Microsoft would like us to tell you that the less-expensive Xbox 360s are hitting the market on August 8th.

Here's how the prices are going to break down:

• 20 gig HD will cost $349.99
• Core system: $279.99
• 120 gig Elite: $449.99 (wth black finish)
• Halo 3 editions (avail. in September, with Spartan green-and-gold finish) $399.99

Microsoft also wants you to know that it thinks it has the "greatest holiday lineup in video game history." Here's the evidence:

•  Guitar Hero III Legends of Rock” (RedOctane/Activision),
• Halo 3 (Bungie Studios),
• Madden NFL 08 (EA)
• Rock Band (MTV Games).
• BioShock (2K Games),
• Lost Odyssey (Mistwalker and Feel Plus), “
• Blue Dragon (Mistwalker and Artoon Co. Ltd.),
• Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action (Screenlife),
• Project Gotham Racing 4 (Bizarre Creations Ltd.),
• Mass Effect (BioWare Corp.),
• Naruto: Rise of a Ninja (Ubisoft),
• Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation

Here's a quote:  “The fact that we have been able to keep our launch price longer than any other console while retaining our leadership position demonstrates that consumers believe in the value of Xbox 360,” Mitch Koch, corporate vice president, Global Retail Sales and Marketing Group, Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft said in a press release. “On the eve of the best holiday games lineup ever and the launch of ‘Madden NFL 08,’ there has never been a better time to jump into Xbox 360.”