GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

New Xbox 360 boxes omit Pro - Report

Photos of new packaging bolster rumors that Microsoft is phasing out its 60GB mid-range console sometime in the near future.

125 Comments

In late June, tech and gaming news site Ars Technica reported that a cheaper 120GB slimline PlayStation 3 would be introduced in the fall. With Sony apparently preparing for such a move, it looks like Microsoft is prepping its countermove, also predicted by Ars Technica's mole.

No Caption Provided

Today, gaming blog Kotaku received a photo (pictured) from a retail source purporting to show the new packaging of the hard-drive-less, $199 Xbox 360 Arcade. Unlike the boxes of models shipped earlier this year, the box omits any mention of the 60GB Xbox 360 Pro, currently priced at $299.99. According to Ars Technica's mole, Microsoft's plan is to phase out the Pro and then reduce the price of the $399 120GB Xbox 360 Elite to either $349 or $299. If the box shot is accurate, Microsoft will be cutting its costs by no longer bundling the Elite with a component video or HDMI cable, as it does now.

When asked for comment about the Pro's potential disappearance, a Microsoft rep gave the following statement: "We've made no such announcements and are working with our retail partners to ensure they have the right inventory of consoles to meet the needs of their customers." However, with the launch of the Xbox Live Games on Demand store less than a week away, offering consumers more hard drive space at a lower price would make business sense.

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
This video has an invalid file format.
00:00:00
Sorry, but you can't access this content!
Please enter your date of birth to view this video

By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 125 comments about this story