Microsoft Cuts Xbox 360 Price In Japan

Officials from Microsoft Japan have announced a 13 percent price cut for the 360, with the premium version dropping from ¥39,795 ($348) to ¥34,800 ($304). The Core version of the console, without a hard drive, will drop from ¥29,800 ($261) to ¥27,800 ($243). Announced on the official Japanese website, and translated by an Associated Press report, a new bundle has also been created for the Premium model. The new Value Pack adds Viva Piñata and Forza Motorsport 2 but includes a component rather than HDMI cable. Although Xbox 360 sales have lagged behind both the Wii and PlayStation 3 in Japan, since launch the release of Halo 3 has seen hardware sales increase in recent weeks. Although a more than threefold increase in sales has still failed to see the console outsell the PlayStation 3, sales have continued to rise after Halo 3’s release, with stock even become sold out for a brief time.