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MS: credit crunch will help Xbox 360 News

Xbox 360 News by Robert Purchese

26 November, 2008

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."

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Comments: 1-50 of 64 in total | next 50 »

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Vice.Destroyer
26/11/08 @ 15:59
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An Xbox is for life, not just for christmas.
stevethemeat
26/11/08 @ 16:01
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Its not good value for money when you consider that the cell can power a small country on its own
andijames
26/11/08 @ 16:03
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What do you ACTUALLY get in the box for £130?
Ihya
26/11/08 @ 16:04
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Shame the wii will steamroll this particular train of logic...
kangarootoo
26/11/08 @ 16:05
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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
26/11/08 @ 16:05
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Well knock the sodding 120GB HDD down in price! Missed out on Comet selling them for £60!
the_dudefather
26/11/08 @ 16:06
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@Ihya

except that the wii is more expensive, especially with mandatory Christmas time 'special offer' bundles
autogunner
26/11/08 @ 16:06
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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
26/11/08 @ 16:07
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It might be selling moe than them on the console ratio but I doubt it is the same on the game ratio.
EzyRyder
26/11/08 @ 16:08
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Also, I bought a Xbox 360 60Gb with Dead Space + LEGO Indiana + Kung Fu Panda + Extra Wireless Controller for £169.99 :) Bargain I say!
kelly's_h
26/11/08 @ 16:08
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I have exactly one memory of "family gaming". It was when my dad got extremely pissed of by not being able to land the plane in Top Gun on the nes.
Xerx3s
26/11/08 @ 16:09
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/facepalm
Kyledanutmeg
26/11/08 @ 16:10
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lmao hold on long lasting was that a joke yea ok then lol omg
designerheadache
26/11/08 @ 16:18
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bla bla bla non of the MS spin about how great value for money the 360 is matters.

The reason this and the Wii sells, is because they actually bother to advertise the damn things to us.

Ask yourself this question, when was the last time you ACTUALLY saw a Sony PS3 advert on mainstream telly?
mingster
26/11/08 @ 16:25
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I saw a PSP ad yesterday which freaked me out
Widge
26/11/08 @ 16:25
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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
26/11/08 @ 16:26
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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://englishrussia.com/images/submitte...
Petulant_Radish
26/11/08 @ 16:31
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“lmao hold on long lasting was that a joke yea ok then lol omg”

Does anyone else understand this? Anyone? …Bueller? …Beuller? …Beuller?
Madafunkola
26/11/08 @ 16:33
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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
26/11/08 @ 16:35
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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
26/11/08 @ 16:37
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fuck the credit crunch its lies
IneptPercy
26/11/08 @ 16:38
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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
26/11/08 @ 16:38
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"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
26/11/08 @ 16:41
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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
26/11/08 @ 16:43
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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
26/11/08 @ 16:50
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Official: Microsoft deliberately caused credit crunch
miiiguel
26/11/08 @ 16:55
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"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
26/11/08 @ 16:55
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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
26/11/08 @ 16:57
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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
26/11/08 @ 17:00
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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
26/11/08 @ 17:09
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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
26/11/08 @ 17:21
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@ Petulant Radish yea ill explain the 360 is not long lasting it breaks for almost every 1 understand now
Derblington
26/11/08 @ 17:23
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"An Xbox is for life, not just for christmas."

Irony, I like it :)
cyber_nicco
26/11/08 @ 17:30
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"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...
http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/revi...
http://www.thegadgetblog.com/2008/11/20/...
Edited 1 times, most recently on 26/11/08 @ 17:42
onyxbox
26/11/08 @ 17:31
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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
26/11/08 @ 17:33
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the focus on 'families' is the death of gaming
IneptPercy
26/11/08 @ 17:37
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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
26/11/08 @ 17:37
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"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
26/11/08 @ 18:25
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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
26/11/08 @ 18:25
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According to the Independent, Sony's master strategy is to put the price of the PS3 up ! Genius.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/sony-hikes-prices-as-yen-value-soars-1030133.html

shotgun44
26/11/08 @ 19:01
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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
26/11/08 @ 19:03
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@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
26/11/08 @ 19:04
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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!
trebell
26/11/08 @ 19:07
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"This pre-supposes people would have otherwise spent money on a more expensive console. A tacit way of suggesting the Ps3 is the more desirable console to the masses, but they will be forced to make do with the cheaper XBOX? "

fuck me, there's some serious spin right there. are you getting paid for that cause you should be.
Markusdragon
26/11/08 @ 19:09
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"almost exactly half wanted to bring families together."

Sadistic.
makeamazing
26/11/08 @ 19:19
#46
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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
26/11/08 @ 20:07
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"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
26/11/08 @ 20:10
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"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! :)
Kirly_Wombat
26/11/08 @ 20:11
#49
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MS thinks that people will be any more sensible with thier money this year? I dont see it really. Youll still have people maxing out credit cards to buy 20 kinds of crap they dont need. Thats what xmas has turned into now.
bonker
26/11/08 @ 20:15
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"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!!

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