Premium and Core bundle prices slashed as Elite launches...

Microsoft are slashing the price of both Premium and Core Xbox 360 packages with the imminent release of the new Elite package in Europe this Friday. The Premium package will now retail at �249/�349, while the Core package will sell for just �179/�279. The Elite is slated to launch at �299/�449. The move follows similar price cuts in North America.

Stephen McGill of Xbox UK said that the company was: "pleased to be able to offer Xbox 360 at a new, lower estimated retail price. We pioneered the successful concept of multiple products for multiple categories of consumer. The Xbox 360 opens up whole new avenues of entertainment for those who seek the ultimate gaming and entertainment experience." Citing the new lower prices and the system's Christmas game line-up, he said it was "clear the 360 will take the UK by storm this Christmas".

Its interesting to see that Microsoft have chosen to reduce the Core package to exactly the same price as that of the Wii. Stay tuned to find out what effect this has on sales...