Microsoft cuts price of Xbox 360 gaming console

Microsoft Corp. is cutting the price of its Xbox 360 gaming console in the United States and Canada beginning Friday, with the cheapest version selling for $200, making it less expensive than the Nintendo Wii, which retails for $250.

The Xbox 360 Arcade version had been selling for $280. Microsoft, which slashed the prices of the console in Japan on Monday, said the 60-gigabyte version of the console will now sell for $300, down from $350, and the high-end Elite 360 will go for $400, down from $450.

Microsoft, in announcing the reduced cost in New York, said in a news release: "History shows that more than 75 per cent of all console sales happen after the price falls below the $200 mark."

Sony Corp.'s 80-gigabyte PlayStation 3 console, which includes a Blu-ray player, sells for $400. Sony had cut the price of that console in July. The company has said there are no plans to cut slash the price further in 2008.

In fact, Sony seems to be focusing on the higher-end gaming market, planning a limited edition 160-gigabyte version of the PS3 for later in 2008. The console will come bundled with a game and will sell for $500.