Xbox 360 Elite Going Bye Bye?

Posted March 6, 2009 - By r_pad

Microsoft To Release Red Elite Xbox 360

There's a strong rumor circulating that Microsoft will be limiting the production of the Xbox 360 Elite. It seems that retailers and customers are more interested in the Arcade and Pro versions during this economically challenging time. Fudzilla has reported:

"The story that we are hearing goes something like this… Microsoft will stop taking orders for the Xbox 360 Elite at some point during the second quarter and allow inventory of the Elite consoles to start to run down. The majority of retailers would prefer just a low-end and a high-end console, so this change will be made during the second quarter, which is the fourth fiscal quarter for Microsoft.

Once inventory is depleted, the Elite system will move to more of a limited edition role that will be available only at select retailers, and likely only in North America and Europe. The Elite consoles that will be available in these areas sbould be more like the recent Resident Evil 5 Red Elite Limited Edition console, rather than the standard Elite package that Microsoft has offered in the past."

It's a fascinating rumor with all sorts of implications. Does this put more pressure on Sony to cut the price of the PlayStation 3? I'd say so, simply because the PlayStation 3 will no longer have competition at the same price point and general consumers will inevitably see the $100 price difference between an 80GB PS3 and a 360 Pro. Does this mean that the Xbox 360 is near its saturation point with enthusiast gamers? Probably...Although I'm sure a lot of enthusiast gamers went with a Pro over an Elite due to economic factors.

What do you think of the rumor? Are you going to snatch up an Elite before they become hard to find? Or are you content with a Pro or Arcade system? Do you think this move forces Sony's hand in terms of a price cut?

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