The Microsoft Xbox 360 will become a lot more attractive in Europe as of March 14, when all hardware prices will drop at least £39.99.
The basic Arcade unit will fall to £159.99 from £199.99 and the Premium version will ship for £199.99 instead of £259.99. Gamers who need the extra storage will be able to pick up the Elite package for £259.99 instead of the previous, steep £299.99.
The cuts make the Arcade option the cheapest home console on the continent, and Microsoft notes that £159.99 "is the price point where a console's audience begins to expand."
Microsoft also says that the 360 is the top selling console in Europe, Africa and the Middle East (presumably collectively) by owning 42 percent of the market so far as "life-to-date revenue." (The 360, remember, had a significant head start on the Wii and PS3).
Source: Video game media
The company also points out that 360 gamers are larger software consumers than fans of any other system, with the average owner boasting a seven game collection, instead of less than 4 for the PlayStation 3 and Wii.