Microsoft Chop Xbox Price News

After much speculation, Microsoft today officially announced a price reduction for the Xbox in the United States.

As of March 30th 2004, the Xbox will be slashed to $149.99 (£82) from $179.99 (£99); whilst similar moves have been made across the continent, with Canada seeing a drop to $199.99 (£83) and Mexico reduced to $1,999 (£99).

In addition, Microsoft confirmed that several titles will also see a price reduction, including the likes of Xbox Music Mixer, Grabbed by the Ghoulies and VooDoo Vince to $19.99 and Project Gotham Racing 2, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Counter-Strike for $29.99.

"We have always been committed to providing gamers with the best entertainment experience available," said Mitch Koch, corporate vice president of Microsoft worldwide retail sales. "At this lower mass market price point, we're opening up this great system to an even broader audience of people who can experience Xbox for the first time."

Sony representatives have confirmed that they do not intend to follow Microsoft into a price war, however that naturally depends on the success of Microsoftâ??s first move.