Microsoft's $99 Xbox 360 hits Best Buy, GameStop

Gamers looking to pick up an Xbox 360 for just $99 can now do so at participating Best Buy and GameStop locations across the United States, Microsoft has announced. Previously, the deal was available only at official Microsoft stores and through the company's website.

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced it would be expanding the deal to the retailers, but did not say when the program would kick off. In May, Microsoft confirmed a deal that will sell the 4GB Kinect-equipped Xbox 360 hardware bundle for $99 if customers commit to a two-year Xbox Live Gold subscription at a cost of $15 per month.

The $99 Xbox 360 deal would cost less up front, but consumers will wind up spending more in the long run. If purchased separately at today's standard prices, the console and two-year Xbox Live subscription would cost $420. If purchased under this promotion, the deal's total cost at the end of the two years would come out to $460.

There is also an early termination fee for those who want out of the contract, with the penalty starting at $250 in the first three months of the contract and scaling down to $12 in the 23rd month.