Microsoft has officially slashed the price of all three Xbox 360 SKUs in North America, reducing the Core console to $199.99 - $50 less than a Wii.
The other two console packages see $50 reductions to $299 for the 60GB Pro and $399 for the 120GB Elite console - the later matching Sony's 80GB PS3 in price in the country.
Microsoft said it was an important milestone for the Xbox 360, as it was the first of the current-gen consoles to reach the $199.99 price point. "The majority of consumers make the decision to buy consoles once the price falls to this mark," the company said.
"Microsoft wants to drum up demand for the holiday. Microsoft's long-term vision for the Xbox is not to turn a profit today," said analyst Toan Tran told Reuters.. "It's a way to get a foothold into people's living rooms."
The news comes after the Japanese Xbox price reduction, fuelling speculation that Europe might be due for a slash later this next. We don't see any reason why Microsoft would leave us out.
The new North American Xbox prices go in to effect from tomorrow, September 5.
