MS: credit crunch will help Xbox 360

By Robert Purchese Published 26 November, 2008

Value for money to win Christmas.

Microsoft reckons the Xbox 360 will benefit from the credit crunch this Christmas, as families opt to stay at home and share affordable, long-lasting entertainment.

The console also doubles as a room heater, of course, and perhaps there's enough wireless battery acid for the whole family to wash in.

YouGov has surveyed 1000 people in the UK to get results, according to a press release.

Just under half wanted to buy one present the entire family could enjoy, for example. And nearly three quarters wanted to find presents that last longer than a day - like dogs.

Better still, just under half wanted to find an "extra special present" as they would be buying fewer anyway - which tackles the "more expensive" pitfall. Oh, and almost exactly half wanted to bring families together.

"In tough economic times, home entertainment products traditionally do well, as consumers tend to want to stay in and save money. Gaming and entertainment consoles like the Xbox 360 are seen as good value, given they can entertain the whole household through Christmas and beyond," said Martin Olausson from Strategy Analytics.

"Our trend research shows that families are looking for gifts that keep on giving throughout the year," said UK Xbox boss Neil Thompson.

"At an entry-level ERP of GBP 129.99, Xbox 360 offers an amazing experience for the whole family, so with the constant rise in other entertainment based activities such as going to the cinema, concerts and football games, it's clear Xbox 360 offers great entertainment value for families."

Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (60) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Vice.Destroyer #1 3 years ago

    An Xbox is for life, not just for christmas.

  • stevethemeat #2 3 years ago

    Its not good value for money when you consider that the cell can power a small country on its own

  • andijames #3 3 years ago

    What do you ACTUALLY get in the box for £130?

  • Ihya #4 3 years ago

    Shame the wii will steamroll this particular train of logic...

  • kangarootoo #5 3 years ago

    Microsoft reckons? All games companies know this, the data has been around for a while showing that game and DVD revenue increases during times of belt tightening.

    Hurrah says me, obviously.


    "....and the Wii continues to outsell the 360 and PS3 COMBINED despite this."

    Well, thanks for the random input. You might want to let everyone over on the Warhammer Online thread know that too.

  • Mildew #6 3 years ago

    Well knock the sodding 120GB HDD down in price! Missed out on Comet selling them for £60!

  • the_dudefather #7 3 years ago

    @Ihya

    except that the wii is more expensive, especially with mandatory Christmas time 'special offer' bundles

  • autogunner #8 3 years ago

    hmm, people want a present that the whole family can enjoy...difficult, hey guys how about we try and design a console, but try to update the controls to be a bit more intuitive, kinda like what you are doing on real life directly mapped in the game, and add some family friendly games that you dont have to be that good at to enjoy, we can name it somthing silly to get loads of press in the mainstream, like pii or mii or siii...then we can make a music game by refracting light through thousands of thin strips of dog shit to make binary, then fuck with the controls.

    i think we are on to a winner here.

  • EzyRyder #9 3 years ago

    It might be selling moe than them on the console ratio but I doubt it is the same on the game ratio.

  • EzyRyder #10 3 years ago

    Also, I bought a Xbox 360 60Gb with Dead Space + LEGO Indiana + Kung Fu Panda + Extra Wireless Controller for £169.99 :) Bargain I say!

  • Xerx3s #11 3 years ago

    /facepalm

  • Kyledanutmeg #12 3 years ago

    lmao hold on long lasting was that a joke yea ok then lol omg

  • mingster #13 3 years ago

    I saw a PSP ad yesterday which freaked me out

  • Widge #14 3 years ago

    For the console itself? How about NEVER. I saw an advert for some wrestling game (which no doubt is cross platform anyway) and thats about it.

    According to something either on here or in the forum, the Sony marketing drive kicks off in December. Well, I'll believe that when I see it though.

  • oreillymj #15 3 years ago

    We all want cheap.
    Well Lada's are cheap as well. Doesn't mean they're reliable, or that I'd want one for xmas.

    http://en glishrussia.com/images/submitte...

  • Petulant_Radish #16 3 years ago

    “lmao hold on long lasting was that a joke yea ok then lol omg”

    Does anyone else understand this? Anyone? …Bueller? …Beuller? …Beuller?

  • Madafunkola #17 3 years ago

    I see 360 ads all the time on TV (the ones where the woman is smiling like a 'tard and the camera pans round to show that she has been lobotomised by a miniature rock band), my missus doesn't get them.

  • agparrot #18 3 years ago

    Have to agree, in all seriousness, about the room heater - When I close myself into the lounge with it, as well as the heat generated in BTU's from my excitement, the thing really does make the room considerably warmer than the rest of the place. 2-in-1 ftw.

  • urban #19 3 years ago

    fuck the credit crunch its lies

  • IneptPercy #20 3 years ago

    I can half see what they mean, anyone with a kid who wants a 'next-gen' console this xmas should really look at it, unless they believe the playstation is 3 times better than the xbox (I am sure alot do).

    Better perfomance for £170 less... no brainer really.

  • miiiguel #21 3 years ago

    "Well Lada's are cheap as well. Doesn't mean they're reliable, or that I'd want one for xmas. "
    Well done, comparing a car with a console.
    Let me think... an entertaiment device, with something where my life could be at risk.

    /claps... slowly.../

  • CapnCloudchaser #22 3 years ago

    Agreed with agparrot, having the Xbox on helps warm up the place. When I shut myself in the living room and play games, I don't even need the heating on!

    Although the Wii can warm you up pretty quickly too, with all that movement. I wouldn't recommend a DS for heating purposes though.

  • leedavies #23 3 years ago

    It will be even better value from Monday. The £129.99 price is with VAT at the current rate of 17.5%. Once that drops to 15% from Monday, the Xbox 360 should drop to £127.22.

    Any sign of 15% VAT price drop announcements from Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo yet?

  • DUFFKING #24 3 years ago

    Official: Microsoft deliberately caused credit crunch

  • miiiguel #25 3 years ago

    "Any sign of 15% VAT price drop announcements from Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo yet? "
    I don't think that's up to the manufacters. I think that's a retailers call (I might be wrong, though...).

  • DFawkes #26 3 years ago

    And a PS3 with 2 games from GAME will go down £293.60-ish (sorry, I'm awful at maths). That's more of a saving, so better value.

    Or not. I think the 360 is a bargain, but if you have kids and they want a Wii instead, buying a 360 instead isn't worth the crying, tantrums and general hastle that they'll probably even bring up in the future when it's time to put you in a home. "Wanted Classy Oaks Retirement Home? Yeah, well I wanted a Wii in 2008, you got me a bloody 360. So I'll do the same. Into Slummy Shitbox Retirement Skip you go."

  • RedSparrows #27 3 years ago

    Let me reverse that:

    Surely with the precedent of PS1/2, the technological capacity and appeal of the PS3, surely Sony should be bla bla bla

    It's swings and roundabouts, MS has been successful in capturing a large part of the PS's market, the PS3 has been good at gaining ground and showing promise, both shat on by the Wii which took everyone else for a ride.

  • corposant #28 3 years ago

    You know you don't have to use every single press release that MS, Sony or Nintendo issue don't you? Their PR folks must have been working on a 'credit crunch' story for weeks now and this is the best they could come up with?

    Sometimes corporate spin really isn't news and this is a prime example. At least you've had the good grace to give it the sarcastic treatment it deserves. Small mercies eh.

  • AgentCool #29 3 years ago

    There's no doubt the 360 is far better value for money than the Wii which is, without question, the most disappointing console I've ever owned and I've had quite a few. For £179 plus the extra cash you'll need for the remotes, games and so on the Wii just isn't worth it and this is coming from somebody who hasn't yet given up all hope on Nintendo and sold their launch console.

    Really, the options are simple: you can get a 360 or a PS3 and still love it a year later (and beyond) or get a Wii and be largely bored of it by February.

  • Kyledanutmeg #30 3 years ago

    @ Petulant Radish yea ill explain the 360 is not long lasting it breaks for almost every 1 understand now

  • Derblington #31 3 years ago

    "An Xbox is for life, not just for christmas."

    Irony, I like it :)

  • cyber_nicco #32 3 years ago

    "The console also doubles as a room heater, of course,"

    Hey, Ass-Monkey, the PS3 user more power and generates more heat. It's just that the 360 does a poor job of moving its heat out of the box and into the atmosphere.

    I'm sure you thought you were very clever when you wrote that...

    (I know, I know, you could make that same clever remark about me and this post...)

    edit:/ Adding links...
    [link url= http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-356-2.htm
    ]http://ww w.hardcoreware.net/reviews/revi...[/link]
    [link url=http://www.thegadge tblog.com/2008/11/20/wii-beats-xbox-360-and-ps3-in-power-con sumption-game/
    ]http://ww w.thegadgetblog.com/2008/11/20/...[/link]
    Edited by 1 at 26/11/08 @ 17:42

  • onyxbox #33 3 years ago

    Really, the options are simple: you can get a 360 or a PS3 and still love it a year later (and beyond) or get a Wii and be largely bored of it by February.

    So true.

  • killyourtv #34 3 years ago

    the focus on 'families' is the death of gaming

  • IneptPercy #35 3 years ago

    One thing I don't understand, I am not going to defend the RROD yes it was a huge problem, but with that people make out that if it does happen its the end of the world... In my case I couldn't play PGR4 for a couple of weeks at the time, but its back and has been fine since.

    And a new console now may not get RROD, yes an early console it probably will but the new designs seem to be a lot better. Yes this doesn't mean all new 360's won't break but on the same thing the PS3 isn't immune to failing either.

    What I am getting at is I don't think the RROD is really part of the equation anymore.

    I don't think the Wii is a complete waste of time, but on the flip side if that was my only console I would be bored, but it does have the ocasional great game and it keeps my Nephew quiet when he comes round.

  • Les #36 3 years ago

    "Microsoft reckons the Xbox 360 will benefit from the credit crunch this Christmas, as families opt to stay at home and share affordable, long-lasting entertainment."

    Except for the 'affordable' part (though it's debatable) one would expect people to look for a PS3: lasts longer and throws in a HD movie player... ;)

    Reasoning in time of recession goes two ways: People only buy cheap shit or people buy less but when they buy they go for quality. Truth will probably be somewhere in the middle...

    As far as consoles go, my (rather safe) bet is that they either buy nothing (because they already have a PS2 and Wii) or they buy a Wii.

  • BillyBrush #37 3 years ago

    urban
    26-Nov-08 16:37:54

    fuck the credit crunch its lies



    Well..ask your dad about recessions, they are very real and very much 'teh hardcore' and this is going to be a very bad one indeed...

  • SteveB #38 3 years ago

    According to the Independent, Sony's master strategy is to put the price of the PS3 up ! Genius.

    http://www.inde pendent.co.uk/news/business/news/sony-hikes-prices-as-yen-va lue-soars-1030133.html

  • shotgun44 #39 3 years ago

    I wouldn't say that they were far wrong. Being a poor student I could justify buying a 60GB model at the price I paid! Coupled with the fact that it's a good console (Something that can't be said for the wii) and it has a good selection of exclusive and non-exclusive games, I think it will sell very well this period. If only people educated themselves before blowing 40 quid on a copy of 'SUPER HAPPY PARTY FUN MINI GAMES SELECTION VOL. 14' then all consoles might benefit.

  • seasidebaz #40 3 years ago

    @miiiguel:

    Your comment is slightly wrong. As is the one you were quoting.

    Your life is more at risk with an XBox360. Coming from a family whose only cars were Ladas until I was 16, I can confirm that:

    a) They are built like tanks. If you crash, you feel a slight bump and continue while whatever you hit is completely destroyed. Obliterated, even.
    b) You are unlikely to die from the top speed of 80mph.
    c) They are insanely reliable. Unlike the 360.

    Something else to remember: There is a recession. The DS is cheaper. The DS advertises family play. The DS uses Ronan Keating on its adverts as opposed to people gurning.

    My bet is on the DS continuing its lead over everything else. (Oh, and don't forget the PS2 is also insanely cheap. And has Singstar Disney).

  • shotgun44 #41 3 years ago

    The Littlewoods advert mke it quite clear that you should buy a PS3 as it seems to be the only thing they sell if the advert is anything to go by!

  • Markusdragon #42 3 years ago

    "almost exactly half wanted to bring families together."

    Sadistic.

  • makeamazing #43 3 years ago

    An Xbox is for life, not just for christmas.

    Depends on if it will last past Xmas ;)

    Joking aside, I do see the logic in the statement, but actually people generally would rather get the Wii for a family machine. Doesnt matter that the Xbox is now cheaper, people still want the Wii

  • bonker #44 3 years ago

    "Just under half wanted to buy one present the entire family could enjoy, for example. "

    That'll be a Wii then ...

    Doubtless others have already gone here but punting the 360 as a "family" item is kinda laughable. I can just see Gran and Mom etc huddled around 'enjoying' little Johnny playing the homoerotic-spacemarines-gorefest that is GOW ...

    MS have a point re the pricing, especially vs the PS3 which I imagine is going to have a piss-poor Xmas but that's all they have in their favour (plus the best games of course lol).

  • bonker #45 3 years ago

    "Does anyone else understand this? Anyone? …Bueller? …Beuller? …Beuller? "

    It's "Anyone?..... Anyone?....." actually :)

    He's a political pundit these days you know? I've seen him on TV! :)

  • bonker #46 3 years ago

    "According to the Independent, Sony's master strategy is to put the price of the PS3 up ! Genius. "

    Sony quote: "The precise level of price increases has not yet been agreed, but it is likely that the vast majority of products affected will see increases of less than 33 per cent ..."

    Fuck-me, "less than 33%" eh??!!

    Cheers!!

  • makeamazing #47 3 years ago

    Dont see the PS3 having a price increase.

    @bonker, yes i dont see Sony having a great Xmas....compared to the other two. But i think if MS only sell double the amount I think sony will have done quite well..MS have price cut and spending a bundle on marketting. Be interesting to see the figures, just from a point of view of sales compared to last year etc.

  • Fab4 #48 3 years ago

    Also, cheaper to pay the monkeys fixing the broken ones, too.

    Edit: Remember kids, dont post after a few beers...simple sentences become a chore to type :)
    Edited by 1 at 26/11/08 @ 20:44

  • Dogs-in-Hats #49 3 years ago

    Crunchy Chunch

  • BTBAM #50 3 years ago

    'The console also doubles as a room heater, of course, and perhaps there's enough wireless battery acid for the whole family to wash in.'

    That really tickled me, great comment.

  • don81 #51 3 years ago

    The price of the consoles wil be the same even with the 15% VAT as Shops still charge normal price, but claim and pay less VAT on a product, therefore they get more profit, which is what the chancellor is trying to do! so businesses don't go under, the only way to get us spending is get us to pay less tax! i know i would spend more if i payed less tax!

  • zedzee #52 3 years ago

    @ Vice.Destroyer:

    An XBox is not for life, it's until Microsoft release the next one.

  • zedzee #53 3 years ago

    "Gaming and entertainment consoles like the Xbox 360 are seen as good value, given [that the PS3 is extortionately priced and has sh*te games on it.]"

    I think that's what he REALLY wanted to say!

  • zedzee #54 3 years ago

    @ oreillymj:

    I'm sorry to disagree but the XBox 360 is simply not as reliable as a Lada.

  • drumbaby #55 3 years ago

    Any financial crisis that forces you to buy cheap shitty alternatives can't be bad...right?

  • DFawkes #56 3 years ago

    'The console also doubles as a room heater, of course, and perhaps there's enough wireless battery acid for the whole family to wash in.'

    Wouldn't advise the acid bath since it's bad for the complection, but the rooom heater one is good. My bedroom is usually freezing, but at 13 Celcius, an hours usage of a 360 raised it to 18, with an extra degree after another hour (19 was the maximum). My PS3 manages about 15 after an hour, but never rises. I'm not sure what that proves, but... I'll buy a 360, for some reason.

  • septimus #57 3 years ago

    I'm glad peoples financial suffering is helping you MS. Especially as you are so broke yourselves. Oh wait...?

  • Eighthours #58 3 years ago

    The console also doubles as a room heater, of course

    :) :) :)

  • Toadie48 #59 3 years ago

    Death to the PS3 this christmas.

  • SilentScream #60 3 years ago

    Oh, Toadie48..

    We were doing so well without the stupid remarks..

    Until you came with that comment..

    Please, just... grow up!

    Get your mother to stop you from mindlessly slapping the keyboard like a monkey and posting such irrelevance (to the thread).
    Edited by 1 at 27/11/08 @ 15:04