero: Limited Edition, Dead or Alive 4, Project Gotham Racing 3, and Kameo: Elements of Power. Using Microsoft's announced pricing for peripherals and an assumed $59.99 price point for Xbox 360 games, the package unbundled would come to $618.94. "
...for the PSP, didn't it?
Consumers aren't going to bite on this. There's a limit to what people will accept. Forced bundles worked for the PS2 but that's really the only time they've worked, and everybody knows now that if you just wait 5 minutes there will be plenty of bare systems around to buy if that's what you want.
I have no doubt - none - that you'll be able to walk into a store on launch day, plunk down $300 or $400, and walk out with nothing but an Xbox 360 box if that's all you want. That's the way it was on PSP and DS launch day, and MS is saying they'll have a million Xbox 360's on sale at that system's launch. Save your money - don't preorder. Don't be a sucker. Show these idiots that forced bundles don't work anymore.
Not that Microsoft people read Slashdot, but in case one happens to...
That's just too much for a game system. I usually buy the new consoles when they come out (proud owner of a PS2, XBox, and Atari 2600), but these prices have pushed them out of the realm of game system and into the realm of major electronics investment. Even the so-called "core bundle" is as expensive than what I paid for my surround-sound system. More expensive bundles are pushing what I paid for my flat screen HDTV, which is the centerpiece of my whole entertainment system.
I know that Microsoft is trying to push the XBox 360 as a high-end electronics component, but the vast majority of people are going to just see it as a fancy game system. If you look at the official fact sheet, there is little to support anything more than that. A Windows Media Center extender? How many people do they think own Windows Media Center PCs anyway?
I guess what I'm saying is that while the XBox 360 looks like a really kick-ass game system, $600 to $700 is just too much money to pay to watch the Dead or Alive girls do their thing.
If I understand right, Final Fantasy is now 360-exclusive. So much for Final Fantasy. :\
There's no way Square-Enix would go Xbox exclusive unless the 360 manages to gain significantly more than 1% market share in S-E's home country. It's just begging to cut out half your consumer base. However, note that in the article I just linked to it states that a separate company, run by one of the creators of Final Fantasy, will be making at least two RPGs for the 360. It doesn't state whether or not they will be exclusive but I assume they will be. That may be the source of all the FF is now Xbox exclusive rumors I've been hearing for awhile.
The laws of probability forbid it!
Yes, but said PC wouldn't look pretty under the TV. Only since living with my significantly better half have I realised how important that feature is.
If I've learn't one thing over the last few years: wireless controllers were invented for men who live with women. Women hate wires. They see them as mess. Mess means grief. Its worth paying more for less grief - even if it means there is a little bit of lag, and extra batteries to buy.
Consoles tend to be quieter than PCs. Again this is important. If said better half is in the room whilst you're playing (a rarity) all they can hear is the fan, even if you've got the 5.1 turned up to 11.
Consoles have near instant on. This is important because a good women demands a lot of attention, and doesn't like to think that her precious 'you and me' time is shared between her and a 'stupid box in the corner'. You need to be able to grab every moment you can when and if you can, instant on is important for this.
Consoles can be bought as presents. If you live on a budget, and the better half wants to splash out on you don't ask her to buy you a new PC. She'll get it wrong. Ask her to buy you a XBox 360 and 9/10 she'll get it right and everyone is happy.
Scared of flying, pointy things snce 1979!
But people will buy it just the same. I remember the same type of chatter that went on when the PS2 came out, and those flew off the shelves.
:)
When the box launches, you watch how many preorders are fulfilled and how many walk-in purchases are made. It will no doubt break records, and these pre-launch gripes about pricing will be all but forgotten. Most likely replaced with "was it worth it?" type of discussions.
"I'm a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar."
-Hoban Washburn
Why is everyone saying that microsoft is behind these bundles? It's EB that has created them not MS.
Is the whole slashdot community really full clueless asshats?
Do you really think that EB and other stores won't be pushing PS3 or Revolution bundles? They want to rake in as much launch cash as they can and bundles are how they do it. The thing is, as much as people bitch and whine many would have bought the same configuration anyway and you will be able to find unbundled versions as well.