NEWS - Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Paying More For an Xmas Xbox
Online retailers have begun taking advance orders for Microsofts forthcoming Xbox gaming console, but some consumers are steamed at being forced to buy extra games and hardware that add hundreds of dollars to the price.The Xbox, Microsofts hot new gaming console, will hit store shelves Nov. 8 for $299. It will likely be on every kids Christmas wish list, but will probably be back-ordered for months.
Last week, retailers started taking advance orders, but to get a console before the holidays, customers are being forced to buy bundles of extra games and hardware that almost double the price.
"The diversity of offerings from retailers represents what consumers have told us they want, namely the choice to reserve hardware, software, accessories and various combinations thereof," said James Bernard, PR manager for Xbox at Microsoft. "If someone really wants a choice, on day one they can buy a console and whatever games they please. (Bundling) gives them a choice beforehand to reserve an Xbox and a couple of games."
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Source: http://www.wired.com/