Aggressive moves by Microsoft have seen console prices crashing. Why has Nintendo dropped the price of its yet-to-be-released GameCube? And what's Sony's response to these challenges to the PS2?
For anyone contemplating a console purchase, the last week has been extraordinary. Microsoft started the ball rolling with the announcement that it would be hacking a full AU$250 off the price of its Xbox games console, as well as offering a games-based rebate to anyone who had already purchased the system at 'full' price.
Nintendo, who was set to launch Australia's cheapest console come May 17th, has responded today with the announcement that it would chop AU$70 off the price of the Gamecube.
Sony, meanwhile, is remaining mum amidst rumours of a European price cut. As its Playstation 2 is the market leader, it has a certain amount of leeway and the largest installed base. Still, nobody wants to have the most expensive product in an area as cutthroat as the console gaming market.
For our full coverage of all of these announcements, as well as analysis of what they mean to anyone thinking of a games console purchase, check out our complete coverage:
Australia speculates on PS2 price cutsSony Australia cannot yet confirm plans to slash the price of its PlayStation 2 game console, despite rumours throughout Europe that the electronics giant is set to cut prices in order to remain competitive.
Gamecube Price Hacked by 17%The Nintendo Gamecube price has been cut in Australia by seventeen percent, or AU$70 to the new recommended retail price (RRP) of AU$329. The cut comes only days after Microsoft's surprise 38% reduction of the Xbox RRP last week to $399, the Gamecube RRP at the time.
Xbox Price DecapitatedMicrosoft Australia has announced a savage price cut of its videogame system, the Xbox. It is a drastic reduction of the recommended retail price (RRP) by more than thirty-eight percent, a cut of more than AU$250.
14%
7%
