Come August 28th, 2009, Xbox 360 Elite units will be offered with a price tag of just $299.99, Microsoft confirmed officially. But the discounts for Microsoft’s consoles don’t’ stop at Elite. In fact, the Redmond company is also dropping prices for the Xbox 360 Pro. While the former will be sold for an estimated retail price of $299.99, down no less than $100 from the current price, customers will pay $50 less for the latter, namely just $249.99. Microsoft underlined that the prices were valid for customers in the United States.

“With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s already time to start looking for entertainment and gifts that everyone will enjoy,” revealed Shane Kim, corporate vice president of strategy and business development for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Corp. “If you’re looking for deep experiences that don’t require deep pockets, now is the time to purchase an Xbox 360.”

Microsoft is also getting ready to unveil Project Natal, the Redmond company’s latest venture into the evolution of user interfaces. The software giant reminded Xbox 360 buyers that the consoles they buy today will have no problems playing nice with the codename Project Natal natural user interface in the future, allowing them to enjoy controller-free gaming. “ We’ve got the best games, a vast library of TV shows and movies, new music experiences, more ways to connect friends and family, and so much more on the horizon including ‘Project Natal’ — no controller required,” Kim added.

In addition, customers who acquire a new Xbox will be able to take advantage of the latest update introduced to Xbox LIVE. New features include Games on Demand, new options to personalize avatars via the Xbox LIVE Avatar Marketplace, and Netflix content for Gold members, which can be shared with friends through a Netflix Movie Party.