We’re not even into August and the next-gen rumors are flying so fast, they’re hard to keep up with. The latest surrounding the Xbox 360 console is persistent speculation that Microsoft intends to cut the price of its machine before the PlayStation 3 comes to market Nov. 17.
This rumor has been around the block a few times, and we’ve reported on it, but this time it seems the fuel for the fire is coming from component manufacturers in Taiwan. Lending a little credence to the notion, the manufacturers say Microsoft can reduce production costs by up to 20 percent. The reduction, of course, could pave the way for a lower priced console.
While the Xbox 360 does price out for less than the PS3, the $100 difference comes with a Blu-ray player. So, the value really depends on a buyer’s perspective. The Blu-ray advantage could be a big one if Sony manages to get the technology to fly. But with its track record on movie-related technology who knows how consumers will feel.
All of this uncertainty could add up to Microsoft being a little bit nervous. A price drop doesn’t seem out of the realm of possibility, but the company has denied it in the past.
What Microsoft ends up doing to make itself more noticed when the PS3 and Wii hit the market later this year is really anyone’s guess at this point. But, it’s my guess something big’s coming.
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