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Prices across the Xbox 360 range have been cut worldwide as Microsoft pushes to raise its stake in the competitive games console market.
The announcement comes just days after rival Sony, which makes the Blu-ray equipped PlayStation 3, said it was putting a concerted effort into reaffirming its place as a leader in gaming entertainment and consumer electronics.
The new prices are effective immediately, and the basic Xbox 360 Arcade variant - which has no hard drive - will cost $399 with the standard model priced at $549.
The flagship Elite model, which ships with a 120GB hard drive and high-def cables, will now be priced at $699.
Microsoft product manager Tom Hunt claims that its Xbox Live service, which allows users to play games online as well as download demos and other content, now boasts a membership of 12 million.
He says there are now more than 300 Xbox 360 games available.
Nintendo's Wii console has proved a surprise hit and leads the Japanese game market. It is attracting users with easy-to-play games and motion-sensing controllers.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
