14 DAY TRIAL // A source that has access to internal Microsoft data claims the Project Natal motion tracking system for the Xbox 360 will be launched with a price tag of 149 dollars in North America. A bundle option will also be offered with the new device attached to the Xbox 360 Arcade home console for the price of 299 dollars.
Apparently, the launch date for the fresh peripheral will be set for October 26, but the source claimed that the software giant is not sure of it and could shift it by a few weeks depending on how the videogames market performs.
Talking to gaming magazine Edge, the anonymous source also said, “Microsoft expects to sell millions and millions of Natal units in its first year on the market so you can expect the software launch line-up to target non-traditional gamers. A major marketing campaign will also play a key role in attracting and educating the expanded audience about Xbox 360’s controller-free revolution.”
Microsoft was contacted and offered the now familiar line that the company “does not comment on rumour or speculation.” Reports coming out of Sweden earlier in the month talked about Project Natal selling in Europe for 200 Euro, which was significantly higher than the price tag mentioned by the inside source talking to Edge.
Other reports said that Project Natal should be sold for about 50 dollars when finally launched, with Microsoft less interested in making a profit on the device than in ensuring a large install base for it. In the same period, Sony is planning to out the PlayStation Move, a motion tracking system for the PlayStation 3, which is said to cost less than 100 dollars when bundled with a game that makes use of it. We will likely know more about these devices when the two companies hold their E3 presentations.