NEWS - Monday, March 29, 2004
The Price Drop Is HERE!
TORONTO, Ont. -- March 29, 2004 -- The console dubbed the "sexiest video game system" is becoming even more attractive. Effective tomorrow, March 30, Microsoft’s Xbox will retail for a handsome $199.99* CDN in Canada and $149.99 USD in the United States, representing a huge consumer savings of $30 for both regions. "Our undying commitment is to offer a comprehensive gaming experience unmatched by our competitors," said Mitch Koch, vice president worldwide retail sales and marketing for Microsoft’s Home and Entertainment Division. "This new price point for Xbox and some of our most popular software create the most impressive competitive value of any combined video game console and advanced digital entertainment system while expanding the Xbox family." With a fantastic new price, more than 400 games, an online community of nearly 750,000 Xbox Live subscribers, and native DVD and CD playback capabilities, Xbox validates its competitive advantage while captivating a whole new breed of Xbox players, regular people and celebrities alike. "I love playing Xbox games and believe that the system’s cultural influence as a social entertainment brand has only just begun," said P. Diddy, musician and Xbox fan. Microsoft goes one step further in broadening the appeal of Xbox today by lowering the price of several popular software hits. "Xbox Music Mixer," the unique product whose Karaoke feature is the first of its kind to take the console video game experience beyond gaming, appealing to a diverse audience, will be available for $29.99* effective tomorrow. Additionally, "Project Gotham Racing 2" will be available tomorrow for $54.99*; "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge" and "Counter Strike" will be $44.99*; and "Voodoo Vince" and "Grabbed by the Ghoulies" are available today for $29.99*. Not to be outdone, the Platinum Hits Program has added branches to its family tree with the launch of Platinum Family Hits earlier this month. The program, the first of its kind in the video game industry, represents the most proven and critically acclaimed Xbox titles that are targeted toward a more family-oriented audience. The inaugural titles, available for $29.99*, include "Finding Nemo" (THQ Inc.), based on the Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, and "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (Electronic Arts Inc.). Five to seven select "E" rated titles will be added to the Platinum Family Hits product line each calendar year. Now at $199.99*, Xbox is setting the stage to continue its trend of being the leader in console unit growth this year. According to AC Neilson, the first two months of 2004 have seen Xbox console sales increase 92% year over year, while Playstation 2 increased 21% and GameCube increased 77%.Source: http://www.xbox.com/
