Tech Shout!

In the last few days, we have seen surprising price cuts of all sorts including Microsoft’s Vista operating system in the Chinese market. In June, word was going around that Sony might slash the price of its ‘pricey’ PS3 console. Now, Microsoft has gone the same way too, with an official announcement of a reduced priced Xbox 360 console.

Microsoft has said that it will reduce the retail price of the Xbox 360 by $50 starting from August 8 onwards. Along with this awesome news, Electronic Arts also announced that its much-awaited “Madden NFL 08” will release on August 14, 2007.

“The fact that we have been able to keep our launch price longer than any other console while retaining our leadership position demonstrates that consumers believe in the value of Xbox 360. On the eve of the best holiday games lineup ever and the launch of ‘Madden NFL 08,’ there has never been a better time to jump into Xbox 360,” said Mitch Koch, corporate vice president, Global Retail Sales and Marketing Group, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft.

Beginning August 8, the Xbox 360 Premium version will sell for a price of $349.99 as it includes a 20GB hard drive, a wireless controller, an Xbox 360 headset and more.

The Xbox 360 Core version now carries a price of $279.99, but does not include any accessories. While the cool-looking black Xbox 360 Elite console with its 120GB hard drive will now cost you $449.99.

Lastly, Microsoft has not forgotten all you halo fans out there. The Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console, which is set to hit stores in September before the much-waited Halo 3 launch, will carry a price of $399.99. This console will feature a Spartan green-and-gold finish and will also come bundled with matching wireless controllers, a 20GB hard drive, headset and an Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit.

Everybody has been most certainly been awaiting such an announcement. So, now that the prices are slashed, are you going to get yourself an Xbox 360 console and which one?