Hasta La Gadget!

This one’s still a long ways from actually panning out, but Fudzilla is reporting that Microsoft could be about to phase out its standard Xbox 360 Elite console and instead fill out the top end of the scale with limited edition models like the recent Resident Evil 5 bundle. According to the site’s unnamed sources, Microsoft would get the transition started by simply letting inventory dry up beginning sometime in the second quarter of this year, during which time it would apparently limit sales of the console to North America and Europe. Then, once those have all been moved off the shelves, Microsoft would supposedly shift its attention to new, potentially even pricier, limited edition consoles, which themselves could well be limited to select retailers. In other Xbox 360 news, Fudzilla also says that Microsoft could soon be offering a new standalone hard drive that’s bigger than the 120GB drive now found in the Elite, although there’s no indication as to exactly how much bigger.

[Via Joystiq]

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Xbox 360 Elite being phased out in favor of limited edition models? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New 360 SKUs always seem to land on Target shelves a bit early, and the new Resident Evil 5 red Xbox 360 Elite limited edition is no exception — there it is, hanging out in Pembroke Pines, Florida. We don’t know if these are just out behind the counter or if the staff is just ignoring that DO NOT SELL BEFORE 3.13.09 sticker, but we’re certain some kind soul will let us know soon.

[Thanks, Morgan]

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Red Xbox 360 Resident Evil Limited Edition spotted in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony announced a landmark this week for its PlayStation Network: 20 million users worldwide, as of February 20. According to the presser, that breaks down to 5 million in the first 14 months of service, 5 million more 8 months later, and an additional 10 million the 7 months after that. There’s quite a few caveats to consider here, as that includes PSP and PS3 users as well as anyone who wishes to use the official PS forums, whether or not they own one of the aforementioned consoles.

However, more interesting to us is a note about the service generating $180 million life to date in revenue. It’s a stark contrast to Xbox Live‘s reported $1 billion revenue since its 2002 launch, as of E3 2009. Based on figures from leaked to Seattle P-I this week, which said XBL had 10 million subscribers worldwide and a 56 percent Gold subscriptions rate in February 2008, we can do some fuzzy math. Assuming those Gold members paid the $50 annual subscription — or $4.16 monthly, the cheapest per month option — that amounts to $23.3 million for the month, not accounting for discounts or free Gold trials. Presuming no subscription growth for sake of argument — we know it’s growing — that’s $280 million annually, well over PSN’s life to date revenues. Say what you will about mean ol’ Microsoft charging for online play, the numbers seem to go in its favor.

[Via Joystiq]

Read – Leaked XBL data
Read – Comparing XBL vs. PSN
Read – Sony press release

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PlayStation Network snags 20M users, Xbox Live still way more profitable originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 18:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looks like that red Resident Evil 5 Xbox 360 bundle wasn’t just some tripped out figment of your imagination. Just moments ago, the package popped up for Xbox Live subscribers, detailing a handsome red Xbox 360 Elite with a 120GB hard drive, Resident Evil 5, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, and a few other odds and ends (like a handful of cables). There’s an indication that you can pre-order the kit, but at this point, we’re not aware of any place to follow through. We’ll keep our eyes peeled, of course.

Update: According to the German press release we just received, the limited edition bundle will hit Europe on March 13th for €299 — likely $399 Stateside. Gallery updated with official press pictures.

Update 2: Boom! Pre-order at Best Buy for $399. [Thanks, Ivan]

Continue reading Red ‘Resident Evil 5’ Xbox 360 unveiled! (updated)

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Red ‘Resident Evil 5’ Xbox 360 unveiled! (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is this for reals? If so… yay! If the above screenshot of a Toys R Us terminal is to be believed, there might be a new, red Xbox 360 Elite on its way to a shelf near you. Details beyond the SKU are pretty scant, but the price is the same as the current Xbox 360 Elite model — $399. We know a certain, fashion-conscious avatar who is going to be really excited if this is true.

[Via Joystiq]

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Totally rad, red Xbox 360 spied in Toys R Us fine print originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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