Xbox 360Microsoft has cut the prices of its Xbox 360 console by up to $121.

The Pro version of the console now costs $499 (previously $620), the Elite version costs $699 (previously $799) and the Arcade version costs $399 (previously $459).

The company’s aggressive price-cutting strategy is part of Microsoft’s efforts to make the Xbox 360 “more accessible” and to gain market share.

The Xbox console lacks the coveted Blu-ray high-definition drive that rival console PlayStation 3 touts.

This is not the first time Microsoft has slashed prices of its console. Last August, it reduced the price of the Xbox 360 by $40.

Sony, on the other hand, has increased prices of its PlayStation 3 (PS3) console to $599 from $559 since April 21.

Nintendo has no immediate plans to tweak prices for its Wii console, which retails at $659 and comes bundled with three games.

But Microsoft might want to heed the demands of gamers and release a console with a Blu-ray drive soon if it is to make any headway in the gaming console space.

Mr Eric Chua, an account executive, said: “I don’t mind paying more for the PS3 because it has a Blu-ray drive. It means the games and movies that I buy will be future-proof.”


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