Microsoft cuts SA XBox prices

2008-10-06 12:12

Cape Town - Microsoft on Monday announced the new lower estimated retail price (ERP) for its entire Xbox 360 family of consoles in South Africa.

From Monday, Xbox 360, which includes a 60GB hard drive and one wireless controller, will have an ERP of R2 699.99.

The Xbox 360 Elite, which comes with a 120GB hard drive, will have an ERP of R 3 499.99. The entry level Xbox 360 Arcade console will have an ERP of R1 799.99.

Microsoft says that the new ERPs are part of the company's ongoing strategy to "open up the ultimate in high-definition gaming and entertainment to an even wider audience".

To date the Xbox 360 has broken through the six million mark in Europe since the lower ERPs were recently announced abroad.

"We're proud to be expanding the reach of Xbox as the first next-generation console to break the R2 000 barrier, making the platform significantly more affordable than competitors", said Marc Batten, Head of Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business South Africa.

"History shows that the majority of console sales happen after this price point has been breached, and we're well positioned to take advantage of this mass market pricing.

"We're passing on the benefits of being the first console to sell over 20 million units worldwide, and of the ever-expanding ecosystem of Xbox, to consumers.

"In addition, with shoppers tightening their belts and feeling the pinch of prices on the rise, staying in is becoming a more viable form of sociable entertainment.

"In the line up for Christmas, you can expect over 90 new games launching including some really innovative entertainment experiences. Together with these groundbreaking new price points we hope to continue to enjoy fantastic momentum in South Africa," adds Batten.

- News24