Argos claims 60GB 360 discontinued

[GamerMan316]

UK retailer Argos is claiming that Microsoft has binned the 60GB Xbox 360.

"We are very sorry but Microsoft have discontinued this line," the Argos listing offers (thanks to EG reader David for the heads-up).

Update: Eurogamer has been approached by member of a small chain of British retail stores who corroborates this story. Furthermore, the source claims Microsoft will increase the price of the Xbox 360 Arcade bundle and remove the free Xbox Live Arcade games from within.

No word yet on why, but we're trying to check with Microsoft. According to the same source, the Elite will now become the standard Xbox 360 console.

Earlier this summer, reports said Microsoft would discontinue the Premium 60GB model and move the Elite into its place. Perhaps they were right.

Microsoft has yet to respond.

[TaraJayne]

UPDATE


Microsoft has told retailers that it intends to increase the price of its Arcade Xbox 360 console and associated accessories, according to reports.

Coming into effect on September 1, the machine's retail price will rise to £159.99 from its current cost of £129.99. The firm also said that the five Xbox Live Arcade games previously bundled with the console will no longer be included.

The price of certain 360 accessories, including joypads and headsets, will also be increased by between £1 and £2 per item.

ShopTo manager Igor Cipolletta confirmed the price rises to Eurogamer, after receiving a message detailing the new arrangements directly from the US software firm.

An independent retail source also told the gaming website that the increases were being motivated by the current unfavourable exchange rate between the pound and the Euro.

According to MCV, Microsoft plans to phase out its Xbox 360 Pro console and place more emphasis on the 120GB Xbox 360 Elite, which will get a £60 price drop in the process. However, this has not yet been confirmed by the console platform holder.

[Failed]

I don't get this, they're making consoles dearer ... how does that work?

[TaraJayne]

Well they are making consoles dearer but cheaper too. The elite is a good bargin

[NeuroticSarge]

Especially as Playstation have knocked £50.00 off the price of the PS3 now. Also,they are relaunching with a new slimline PS3,possibly mentioned elsewhere but I'm getting lazy.£249.99. Think I might get one of them instead?

[TaraJayne]

I have no need for a PS3. My Elite is enough for me. I cant justify spending that much on a console I will probarbly not play as much as the one I own

[sambo]

I have no need for a PS3. My Elite is enough for me. I cant justify spending that much on a console I will probarbly not play as much as the one I own

I would have to agree (although I do not have an Elite) I just could not justify buying another console. And I am perfectly happy with the 360 anyway.