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Microsoft announced yet another price cut for their “Xbox One” console, making this the third time. The current price of the bundled console is now at $249, down from $299 two months ago. The reduction is likely due to the impending launch of the thinner version of the unit called the “Xbox One S (Slim)”.
This most recent price cut is the third since May, according to Forbes, and it’s a clear indication that Microsoft wants to clear out the “500GB Xbox One” units that are still on store shelves right now before the “Slim” comes out. The new price now makes the console worth only half of what it cost three years ago, and that was with the “Kinect” as part of the bundle.
The announcement was made by Major Nelson via Twitter post, which includes an indication that buyers can still choose from a selection of games to come with the console, including the following:
- Forza Motorsport 6
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
- Gears of War: Ultimate Edition
- Rare Replay
Starting today and for a limited time in the US: All 500GB Xbox One Consoles will be $249 https://t.co/Byg74z1lvo pic.twitter.com/XITBD8C260
— Larry Hryb (@majornelson) July 24, 2016
The reduced price is also supposedly only for a limited time. However, there’s no exact date as to when the offer would end.
As for the “Slim,” the roll-out is expected to come at a price of $399 for its 2TB version. The console’s 500GB and 1TB versions will be priced at $299 and $349 respectively. There’s no release date yet, so players will have to wait for Microsoft’s announcement for that.
As noted by Forbes, the reasons for getting the “Slim” over the much cheaper “Xbox One” are very few. The “Slim” does support 4K video and does have bigger hard drives, but these features aren’t exactly game-changing. With the “Xbox One Scorpio” coming out in 2017 and sports significantly better specs and features, a lot of gamers will likely wait for that, instead of spending money for the “Slim” when it comes out.
Customers will be able to buy the recently cheapened “Xbox One” from Best Buy, Amazon, and other retailers, according to The Verge. With the upgraded units to come out in the future, Microsoft might soon discontinue making the original, boxy model.
