Xbox 360: launch price and other details officially confirmed for Europe and U.S.

360 News | No confirmation yet on Aussie price or launch.

Earlier today, we reported on how unofficial reports regarding Microsoft's next-gen Xbox 360 console had put the launch price of the machine at £279.99 / €399.99 / $399.99 U.S. Well now, thanks to Microsoft themselves, we can officially confirm that those reports were correct. There'll also be a second, more wallet-friendly package made available - known as the Xbox 360 Core System - that consists of the console alone and a single wired controller, for £209.99 / €299.99 / $299.99.

It's the first launch that PALGN can recall where two separate versions of a console will be made available from the start, and by splashing out for the more expensive X360 package, gamers will benefit from a few tidy extras, including a 20GB hard disk, wireless controller, headset, Ethernet cable, high-definition television cable and wireless television-style remote control to go alongside the console.

Alas, details regarding the Australian launch (expected in 2006) were harder to obtain, as was a specific launch date for Europe and the U.S, though we'll no doubt learn more when Microsoft holds it's showpiece X05 event in Amsterdam in October. For now, Microsoft was happy to state that we could expect the X360 at some point during 'Christmas Season 2005', though November 24th seems to be a popular prediction amongst many retail sources.

'We always said we'd offer amazing value for money and we will,' bragged Microsoft man Chris Lewis to the audience at the Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany, chest probably swelling with pride. Attendees at the convention were also treated to a selection of demos, with Project Gotham Racing 3 and Kameo amongst the highlights.

Anyway, just to clarify:

Xbox 360 Core System

•... Xbox 360 console
•... Xbox 360 Controller (wired)
•... Xbox 360 Faceplate
•... Xbox 360 Standard AV Cable

Price: £209.99 / €299.99 / $299.99

Xbox 360

•... Xbox 360 console
•... Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB)
•... Xbox 360 Controller (wireless)
•... Xbox 360 Faceplate
•... Xbox 360 Headset
•... Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable
•... Xbox Live Silver membership
•... Xbox 360 Media Remote (for a limited time only, we're told)

Price: £279.99 / €399.99 / $399.99

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6 Comments

realitybites

6 years ago

I like the US$399 version. Suspect most gamers will who buy early in the marketing lifecycle.

Well I suppose it allows MS to compete with Sony on a number of levels. Have to wait and see what happens when Sony announce their pricing structure(s).

Yes shame about us poor Aussies. Be nice to know when we can get our hands on a localised version.

Jellyfish

6 years ago

Is there a standard AV cable in the non-core bundle? Or can the HD cable work with standard sets? Cause that will be mighty lame for people like who can't afford HD a set. If not, do we have any idea when the accessories will be out and how much they will be? (Standard cable most importantly.)

Chris-Leigh

6 years ago

I believe a standard cable will be bundled with both packages. It'd be pretty stupid of Microsoft to exclude about 90% of their audeince, as most people still possess non-HD sets.