Xbox: ‘Our cut-price console will steal consumers from PS3’

Microsoft talks up the effect price drop will have on Christmas market
Microsoft has shrugged off any fear that its Core Xbox 360 will struggle for prominence in the Christmas market – and told MCV that its price drop will tempt customers away from PS3.The Core console’s price point falls to just £179.99 today – the same as Nintendo’s Wii – whilst the 20GB Premium model is reduced by £30 to £249.99. And Microsoft’s UK marketing manager for the Xbox 360, Dan Cornelius, believes that the dip in price will steal the attention of new entrants to the market away from PS3 this Christmas.“If you look at PS3, it’s a lot of money for families to come in at,” he told MCV.
“Sony is requiring a fairly novice gamer to enter into things like Blu-Ray and wireless gaming by default. The Core’s still doing well for us in the UK and the price drop is bound to produce a spike in sales. These customers like the fact that they don’t have to foot the bill for a load of technology they don’t need. It means we can gain access to a type of consumer that PS3 cannot.”The firm also rolls out the 120GB Xbox Elite at retail today, with an SRP of £299.99. “With the launch of Elite and the price drop, the delta in terms of value for money between 360 and PS3 gets broader,” added Cornelius. “We feel we’re in a stronger position than our competitors in the run up to Christmas.”