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Xbox 360 to be Lowest-Priced Next-Gen Video Game Console

One of the biggest selling points of Nintendo’s Wii video game console since its launch nearly two years ago has been that it was the lowest-priced of the trio of next-generation machines, which also includes Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3.

To date, the Wii costs $249, while the lowest-priced Xbox, the so-called “Arcade,” retails currently for $279. An 80GB PS3 sells for $400.

But Microsoft said Wednesday that it will drop the price of the Arcade on Friday to $199, breaking through what some have said is the all-important psychological price level of $200. At that price, industry observers say, the market opens up to mass levels of consumers.

Microsoft will also drop the price of its 60GB Xbox to $299 and its “Xbox Elite,” which has a 120GB hard drive, to $399.

“The fact that the Xbox 360 is now cheaper than the Wii is definitely a big shift in the market,” said Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Xbox 360.

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