MS to release $99 Xbox 360 Kinect bundle with two-year gold sub ($15 a month)

[garyopa]

In the US... next week!



Apparently, Microsoft will launch next week a $99 4GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle with two years of gold, 'subsidized with a monthly cost of $15'.

According to close sources to 'Polygon' (now, The Verge), Microsoft is planning to launch a $99 4GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle with a monthly subscription as early as next week, at least in the US!

This one will include two years of gold, 'subsidized with a monthly cost of $15', of course.

Microsoft is planning to launch a $99 Xbox console package with a monthly subscription as early as next week, according to our sources. The software giant will offer the 4GB console with a Kinect sensor at its range of Microsoft Stores in the US, subsidized with a monthly cost of $15. We're told that the two-year subscription will provide access to the Xbox Live Gold service and possibly some additional streaming content from cable providers or sports package providers. Customers who sign-up for the deal will also be covered under a two-year warranty.

There will be an early termination fee for those wishing to break the contract ahead of its two-year duration, and we understand that Microsoft will position the package as a competitor to Apple TV, Roku, and PlayStation 3. For those buying the bundle now and getting the cheapest two-year Xbox Live Gold option, that's about $299.00 + $120 = $420 vs. $459 over a duration of two years. With E3 2012 on the horizon, and Microsoft working on a "Woodstock" music service — it's clear that the company wants to ensure as many people as possible have an Xbox in their living rooms.

Sounds like this could be a pretty good deal. What do you think?

NEWS SOURCE #1: http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/2/299...sidized-bundle
NEWS SOURCE #2: http://www.vg247.com/2012/05/02/repo...year-gold-sub/

Our thanks to 'Gauss' for this news story!

[wrathchild]

Great. Now you have to buy two year contracts for game consoles.

[billysastard]

Great. Now you have to buy two year contracts for game consoles.

well at least it makes it like a phone contract now they did this so late in the cycle, by the time you've finished paying for it you'll get nothing for it because it will be completely out of date.

[msanchez]

I dare say this would have maybe worked out real well had they done this earlier... personally I won't go for such tactics next gen. I've had enough with contracts.