Microsoft Hints At X360 Pricing Structure Through PD0 Announcement

Following on the company's successful releases of limited editions for Halo 2 and Jade Empire, Microsoft has announced that Perfect Dark Zero will also receive the limited-edition treatment for its release in the Xbox 360's launch window. The limited edition of the title will feature the main game on disc one, and a bonus disc containing a video feature on the Art of Perfect Dark Zero, an exclusive dance track by DJ Kepi & Kat, special PD0 images for use on players' Xbox Live Gamer Cards, a custom PD0 theme for the Xbox 360 Guide, the first chapter of tie-in novel Perfect Dark: Initial Vector, and a bonus comic book that sets up the game's story. The LE will be priced at $59.99, which points to a possible trend in overall Xbox 360 software pricing. This is the first time that Microsoft has officially confirmed that the regular edition of the game is set for $49.99, a price online retailer EB Games lists for all of Microsoft's first-party titles. Third-party games, on the other hand, are expected to sell for $59.99 each. The setup is similar to Sony's current price scheme for PlayStation 2 games; Sony's own games typically sell for $39.99 (with some big-name exceptions such as God of War) while third-party games PlayStation 2 go for $49.99. However, the higher $59.99 standard price point for Xbox 360 games could influence the system's performance at retail this holiday season, and if successful, could point toward a general raised figure across the industry for all non-first-party titles.