Media Mashup: Microsoft lowers Xbox 360 Elite price by $100, the web’s achatter

As if a response to Sony’s PS3 Slim and PS3 price reduction announcements at GamesCon, Microsoft recently reduced the price of its Xbox 360 Elite model, beginning August 28, 2009.

And, of course, there was a web frenzy about it.

First the price-y facts. In the United States, the 120 GB Xbox 360 Elite now costs $299.99, a $100 reduction (and elimination of an HD cable). The 60 GB Xbox 360 Pro’s price was reduced by $50 making it $249.99. The hard drive-less Xbox 360 Arcade system remains unchanged at $199. In the United Kingdom, the Elite price dropped to £299.99 (approx. US$490) and the Arcade price increased to £159.99 ($260).

Here’s a quick look at how various online media covered these same few facts:

• Joystiq used the opportunity to plug its “chat” with Microsoft’s Aaron Greenberg. (BTW: If you wondered how some sites get “insider info” and facts online so fast, it’s not super secret scans, it’s called preferential treatment.)
• Kotaku used it to not only announce the price drop but to dispel Xbox 360 Slim rumors (that hardly existed). And for a bit of spinning from Greenberg (because he, of course, spoke with Kotaku, too, that day) concerning the timing with Sony’s announcements: “I think it’s a bit coincidental, but it’s also somewhat logical with both [Sony and Microsoft] making price adjustments at this time of the year because we are turning the corner of the holiday season.”
• GamePro took the more pro route with less sarcasm and straight info including a hefty chunk of Microsoft’s official price reduction announcement.
• MajorNelson - whose site now makes my eyes bleed – had a nice, side-by-side comparison of prices along with new box art but no other facts.
• CrunchGear went for some backhanded self-praise, a little sarcasm and then a full press release regurgitation.
• The Scottish DailyRecord included the price change as a blurb. Interesting to note that the Xbox Arcade price was increased to £159.99. Blimey!
• Edge also reported the overseas price changes in a fact-y way along with the US price changes. Ah, the pros.
• Of the Euro-pubs, Eurogamer and PocketLint mentioned that made the Sony connection. PocketLint also supposedly spoke with Microsoft and reassures readers that these “new” consoles will work with Project Natal. Phew…?
• GamesIndustry.biz was nice and quote-y in reporting the UK price changes although, of course, every Microsoft quote reads pretty much the same.
• Destructoid pointed out the UK reduction and hike (and was one of the few sites that tried to explain the price hike) and took a jab at the dis-inclusion of the HD cables. Destructoid also points out that the marketing analysts at EEDAR expect another Microsoft price cut relatively soon (so they can leave out the power cable, too?).
• CVG got an explanation of the reasoning for the removal of the HD cables (“[W]we are confident that providing even better value for our premium console will allow people the flexibility to purchase the HDMI cable of their choice so they can enjoy the full benefits of our high-definition and 1080p experiences over Xbox Live”) along with the full press release.

There were, of course, many, many others. Feel free to post links to notable coverage below.

Site [Xbox]

Note: Image borrowed from MajorNelson.