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Microsoft has announced that its next generation gaming console, the Xbox 360, will be shipping in two versions when it goes on sale this Christmas.

The basic version of the Xbox 360 will cost $299 (£209), but will be lacking various value-added features which come with the more expensive pack.

For gamers who want a more fully featured system, the more expensive bundle, costing $399 (£279), will include a 20GB detachable hard-drive, a wireless controller, a headset, a remote control, an additional faceplate and an HD-ready AV cable.

The price of the basic package is pretty much what analysts had expected it to be at around the $300 mark, although many gamers will no doubt be keen to spend the extra money on the higher end edition. At that price point, this may relive the pressure on Sony who have promised that their next generation console, the PS3, is going to be pretty expensive.

Robbie Bach, chief Xbox officer for Microsoft, had the following to say about the new console:

"The sheer entertainment value of Xbox 360 cannot be overstated. While the system has the muscle to power awe-inspiring graphics, audio and online play, it's also got the intelligence to serve as a one-of-a-kind entertainment device that plays CDs, DVDs, MP3s and digital content from an array of devices, including portable music players and digital cameras."

No firm shipping date has been set by Microsoft for this console, but expect to see it this side of Christmas.

[url=\"http://itvibe.com/news/3696/\"][Source][/url]

That's a lot..... wow. I hate how everyone at school complains how they're poor yet they get all of these brand new gaming systems once their released and they brag about having them. :\

I think MS are doing a very clever thing offering a low-ended model, so to speak, and with only $99 more for so much extra, I think they'll make a killing.

Well I think all companies that make consoles should put their prices at < $100 because i want them and I can't afford them /blum.gif\' class=\'bbc_emoticon\' alt=\':P\' /> Rofl

Lol; Better start a lemonade stand now. I seem to think that MS really are aiming for the $399 version to do better then the low-ended model, I can imagine now that all the extras given with the $399 model will all have a total cost of more then $100, just to make it so consumers *should* get the high-ended model.