Microsoft is claiming that the approximately 11 million units of Xbox 360 sold in the United States from the product's debut until mid-2008, represent just 25% of the consoles' total sales. In this context, the Redmond giant is looking to push no less than another 33 million Xbox 360 consoles.

 

The software company indicated that, according to statistics, 75% of console sales are correlated with product prices lower than $200. The time is ripe for Microsoft, which announced that it has slashed the price for Xbox 360 Arcade to just under the $200 mark, namely $199.99.

 

"We are thrilled to be the first next-generation console on the market to reach $199, a price that invites everyone to enjoy Xbox 360," stated Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. The price tag for the plain-vanilla version of Xbox 360 console is $299.99 while Xbox 360 Elite goes for $399.99.

 

With almost 11 million units of Xbox 360 sold in the U.S. until the end of July 2008, according to data made available by market analysis companies, Microsoft is runner up to Nintendo which accounted for approximately 11.5 million sold consoles. By comparison, PlayStation 3 is just over the 5 million mark. But Microsoft is little shy of inviting millions more customers to embrace Xbox 360 Arcade, applauding the version as the "most affordable next-generation console on the market." Consumers in the United States should start seeing Xbox 360 Arcade on store shelves come September 5, 2008.

 

"Xbox 360 delivers amazing performance at an extraordinary value with the leading online service and best lineup of games, downloadable movies and TV shows available from a console. The majority of consumers make the decision to buy consoles once the price falls to this mark, making this an important milestone for consumers and the industry," Mattrick added.