Xbox 360 Fanboy

We thought we were in the clear regarding the controversy that surrounded both the hard drive'less Xbox 360 Core and Arcade models, but we've come to accept that sensitive topics like this will never die.

In a recent chat with CVG, Bourne Conspiracy lead designer Rory McGuire flat out said that Microsoft made a "mistake" with their decision to not make a hard drive mandatory in all Xbox 360 models. McGuire told CVG that "in retrospect I wish Microsoft had made the choice to have [mandatory] hard drives like Sony did with the PS3." McGuire further went on to explain the development advantages of having a HDD saying that "if you have a hard drive, the whole game loads faster. Obviously you'll be facing a short install time, but the developer benefits from it and you definitely benefit from it as a player." Take that Microsoft!

On second analysis, it's entirely possible that Microsoft could make HDDs mandatory in all Xbox 360 consoles by axing the Arcade and taking out another $1.9 billion hit to ship 20GB HDDs to Core and Arcade owners. Makes sense to us.

If you're new to the Xbox 360 world, have been lurking here at X3F without actually owning a console and have finally summoned up the courage to "jump in" and purchase a new Xbox 360 then we say ... congrats! The Xbox 360 is one sexy gaming machine and you won't regret your decision to own one.

But you've also come to realize that purchasing an Xbox 360 isn't as simple as picking up a box and calling it a day. There are numerous versions of the 360 (Core, Arcade, Pro, H3, Elite, etc.) and keeping up to date on what's included in each box can make your brain turn to mush. And that's where our friends over at Joystiq come in with their guide to explaining the Xbox 360 SKUs. In their article they lay out all the details, break down each model, give you the prices and tell you what's in the box all on one handy little chart. Their article will not only help you decide on which Xbox 360 console is right for you, but it will also make you informed enough to be able to correct those somewhat delusional sales people who get their 360 facts messed up sometimes.

Early this morning, Microsoft announced that all of Europe will be jumping in on the Xbox 360 price cut fun this Friday. Europe, being one of the last territories to receive an Xbox 360 price cut, will see price cuts for both 360 versions dropping the Core from 299 EUR / 199 GBP to 279 EUR / 179 GBP and the Premium falling from 399 EUR / 279 GBP to 349 EUR / 249 GBP. Also announced was that the Xbox 360 Elite will be launching this Friday in Europe and retail for 449 EUR / 299 GBP with the 120GB HDD available separately for 179 EUR / 129 GBP.

It looks like the Xbox 360 price cut fun has come to an end and is complete friends with North America covered, Australia getting theirs and now Europe taking the plunge. Get ready to empty those wallets ... empty 'em hard!

For those who have been living under a rock or have been "busy" the past few days, you should know that today is the day when the Xbox 360 price drop officially goes into effect! So far, Microsoft has announced that United States, Canada and (now) Mexico Xbox 360 prices will be effected by the price drop love. Most major retailers have already made the price drop adjustment with Amazon.com, Best Buy and Gamestop all offering the consoles at their new lower price. But we noticed some retailers (ahem, Target.com) are a little out of the loop, so be patient and be sure to avoid paying the older, more expensive console prices.

Go ahead fanboys, buy your first, buy your second or be a nice guy and buy a 360 for a friend, because price drops are where it's at today.

Following last week's rumor that Best Buy will no longer stock the Xbox 360 Core system, Joystiq has received an anonymous tip that Target will be doing the same. The tip was accompanied by several images of the product listing in a store PDA, with the image above regrettably being the clearest. The upper right corner displays the Core system's status as "Discontinued." Coupled with the Best Buy rumor, it's starting to look like the Core is definitely being phased out. The question is whether or not another product will take its place or if the Premium and Elite models will become the only remaining choice.

We're curious to see what our readers think about the possibility that the Core is going the way of the dodo. While it would eliminate the cheapest 360 offering, it would also ensure that future 360s would all benefit from a guaranteed hard drive, which would also conceivably allow game developers to utilize the hard drive for more detailed games. What do you think? Should the Core be discontinued or is it better for Microsoft to keep its bottom tier choice?

All the fanboy speculation about leaked ads and rumors of an Xbox 360 price cut can finally be put to rest, because Microsoft has officially come clean. Today, Microsoft announced that this Wednesday (August 8th) all Xbox 360 console versions will be getting a little cheaper in the United States. Tomorrow, the Core system will retail for $279 (a $20 price cut), the Premium will retail for $349 (a $50 price cut), and the Elite system will be available for $449 (a $30 price cut). Again, the new prices will go into effect this Wednesday and are only planned for the US, but we expect price cuts to spread worldwide soonish. And we know there are a few fanboys out there who've been waiting (nearly two years) for this to happen, so go fanboys go and get your cheaper Xbox 360 this Wednesday. You have our blessing.

Via an anonymous tipster (which are our favorite kinds), Joystiq received picture evidence that electronics retailer Best Buy is getting rid of the Xbox 360 Core system and isn't going to stock anymore. The tipster supplied sheet shows the Core model with a "deleted" status which means Best Buy has discontinued the item with an "out of stock" date of July 27th. The anonymous tipster also mentioned that the Xbox 360 core preference code is set to "y", which means that the retailer isn't expecting any more stock.

So, with our rumor hat firmly secure on our heads, we have to speculate to what this exactly means. The most obvious conclusion would be that Microsoft themselves is discontinuing the Core system. But that isn't the case, because Joystiq has since heard back from Redmond since running the story and Microsoft is stating that the Core is still important to the 360 offerings and isn't going anywhere. So, could this just be a case of Best Buy removing the SKU due to inventory sake or could the removal of the Core hint at the rumored price cut? You know, using the logic that Best Buy feels a soon to be priced $349 Premium system would sell well enough that there'd be no need for the Core does make sense. No matter what the case is, we don't have any real answer for Best Buy's lack of Core love, but the news does get our heads thinking crazy thoughts.

Over the past few days there has been a few rumors hitting the web about potential Xbox 360 trade-in prices increasing over at EB Games and Gamestop for the launch of the Elite. Well, we got in touch with a few Gamestop managers and it's true. The promotion started today and dramatically increases the trade-in value for original Xboxes, Xbox 360 Cores, and Xbox 360 Premiums.

If you trade in a Premium 360 they'll give you $250 in-store credit, $200 in-store credit for a 360 Core, and $50 for an original Xbox. These trade-in price have increased pretty dramatically, because last week Gamestop was only paying $190 for an Xbox 360 Premium, now upped by $60. Both Gamestop managers also said that the new trade-in credit does not have to go towards an Xbox 360 Elite, but what other reason would you have for selling your 360? There you have it all wrapped up and confirmed. More trade-in cash for your old Xbox 360 to buy yourself a black Elite if you so choose.

Update 1: We're thinking there may be a little confusion in Gamestop's head. We just got word from Kevin (who works at Gamestop) that the trade-in program uses coupons that are not valid until April 29th. Kevin says that the only way to increase the trade-in value is to use these coupons and the only way to get these coupons is to buy an Elite. So, according to him, you need to buy an Elite to get the increased trade in value. But, we double checked with our local Gamestop managers and they still are saying we could come in today and they'll pay us $250 for a Premium 360. Maybe all the stores just aren't on the same page ... silly Gamestop.

Update 2: Even more details have emerged.

Over at buymobilephones.net they have an interesting holiday deal going on. New cell phone buyers can get a FREE Xbox 360 core system with any cell phone purchase from their site this Christmas season. It looks as if the site is based out of the United Kingdom and we're not sure how legit this company is, but maybe our fellow fanboys can enlighten us. Also, make note that you'll have to charge £199.99 to your credit card to get the 360 lickity split, but they promise to refund you soon after. We just thought we'd let you know as this is another holiday deal if you're looking to get a 360 this year.

[Thanks, Liam B.]

Microsoft has repeatedly said that they won't be cutting the price of the 360, but then, reader Lorul2 never thought he'd have "three kids and dead end job." Things change, and they obviously have in the UK where GamesIndustry.biz confirms the Xbox 360 Core System is now selling for the official price of £199 off of £209. That's converts to a drop of about $19. No word on a similar price cut for other SKUs or markets. Will this invigorate interest in the lowly core system?

[Thanks Lorul2]