Effective March 30, Microsoft's Xbox video game system will be available for USD 149.99 in the United States and CD 199.99 in Canada, representing a significant savings of D 30 for consumers in both regions. In addition, Microsoft will reduce the price of the Xbox console in Mexico to 1,999 pesos, which translates to a consumer savings of 500 pesos or roughly USD 45.
Microsoft went one step further in broadening the appeal of Xbox by also lowering the price of several popular software hits. Xbox Music Mixer, a product that broadens the system's audience with karaoke features, an interactive media player and PC-to-Xbox connectivity functionality, taking the console video game experience beyond gaming, will be available for USD 19.99 effective March 30. In addition, Project Gotham Racing 2, Crimson Skies : High Road to Revenge and Counter Strike will be available starting tomorrow for USD 29.99, while Voodoo Vince and Grabbed by the Ghoulies are available today for USD 19.99.
Not to be outdone, Microsoft's Platinum Hits program has added branches to its family tree with the launch of Platinum Family Hits earlier this month. The Platinum Family Hits program, targets a more family-oriented audience. The inaugural titles, available for USD 19.99, include Finding Nemo (THQ Inc.), based on the Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Electronic Arts Inc.). Several qualifying E-rated titles will be added to the Platinum Family Hits product line each calendar year.
Microsoft also announced some interesting February sales figures. So in the U.S. in February, according to recently released data from NPD Funworld, Xbox console sales grew 2 per cent year over year, while Playstation 2 declined 29 per cent and GameCube declined 18 per cent.
