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Microsoft Prepares a $99 Xbox 360 + Kinect Bundle, But There's a Catch

btarunr

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An Xbox 360 with Kinect bundle for the price of a new PlayStation 2 is simply too good to be true, but it's real, at least partially. Microsoft is adopting a new sales model for its Xbox 360 which will let customers pay just US $99 for the console (Xbox 360 4GB with Kinect), but put them on a 2 year subscription plan that costs $15 a month. The subscription would give customers Xbox Live Gold membership, and some additional streaming content from cable or sports package providers. On top of this, customers will also get a 2 year warranty cover for the console and its accessories.

With this bundle, Xbox is looking to compete with the likes of Apple TV and Roku. Why them? Because according to Microsoft, Xbox 360 is used more for content consumption than gaming. Just like with contract-bound cellphones, there is a fee for early opt-out of the subscription's 2 year period. Let's punch some numbers: Microsoft is giving you an otherwise $299 product for $99, with $15 per month over 2 years (that's $360 worth subscription). At the end of two years, you end up spending $459. In comparison, with the $299 bundle and the cheapest Xbox Live Gold option, you would be spending $420 by the end of two years. So while there is a small catch, you get to take home a nice game console with Kinect for cheap. Choose with your wallets.



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How much is the "additional streaming content" worth?
 
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What if you don't want Kinect? I'd just want the cheapest console and then buy some Gotham Racing and Forza. And my life would be complete.
 
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Here in Canada they are trying to take contracts out completely, whether it be cell phones or internet or cable etc

It's a really bad idea to return to the contracts IMO.
 
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If this includes HULU and Netflix than Hells Yeah....If it doesn't include either one them meh!...ESPN isn't worth a sh!t and neither is 99% of the other stuff on Xbox live...maybe if they made a real Youtube app...as good as the Crackle app...
 
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Pretty obvious M$ is making more off XBL than they are on other stuff. Glad I didn't renew last year. Not worth the time and hassle dealing with XBL players.
 
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Here in Canada they are trying to take contracts out completely, whether it be cell phones or internet or cable etc

It's a really bad idea to return to the contracts IMO.

Don't know about cell phones (don't have one) but yeah! it's true no more contract for TV & internet , now we are free to switch from any provider at any time we want...:)
 

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Hmmm... could this be hacked to look like a normal Xbox360 to microsoft?
 

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...put them on a 2 year subscription plan that costs $15 a month.
$360! That's bull! $460 for a console, I hope no one buys it.
 
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Lol console.. subscriptions, subscriptions, subscriptions. I am soo glad I stopped playing on console. They rape u every chance they get to make a dollar.. It borders on anti-trust..
 

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Lol console.. subscriptions, subscriptions, subscriptions. I am soo glad I stopped playing on console. They rape u every chance they get to make a dollar.. It borders on anti-trust..

$460 LMFAO get a PS3...
 
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Screw that. $15 mo charges are going out of fad quicker than american X-factor with Miley Cyrus as a judge. I'm surprised MS hasn't adopted the uber-successful micro transaction model yet.
 
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This isn't that bad an idea, i just think they have introduced it too late in the 360's life.
Isn't the next Xbox out within that 2 year period? I think within 18 months from now nearly all game development will have switched to the new console, and you will probably be able to get this model Xbox dirt cheap.
 

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too bad I dont live in the US
 

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Lol console.. subscriptions, subscriptions, subscriptions. I am soo glad I stopped playing on console. They rape u every chance they get to make a dollar.. It borders on anti-trust..

More like deceptive business practices and a completely immoral business model, but you understand already though so i'm simply elaborating on your post :)
Its also why i stopped playing on consoles, that and the fact that the pc is like playing with the limiter off for any game you DO play and the graphics are always better.
 

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Lol console.. subscriptions, subscriptions, subscriptions. I am soo glad I stopped playing on console. They rape u every chance they get to make a dollar.. It borders on anti-trust..
Anti-trust? You think a contract on a luxury item is in the same ball park as say the Standard Oil monopoly at the turn of the century? Wow.
 
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