Xbox One could cost less than Xbox 360 at launch
Speculation says users will be able to buy the new console at a lower price by opting for an Xbox Live subscription.
Amidst all the details revealed by Microsoft during its Xbox One launch event, one detail that was left out was the launch price of the console. However, that hasn’t stopped sources outside Microsoft from speculating about the launch price of the console. The common theme running through all speculation seems to be that the Xbox One will probably be available at a price that’s less than the Xbox 360’s $400 launch price.
While speaking at game retailer GameStop’s earnings call meeting, CFO Rob Lloyd said that he expected both the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 to be launched for a lower price than what their predecessors. The Xbox 360 was launched in 2005 for $300 and $400 while the Sony console debuted in 2006 in the US for $500 and $600.
Paul Thurrott, a blogger that covers Microsoft, said that the Xbox One will launch for $400 (Rs. 22,000 approx.) but will also be available for $300 (Rs. 16,700) if a user decides to opt for a paid Xbox Live subscription. Analyst Piers Harding-Rolls also predicted the same price-points for the Xbox One at launch and added that the $300 price-tag would be subject to a user opting for a 2 year paid subscription to Xbox Live.
In other Xbox related news, Microsoft has revealed that the new Kinect accessory unveiled alongside the Xbox One will be launched for Windows PCs next year. In a blog, the head of Kinect for Windows, Bob Heddle revealed that more details about Kinect for Windows would be shared with developers at the BUILD conference which be held in San Francisco from June 26 to June 28.
Sources: Gamespot, Business Insider, Kinect for Windows Blog via The Escapist