Xbox 360 Elite cheaper than PS3 Slim

Mike Bantick
Saturday, 29 August 2009 05:30

Your IT - Entertainment

Microsoft has upped the ante in this new phase of video game console war, whilst Nintendo stand on the sidelines, both Sony with the new PS3 Slim and Microsoft with its revamped and cheaper Xbox 360 line up are slugging it out at retail again.

In Australia, there has always been a feeling of being treated as a back-water when it came to home video game console market.  Price, model options and feature comparisons with overseas regions always left the locals somewhat envious.

With the recent announcement of the PS3 Slim at a price discount of almost 30 percent, it looks as if Sony has got the message.

In reply Microsoft has confirmed a number of rumours in its own Xbox 360 model range:Beginning 22nd September, the recommended retail price (RRP) of an Xbox 360 Elite will drop by AU$100, retailing for just AU$449 in Australia. On top of that customers buying an Xbox 360 Elite from the day of the price drop through to October 20th 2009 will receive a bonus copy of the highly anticipated blockbuster title Halo 3: ODST.

With the Xbox 360 Arcade starting at a recommended retail price of just AU$299, Xbox 360 puts all your entertainment in one place. In time for Christmas, you can play games, watch movies and keep up with your Twitter and Facebook social circles, all from your living room.  The Xbox 360 Pro console will remain available at AU$399 (RRP) while supplies last and, as announced earlier this year, the Xbox 360 you buy today will work with code-named “Project Natal” and controller-free gaming in the future.

“With Christmas right around the corner, it’s already time to start looking for entertainment and gifts that everyone will enjoy,” said David McLean, Head of Microsoft Entertainment, ANZ. “If you’re looking for a fantastic social entertainment experience that won’t break the bank, then now is the time to purchase an Xbox 360. I believe we’ve got the best games, more ways to connect with friends and family and so much more on the horizon.”

Whist the expected price drop of the Elite was hoped to be to that of the now defunct Pro model, at AU$449 this puts the Microsoft branded 120GB HDD equipped games machine AU$50 cheaper than the incoming PS3 Slim.

Then the trade off for consumers will be, do they want to add Wi-Fi to their Xbox 360, taking the total outlay over the Sony Wi-Fi equipped machine, but with the added advantage of an included HDMI cable, unlike the PS3 package.

All in all, this is bargain high-definition gaming for those that have waited this long to jump into the current generation of home interactive entertainment.