The puzzle pieces are starting to fall into place suggesting the Microsoft strategy for holding its own in a holiday market that will include both the PlayStation 3 and the Wii.
Part one of that strategy: Epic Games has announced that the Xbox 360 game Gears of War will come out right before the PS3 hits the scene. The highly anticipated sci-fi shooter has a release date of Nov. 12, which adds up to five days prior to the PS3 release. It's not Halo 3, but it's not bad either.
Part two: A really kick butt bundle package with a great price. According to Canadian retailer Future Shop, which is taking preorders, a new Xbox 360 bundle that includes the premium edition console, Project Gotham Racing 3, three months of Xbox Live Gold and 1,250 Marketplace points will be available starting Aug. 9 for the same price the premium sells for right now on its own.
If this pans out to be true, it seems all those rumors about a price drop on the Xbox 360 weren’t so far fetched. Keep in mind, Microsoft hasn’t confirmed Future Shop’s packaging and pricing.
I’ll be keeping my eyes open for that and also to see how Sony intends to strike back, if at all. Don’t count on Nintendo raising much of a fuss; Wii seems to be marching to the beat of a different drum and it’s my guess the music will bring home more than reasonable success for the company.
Related:
Xbox 360 Price Drop Rumors Continue
PS3 Release Date, Price Firmed Up
Halo 3 To Launch Day Before PS3?
PS3 Can Replace A PC?
Xbox 360 On A PR Campaign
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