Xbox 360 Pro 'discontinued,' more PS3 price drops spotted - Retail Radar

UK retailer posts, retracts claim that Microsoft's 60GB console is extinct; GameStop Spain announces, retracts Sony console price-cut announcement; PS3 already €299 in Portugal.

This week saw several retailers further stir up speculation that an Xbox 360 Elite price drop and PlayStation 3 slimline model are imminent. First up was the Xbox 360 Pro product page (pictured top) on the site of UK retailer Argos, which apologetically informed consumers that the SKU is no more. "We are very sorry but Microsoft have (sic) discontinued this line," reads the page, which urges would-be buyers to purchase the Xbox 360 Elite as an alternative--the same scenario behind the model's rumored repricing to $299. Also, attempting to buy the Pro from its Argos page leads to a 404 error.

Following a flurry of headlines on the "discontinued" Pro, Argos reportedly told British industry site MCV that the posting was an "administrative error." For its part, Microsoft stuck to the company line. "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," a rep told GameSpot.

Meanwhile, the rival PlayStation 3 console appears to be getting a price drop elsewhere in Europe. Tech blog Engadget's Spanish site noticed that GameStop Iberia announced that the PS3's price was now officially €299 ($424.58) via Twitter, €100 ($142) less than the standard price. A caching site reveals that GameStop Iberia twittered no fewer than three different €299 price-drop announcements on August 9 and 10 (pictured center)--all of which are no longer on the retailer's Twitter feed. Why the posts were pulled is unclear, but overenthusiastic tweets have preempted major announcements before, most recently Command & Conquer 4.

Meanwhile, French electronics retailer Fnac is already offering the 80GB PS3 Infamous bundle for just €299. However, that price appears to be only for the Portuguese store (Fnac.pt, pictured bottom), with the regular Fnac.com being sold out of the stand-alone 80GB PS3. The French site does offer two Gran Turismo 5 Prologue 80GB PS3 bundles--one with Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 and the other with Grand Theft Auto IV--for the standard retail price of €399 ($566.58).

Sony reps had not yet responded to requests for comment on the apparently European PS3 price fluctuations as of press time.

570 Comments

  • kamizuka

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 1:57 am PT

    @McGregor well thats what the Xbox did they sell you trhe Wifi and evething as "accessories" but the ps3 didnt do that they sold you every thing jamed in the console, but as you all know the Xbox sales are better because of the RRoD and ppl want the cheapes and i think that sony is gnna be playing dirty just like the xbox now

  • McGregor

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 7:35 am PT

    @EYE0NE
    I 100% agree. The 360 "accessories" are just that, accessories. You don't have to buy them. Don't get me wrong, I think the PS3 is an awesome console, but if they removed some of the standard accessories (like wifi) and dropped the price, I think you'd see a huge increase in sales. What that does is gives you a larger install base, which results in more games/accessories sold, which increases profit margins...This price drop is definitely something the PS3 needed and I for one look forward to seeing a larger install base for the struggling console.

  • Marco_Rodrigues

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 4:23 am PT

    portugal and the price drop is for all stores here not only fnac but all others sony said is an official price drop

  • Marco_Rodrigues

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 4:22 am PT

    portugal and the price drop is for all stores here not only fnac but all others sony said is an official price drop

  • Marco_Rodrigues

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 4:22 am PT

    portugal and the price drop is for all stores here not only fnac but all others sony said is an official price drop

  • kamizuka

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 3:43 am PT

    @bigdawg8670 your right we should not fight about wich console is better you should just state your mind, and your right Ps3 is better . it is true that the price is high but it is even a better bargen than the Xbox, because if you bought the xbox you know that you'll buy a new one after a year or 2 (RRoD) PS: i love the Xbox but i will never buy one again

  • red12ocket

    Posted Aug 18, 2009 1:32 am PT

    HAHAHAHA bigdawg8670's little quip at the end there is priceless.

  • bigdawg8670

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 11:55 pm PT

    in the long run ps3 buyers save more because we dont need to pay for online capabilities. if you get a year of live then when that year up you either pay for more or you dont. and if your xbox has no live then it is much worse then the ps3

  • bigdawg8670

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 11:47 pm PT

    is our human nature so animalistic that we begin confrontations over something as trivial as a gaming console. xbox an ps3 have the same purpose to give pleasure to people worldwide and yet we continuosly conflict over which console is better. i truly believe all humans no matter the age thrive on confrontation because from birth it is all we see it is around them and eventually it engulfs ones personality and soon we become these monsters who dont fight for pide or honor, but for sport for money for happiness. btw ps3 is better

  • battlfrnt2006

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 4:18 pm PT

    well lucky me, I have an extra HDMI cable and wi-fi, so let the price-drops begin!

  • fatpumba3

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 3:03 pm PT

    Co can I please have an estimated price of what it will be in Australian dollars?

    Thank you and could one of you PM me with the answer? Thanks!

  • Spoon_Si posted Aug 17, 2009 12:59 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Spoon_Si

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 12:59 pm PT (hide)

    Sony needs take out wifi, and give out some damn HDMi cable & headset instead... freaking sad when no1 has a headset when you play fat princess and Killzone 2. av cables.. now that a joke..

  • AntDaGamer

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 12:37 pm PT

    PS3 is good most people that are still knocking sony are just 360 fanboys that can only get one system, idiots, are people that just don't have nothing better to do with there lives. PS3 is on the come up they dominated this year and it isn't gonna stop. The only issue with PS3 is the economy and its price. Which basically in my opinion is the same price as the 360. When you add in the costs of accessories for the 360 and Live its about another 100 bucks added onto the price of the console. Don't believe me Youtube it.

  • claykenobi

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 12:19 pm PT

    I'm just extremely surprised that the PS3 could be struggling so much. I have been so happy with mine and it's exclusives it seems to me like no doubt the better console but also no doubt the more expensive console. Maybe once the price drops people will be able to see how great it is. All I gotta say is Killzone 2...WOW!

  • EYE0NE

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 12:10 pm PT

    I'd like it address some of the bull crap in this conversation (if you can call it that). Some PS3 people don't seem to have a clue about the accessories of the 360s.

    First off, you don't HAVE to have the Wi-Fi adapter. You can just use the ethernet port on the back. Thats what I do anyway. Now I totally agree that $100 for Wifi is total crap. Though I hear it is much better than the PS3's built in wireless.

    Second, Xbox headsets plug into the controller not into the console so there is no wires "running on the floor" as one person said. And if you want there is a wireless headset (albiet an overpriced one)

    Thirdly, the battery pack for the 360 is only $29. Not $50 as stated by someone here. And again, you do NOT have to buy it. The controllers except AAs out of the box. Personally, I think it's worth every penny. Or you can get the play and charge kit like the Playstation's charging cord (except it's longer)

    That all being said, I own both consoles so leave me alone.

  • neonhair

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 11:31 am PT

    Aww man and too think i just hashed out $400 for my ps3

  • greatexastar

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 11:22 am PT

    cmon everybody it is a war out there and i wont lower the weapons and i expect the same thing from my xbox enemies
    (wii doesnt count ...its for pansies)

  • HardCore_PC_Gmr posted Aug 17, 2009 11:18 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    HardCore_PC_Gmr

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 11:18 am PT (hide)

    For superior gaming experience, PC Gaming!

  • -Celeste-

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 10:48 am PT

    @Muteki_X

    Haven't you noticed the society as a whole is turning into the "if i get offended i'm getting vocal" crowd? You can't as much voice your opinion on anything because someone will bite your head off. Opinions are turning into fighting words and everyone is getting offended at the slightest comments.

    As for the story, i hope the PS3 gets a price cut. I hope the X360 gets a new config that costs the same. Its all about planned obscelescence. Things will eventually get cheaper and find their way into the hands of more and more people. Yet, the majority of people want to maintain elite status. Its a mentality that is destorying everything from RL to MMO's.

  • TheoleDominion

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 10:46 am PT

    I agree Tmorri603. Though they're not my preferred choice for gaming, I really hope that doesn't happen to Sony.

  • Muteki_X

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 10:19 am PT

    @Xaviersx

    The problem is that anytime one of us tries to offer constructive criticism, we're automatically labeled as fan-boys for the other system, even though that's not the case at all. Kinda the same way that when you don't 100% go along with the government in America, you're labeled a traitor, radical, and unpatriotic.

  • Xaviersx

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 10:05 am PT

    @Muteki_X

    I think there are plenty of sane people left here. We just need to take the same opportunities to make it known.

  • Muteki_X

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 9:56 am PT

    @Xaviersx
    Well said. I was afraid I was the only sane person left.

  • tmorri603

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 9:52 am PT

    TheoleDominion, I am sure that we will see a PS4. I order for Sony to be knocked clean out of the hardware business is they would have to fail at least with the PS4 and maby with the PS5. By then, you would have lost all respect with customers and publishers. The Sega Dreamcast was great but after the 32X and Saturn, Sega lost a lot of respect with customers and publisher and the Dreamcast was doomed because of it. If the Wii was not the sucess that it is, I think NIntendo would have been the next to go. You only get so many chances to screw up before the gaming world sends you to the grave.

  • Quezakolt

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 9:45 am PT

    bring it out already, and with the price cuts. everyone is waiting.

  • Xaviersx

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 9:43 am PT

    I just want the console makers to provide consumers with the best device/service for their customers. I don't care about anybody wanting to trash the other person's preferred console. If I had the cash flow, I'd own them all and pick the best games that fit my styles of play. It's suppose to be fun for us, even if its business competition for the companies involved. The only ones we need to fight are the companies when they fall short in delivering the goods, or don't listen to the legitimate requests of the many.

  • TheoleDominion

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 9:23 am PT

    I agree, Maxblaze and Wardrift. Though I'm not a fan of Sony's I ALWAYS respected them for their ability to dominate the console gaming world. Ever since the release of the PS1, they've been a force to wreckon with, and a marketing business plan second to none. Now, because of one mis-step after another they have very little hope catching MS this gen. Sony could outsell MS by a million consoles per year for next 4 or 5 yrs (Which likely wont happen)and they would just be breakin even. Unfortunately this gen will end before that happens. However Sony I hope stays in the gaming business regardless of what happens this gen, competition benenfits the consumer.

  • D3A7HJ0K3R

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 9:18 am PT

    Just do a bundle for the same price, that way you can get all the good games, and not feed gamestop's used game frenzy of profits.

  • lman013

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 7:48 am PT

    Dang I just bought a pro!!

  • MaxBlaze

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 7:47 am PT

    Wardrift:
    "PS3 sales will still lag behind those of Xbox if they cannot match the new price of the Elite. It boils down to simple economics. Saving over $100 is a no-brainer for people in these tough economic times. A pity, considering a couple of good PS3 exclusives are being released soon. I marvel at the continued incompetence of Sony's marketing team."

    Pretty much agreed, dude. I guess the PS3 slim is going to be what they hope brings them sales? Got to remember the PS3 is doing really well in Japan, but the US is a lot bigger...so IDK. *Sigh*, Sony...*SIGH*.

  • Wardrift

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 7:09 am PT

    PS3 sales will still lag behind those of Xbox if they cannot match the new price of the Elite. It boils down to simple economics. Saving over $100 is a no-brainer for people in these tough economic times. A pity, considering a couple of good PS3 exclusives are being released soon. I marvel at the continued incompetence of Sony's marketing team.

  • SolidSnakeUS42

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 6:58 am PT

    If you think about it, since it's been 399 Euros the entire time it's been $399.99 in America, if they lower it the same time as the US price, it will go down to 299/349 Euros and 299/349 US Dollars. US' price is not based off the conversion rate of the Euro or necessarily the Yen. If the Euro prices were to go down, the US would be the same number of the price, but for US dollars, not a conversion price.

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 6:30 am PT

    While MS has never released numbers on what SKU sells more here is a thought that most of you seem to miss.

    If 50% of console gamers are online on average (PS3, 360, Wii) then that means 50% are not online. And if you are not online then why would you buy anything other than the $200 Arcade version much less need Wi/Fi.

    So if you keep the Arcade and drop the price of the Elite $100 then there is no real reason to keep the Pro because those 2 choices cover everything.

  • jtuds

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 6:01 am PT

    I believe I got a 360 after the RROD problem was fixed, since I've only had it for about 9 months, but it sucks now knowing I could have had a bigger hard drive for the same price......weak.

  • lewis2112

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 4:44 am PT

    @ Lazay727
    Althought lately im starting to prefer my ps3 and pc, I do have a release day xbox with no problems ever, and i do play it every night.

  • Excedra

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 4:26 am PT

    Whoah can they lower the ps3's price even lower?

  • bredeyabo

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 4:09 am PT

    @00joshua

    atari, sega, nintendo, microsoft, nintendo, sony. maybe there wont be only one console in the future but im just saying my theory

  • Phantom_2

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 3:55 am PT

    @bo79eef
    its in euros, the dollar value is just a conversion
    everything is overpriced in Europe

  • razorfett147

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 1:59 am PT

    What I continue to find ironic is how so many fanboys here try to make it about the consoles........how the pros and cons are absolutely pivotal............and then they turn around and use exclusive GAMES to make the ultimate argument for their console. This is the fanboy, undoing (unconsciously, of course) his own argument about how his "console" is better. Hmmm.......sounds more like "your" console just has some good games......which would make up for any faults it might suffer from. Hence......your "console" isn't what you should be so defensive about........it's the games. Why look......I just made the console fanboy obsolete.

  • Humikimi

    Posted Aug 17, 2009 12:13 am PT

    If the PS3 drops in price to be the same as the dropped in price Elite, then Microsoft REALLY needs to consider implementing Wi-fi or including the Wi-fi Adapter otherwise the PS3 is going to be the better package and will start to gain over the 360. It may sound dumb, but honestly the Pro is what sells the most, and if the Elite drops to that price and the PS3 does too, then the 360 won't have the price advantage on the PS3 and then it's sales will go down. I'm just saying. We'll see what happens I guess.

  • Switchblade777

    Posted Aug 16, 2009 11:44 pm PT

    my friend went to order a Ps3 80gb model instore, the shop said theyre not gettin any more "fat ps3's and that slim lines are comin through. dont think they were suposed to say this but the slimline rumour is true.

  • Hiro944

    Posted Aug 16, 2009 11:38 pm PT

    Honestly, everyone who trashes another console has NO room to praise their own. Why? Because if they find faults in their own console its the end of the world. The 360 is a good piece of hardware. Has great games etc. And the online capabilites out reach Sony's because it has a large fan base IMO. But theres stories of it breaking etc. etc. and the online has a fee which for me is kinda a downer if i payed for the console why pay more? Backwards compatiblity seems pretty good as what i have seen. which is nice because UPGRADING should be just that. not upgrades....with downgrades.

    The PS3 is top notch hardware where most people havent experinced problems and the online is free etc etc. but the price was murder so its nice seeing that something is coming up that may help it out. limited backwards compatibility is crushing and their isnt much of a fanbase for its online component but it makes and admirable effort.

    Anyone who bashes the Wii doesnt have a heart. Its extremly inovative and i think they have proven themselves in the "console war" the online is bit iffy i must say because the friend codes change every game and it just gets hasseling. But some of my best gaming experinces were on the Wii. Why? because its fun to waggle. It just needs to hit multiple demographics and itll be a huge hit (even though it is now) but this news about price drops is great. itll make the consoles more available to people who want them

  • BigBossWato

    Posted Aug 16, 2009 11:27 pm PT

    Jim60360

    There are plenty of other ps3 games worth playing other then MGS4 like God Of War 3, Heavenly Sword and so on And All X Box owner are getting is a Water Down MGS And your NOT GETTING MGS4

  • alex240993

    Posted Aug 16, 2009 11:06 pm PT

    Lazay727 I do agree with what your saying but if anyones going for a used PS3 AVOID the 60GB one plenty of people on my Friends List have told me their 60GB has been replaces, its something about the disc tray

advertisement
Click Here

Related Content

Matches based on text similarity.

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Tags

playstation 3   ps3

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!

Related Game

inFamous Boxshot
inFamous

Game Stats

  • Rank:
    121 of 84,230
    (up by 3)
    PS3 Rank:
    26 of 983
    Highest Rank:
    1 in 2009
    Tracking:
    5,550 Track It»
    Wishlists:
    3,979 Wish It»
  • Users Now Playing:
    1,927
  • Number of Players:

    1 Player

  • Top 5 User Tags:
    1. infamous
    2. ps3
    3. scea
    4. modern action adventure
    5. action
  • Teen Rating Description

    Titles rated T (Teen) have content that may be suitable for ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language. Learn more

Full Game Details »Close

Related Games

Site Blogs