Casual gaming gets a boost from Microsoft

October 23rd, 2007 by Edwin in Gaming Hardware

xbox360arcade.jpgI suppose Microsoft must have cast more than a single envious glance at Nintendo’s way, seeing how the company has reeled back from the brink of defeat during the previous console generation to take top spot in this generation with their approach to casual gaming and seemingly “gimmicky” controls found on both the Nintendo Wii and the DS Lite systems. Hence, Microsoft must surely try to take a similar approach in order to boost its user base by unveiling a new entry level Xbox 360 bundle that clamors for dollars from casual gamers.

Dubbed the Xbox 360 Arcade package, this bundle will come with the original “Core” version of the console with the benefit of a 256MB memory unit. In addition, it boasts full-on HD output courtesy of an HDMI port. Each purchase will also feature five Xbox Live Arcade titles, namely Boom Boom Rock, Feeding Frenzy, Luxor 2, Pac-Man, and Uno. Those new to the scene might wonder what an electronic version of the Uno card game is doing here, but let me just say this - Uno is freaking addictive on Xbox Live Arcade, so play it at your own discretion! Since these games normally cost users around $6 a pop, their inclusion make it seem as though you were given another $30 in free games.

While Microsoft did not specifically mention it, many people are speculating that this new bundle will displace the current Xbox 360 Core system due to its duplicate price point, and we all know how most people are suckers when it comes getting most bang for their bucks. The Xbox 360 Arcade bundle is tipped to retail for approximately $280. For the benefit of those who are new to the scene, there are a couple more SKUs available - namely the Xbox 360 Pro and Elite packages, with special provision of a Halo 3-themed version being made available for the latter.

Source: PC Mag

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