Microsoft is adding a 250GB Xbox 360 to its "Entertainment for All Plan," selling the console at $99. The 250GB Xbox 360 with Kinect is priced at $149. This discount is for consumers willing to pay a monthly online subscription.
Microsoft's move is a part of its expansion of subsidized Xbox 360s offered for 4GB Xbox 360 with Kinect, which was announced in May. Players who would like to benefit from the offer need to sign up for a two-year Xbox LIVE Gold Membership. It will cost $14.99 a month.
"While the deal might make sense for those who plan on connecting to Xbox Live to play video games online, those who have no interest in that probably shouldn't take Microsoft's bait," CNET reported.
The company is selling its game hardware at a discount price. It will add money on backend with services. Microsoft has not changed its price structure in years, leaving the prices as-it-were. CNET states that "Microsoft is thinking outside the box."
The price of the Xbox 360 has been reduced since its release in 2005. A 4GB/Kinect bundle that was costing $284 is now priced at $246 from online retailers.
The Xbox website page that will announce the plan reads, "The Xbox 360 Entertainment for All plan is coming soon. Please check back later to see a full list of participating retailers."
Earlier, discounted hardware was found only in Microsoft's branded stores. Now, the company has hinted at increasing the number of retailers selling this deal.
Microsoft said it will make this offer available "soon", perhaps with a bigger retail launch in time for the holiday season.
"Overall, then, those cash-strapped gamers who simply must have a new console might find something here for them, but everyone else is probably better off saving up and paying upfront," SlashGear reported.
