Microsoft is feeling the hot breath of Sony in his neck, that may be clear. Why would the company otherwise again a price cut for its video game console made in America? The Xbox 360 Arcade costs from the present $199,99 in the USA, while the Xbox 360 Pro and Xbox 360 Elite for $299,99 $399,99 in the shops. According to analysts, this new price point is very favorable, as consumer devices only as a ‘mass market’product as the price is under the 200 dollar limit.
Of course will this reduction impact on the sales of the Xbox 360. I wonder though whether the effects are as big as Microsoft hopes. In Europe, the cost of the Arcade version for some time already 199 euro and I don’t have the impression that retailers the machines from the shelves flying. Also, the difference between the number of sold PS3-machinery and Xbox 360 consoles will decrease. For comparison: in the USA, now 12,37 million Xbox 360’s were sold, compared to 5.7 million PS3’s. But worldwide, the counter is for Microsoft to 20.5 million machines sold, while Sony’s console 15,13 million units sold. But the hole is getting smaller and smaller. Incidentally, continues Nintendo with the worldwide sales of 31.6 million Wii’s as rich as a king, and if we let the number of sold DS-devices though, almost 80 million units, then we need not to have more about who the console war is winning.
Anyway, I think Microsoft would be wise to do more towards his potential lwa le customers. Especially with upcoming, more or less mainstream titles like Viva Pi lwa ata: Panic in Paradise, Lips, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, and have the potential to both hardcore and casual gamers appealing Fable II, it is important to provide clarity. Three versions of a device’s release is awkward, but explain it to your customers in any case clear. A separate campaign to the difference between the three devices to explain may sound a little schlemielig, but it would be much brightness to create.
Also, Microsoft is more focus on what the near future brings. Virtually every third-party game of interest coming out for the Xbox 360. The gamer need in the coming months so not to get bored. And apart from the strong line-up for this fall – also Gears of War 2 is coming and maybe Forza 3 – there is also for 2009 still have enough on stack. Since a few years, Microsoft stuck to the tactic of ‘not too early’ show. As an example, Alan Wake is pushed forward, a game that according to some, too early was shown, with the result that everyone around Alan Wake whines while that game is still not finished.
But Alan Wake deserves attention. The developer in question, the Finnish Remedy Entertainment, Max Payne 1 and 2 are traces proven. It’ll be fine with that game. With a little more regularity info about this game release would be the image of the Xbox 360 and Microsoft only do good. Nevertheless, Microsoft wants not in the path of Sony – slick videos to show, and then the quality can’t deliver – walk. A noble pursuit, but a little teasing is allowed, and should even in his own time.
If Microsoft the message wants to convey that the Xbox 360 is the ultimate gaming console, then there is much more to be released outside. For example, about the downloadable content for GTA IV. It is much too quiet around that title. And on Halo Wars, the rts from Ensemble Studios. Wait is not so long with that new Halo game announcement. It is now known that topengineer Corrinne Yu from Gearbox recently when Microsoft entered the service for the future Halo games to be streamline. Of course will there be a Halo 4 and Bungie would be working on a kind of Rainbow Six-like game in the Halo universe. All hot news half of a high geruchtengehalte, but that Microsoft simply needs to extract. Now it remains to allude to the internet, or columns.
What I want to say is: Microsoft must again cool the corner. The company is so braafjes the last time. Of course, that price reduction is a strategically smart move, but Microsoft radiates not enough that the thinks his console is the best. With all the titles still in the barrel, I like a bit more self-confident party would like to see.