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Members Forums => Hard-Wired => Topic started by: nCogNeato on June 05, 2012, 01:22:38 PM

Title: $99 Xbox Confirmed: What You Need To Know
Post by: nCogNeato on June 05, 2012, 01:22:38 PM
(http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/17lwpaswtsou5jpg/original.jpg) (http://content.microsoftstore.com/store/xblive2yr-offer/)

Quote from: Major Nelson
A few weeks ago you may have heard that Microsoft began a pilot program to test a new retail model for the Xbox 360. The program, which we have been testing at Microsoft Stores in the U.S., offers customers the chance to purchase a 4GB Xbox 360 with Kinect and a two-year LIVE subscription with a low upfront cost of $99, and 24 months of Xbox LIVE Gold at $14.99 per month.

Today, I’m happy to announce (http://majornelson.com/2012/06/05/99-4gb-xbox-360-and-kinect-coming-to-more-retailers-later-this-month/) that we’re expanding the pilot to all U.S. Best Buy stores and select GameStop locations later this month. This next phase of the pilot program will be limited in terms of both timing and the number of units available—we’re excited to forge new ground and explore a new retail model for Xbox 360, but also want to emphasize that this is a pilot period for the program.

Call your local Best Buy, GameStop or Microsoft Store if you’d like more information about how and where to purchase.

[MajorNelson.com (http://majornelson.com/2012/06/05/99-4gb-xbox-360-and-kinect-coming-to-more-retailers-later-this-month/)]

Offer Comparison (MSRP):
$99 4GB Console w/ Kinect$299 4GB Console w/ Kinect
$14.99/month x 24 months XBL Gold     $59.99/year x 2 years XBL Gold
Total = $458.76 + taxTotal = $418.98 + tax

$99 may be a tempting initial investment, but over 2 years the required $14.99 monthly Xbox LIVE Gold fee will cost you more than simply buying the current $299 Kinect Bundle.  That's not even considering the various sales and offers you can find online for discount Xbox LIVE Gold subscription cards.

Thanks, but no thanks, Microsoft.   O0
Title: Re: $99 Xbox Confirmed: What You Need To Know
Post by: Autarch Kade on June 06, 2012, 04:21:16 PM
I would like to point out that this is a good deal for people who don't want to pay over $360 dollars all at once.  Some may wish to spread out such a cost, and for them this is a great way to do that.
Title: Re: $99 Xbox Confirmed: What You Need To Know
Post by: nCogNeato on June 06, 2012, 04:47:17 PM
I would like to point out that this is a good deal for people who don't want to pay over $360 dollars all at once.  Some may wish to spread out such a cost, and for them this is a great way to do that.

I think that's the marketing strategy.  Pay less now, more later.  Sort of a rent-to-own tactic.  For grandmas wanting to buy their grandkids an Xbox on a fixed budget, this lets them do it.
Title: Re: $99 Xbox Confirmed: What You Need To Know
Post by: Windedprism on June 06, 2012, 05:34:46 PM
14.99 a month for two years, there's not bargain here really. There's many places as well that you can get some nice little reductions on subs such 3+1, 12+2 and just a cheaper price than directly from xbox.com. Also 4gb flash on the advertised console = $100 more for a hdd. I'll throw an example in here - Battlefield 3 mp update 3 is 2.38 gb in size (ok close quarters in that as well) but you get the idea, and with only 16gb flash pen allowance the console is not attractive because extra storage is needed. So as Neato said marketing talk.

I'm gonna take it as well that you can't just get the console for $99 and then play offline because there will a sign up in store where they will snag your credit/debit details. Gotta love the effort of the marketing team there :)