14 DAY TRIAL // It seems that in the fall, Microsoft is getting ready to put a cheaper version of the new Xbox 360, which some have called the “Slim,” while also allowing those who are interested in the Kinect motion tracking peripheral to get it as part of a bundle with the fresh home console. This all comes courtesy of an internal marketing Questions & Answers session from the software giant.
The document is saying Kinect will be delivered as “part of a bundle with the newly designed Xbox 360 console” but Microsoft quickly adds that “we have no additional details about pricing or retail strategy to share at this time.” Meanwhile, GameStop is stating that an Elite bundle will be selling for 399 dollars, while an Arcade one will cost 299.
The internal Microsoft document also mentions: “Q: Will you sell a $199 version of the new Xbox 360? A: We will offer a $199 Xbox 360 this fall.” It's not clear which of the features of the new Xbox 360 Slim will also be delivered in the Arcade version. The fresh console has a 250 GB hard drive and an internal Wi-Fi adapter. The cheaper version will probably have the latter while dropping the former. Gamers who are interested in picking up one will also get HDMI output.
Kinect, previously known as Project Natal, allows players to control videogames without the need to use an actual physical controller, using a camera and software combo. The software giant is saying that the official launch date for North America is set for November 4 and that the rest of the world will get it shortly after that. It has added that all pricing options will be announced in August but most retailers believe Kinect will cost 150 dollars when it comes out.