What Does the $99 Pay-As-You-Go Xbox Say About Microsoft?
Do you like the Roku or Apple TV? Leviathyn.com's Jason Fanelli looks at the brand new Xbox 360 that comes with a two-year Xbox Live payment system. Is this the right direction for Microsoft's gaming console?
(Microsoft, Xbox 360)
MS knows the average Idiot is too stupid to do math so they will think its a great deal. They will even validify this by saying its like financing an xbox so the 15$ monthly payments wont hurt them that much.
they also forget that its only a 4gb system, So imagine.
what idiot would buy this over the norm 300$ version? or a ps3? especially sionce the ps3 has free online and yadda yadda.
and i mean kinect isn't even good, people are starting to realize that now and i dont think they are as stupid as they once were.
"They will even validify this by saying its like financing an xbox so the 15$ monthly payments wont hurt them that much."
Exactly. Now where have I heard that before.....oh yeah, "it's only $4 a month to play games online on Xbox, if you can't afford that then you need a new hobby".
All I see above me are people trying to tell other people how they should spend their own money. Isn't it sort of up to the person buying said items to determine if it's worth their money?
only a sucker would say its only 4 bucks a month. what kind of person says that? DO U REALLY PAY 4$ A MONTH? no u pay 60 at a time, saying its 4 bucks a month is just sugar coating ur failure of Financial comprehension.
that 50$ steak and Lobster I had last night is 4$ a month, am i going to start turning every single payment into monthly payment excuses? if you are smart then Live is 12 bucks a month as sold in the stores, if you are smart then you know its stupid to segregate prices like you do.
If i take the 60$ a year that Xbox has been out thats 360$ thats 6 brand new games in my library, thats a ps3 and a game, thats a computer, a car payment, an extra set of clothes. its not about whether or not you can afford it, its about being the moth that gladly goes into the fire without question and with extreme loyalty.
I cant believe some people try to justify this.
Im not telling people how to spend their money, im telling people their are better ways to do it.
if your gonna get live get them on ebay, wait for sales, but people who fall for this 460$ bundle without a harddrive are just laughable. And these people say the Vita is too expensive or the ps3 was too expensive at launch -_____-
You're all getting ripped off I get my gold for 1$ a month thank you dashboard deals. (how bout not renewing it immediately also it has the ability to turn off auto renew)
Sony offers financing on a lot of their TVs and other electronic devices. Are they "evil" for giving buyers the choice?
Financing is an option. It *always* adds up to a higher end price, but some people prefer it anyways, and it's not like you won't still be able to buy the product outright if you want.
The only surprising aspect about this is that it hasn't happened sooner.
Would you please stop pointing out the truth about things. If they believe things should be free they can. And if people don't have the money for a console up front then screw them. They should just get a PS3.
This is just a pay as you go plan like most companies have...they usually end up more expensive. Its not like they are removing the straight purchase completely and making people do the payment method. Some people would rather go with a pay as you go method because its less of a hit on their bank account all at once...honestly its just another option for consumers.
This deal clearly isn't for you or me, however some people prefer the subsidized model. Imagine if you had to shell out $700 every time you wanted a new phone and the subsidized model didn't exist. There is a market out there for this kind of deal.
Compare this to Rent-a-Center and the total cost isn't so exaggerated. Rip off that it is, the MS deal is much much better.
4GBs? That's only big enough for like 1 game or 3 demos, LOL I hope gaming doesn't turn into a bunch of cell phone plans thanks to these people.
Seriously, leave your fanboyism behind and stop defending these business practices because they'll end up affecting ALL of us eventually. Look at DLC. They're spamming that sh*t so much lately and it's only geting worse.... thanks to these people.
I see no problem with financing as an option to those who struggle to lay out the cash in one sitting. It's their choice. I did it when I wanted a new PC, I also took a short term loan to help buy a car once. I see this as no different... After all it's not the only option, it's just ONE option consumers have.
The thing is they get you on live for 2 years at there monthly rate. Its a genius plan by MS and not only that while your on it for 2 years your unlikely to buy the competitors console. Its like in UK you got an 18 month Virgin subscription your not gonna go out and get SKY too are you? It is clever even if it is a ripoff as you are paying the monthly fee for live not the yearly fee.
Plus they still lose a bit of money on consoles and make it back on live. This certifies they get that money back.
Yeah it is up to the individual to spend his/her money in any means they see fit although the real issue is MS trying to cloak a deal that is clearly uneconomical to the people who may consider purchasing it.
All we are doing is warning the people who may not see this.
If you saw some one about to buy something you knew was cheaper down the road would you not tell him/her?.
Or would you let them spend there money how they wanted and rip them self`s off at a bad purchase?.
@ BI0RAPTOR "All we are doing is warning the people who may not see this". it's obvious that you and the rest of the bunch really think people are stupid and you guys are the smartest people in the world, if you think they need you to warn them on how to spend their money and what they need to spend it on.
No one has ask you for anything. so the need to warn people wasn't needed or asked for. only people bitching about this is the same bunch that bitches and moan about everything MS. people are cpable of thinking for themselve and have never needed advise from anyone on this or any site when it comes to their purchase. just like I'm sure no one made the decission for you and your purchases.
point I'm making is. if people see this as a good deal. they will jump on it. doesn't make them idiots,dumb, or brainwashed because they like something you don't.
so keep you warnings for someone who actually ask you and the rest of the MS haters on this site.
This is a very odd direction MS has taken to close out this generation of "gaming". They appear now to be going full blown multimedia, casual gaming and to rely heavily on 3rd party support. They have next to no exclusive support left for core gaming audience.
I don't think this bodes well for them going into the next generation as mainly a console that will be supported primarily by multiplat titles and a multimedia format. There is more competition as a multimedia unit than there is in the console gaming industry. Nearly every new display, smart phone, tablets, etc, being built today offers a plethora of multimedia applications.
Plus MS wants to charge people every step of the way and at a higher price than most others.
Sorry but I am not a fan of the direction they are headed and unless they are going to support the people that brought them to the dance I will find a new place to get my groove on.
Edit: Disagree in less than a minute? Tell me what I said that is inaccurate. I would love to hear it. You honestly think Kinect and their top 3 franchise titles is enough to carry them into another generation of gaming without new first party support? Please, I'm all ears. Let me hear your rebuttal.
MS has less 1st party support now than when they entered the gaming industry. <- This is a good thing, really?
I admire them as a business. They're always taking the initiative when they invest in the gaming industry. You say it's a ripoff but that's up to the buyer to justify whether they're getting their money's worth.
Marketers know how to target the average idiot. they use psychology and passed trends to make predictions, take marketing or advertising class as well as psychology or mass culture, heck even some common sense and you would see the marketers design bundles like this to penetrate the un-thinking majority
Agreed! I think Sony should offer this as an option too. There are literally houndreds of shops that offer financing like this so I don't see anything wrong or different just because this is MS. I don't understand why anyone should. It's just a regular pay-more-in-the-end-but-get-ea sier-access practice that's been around for decades.
The only thing I find a little "offending" is that this deal is available only with 2 years of xbl gold. Why can't they simply offer this deal for the console only without the live costs? With this deal you pay the absolute full price of 60 dollars per year for live so this is a small hand over fist move really. Otherwise there is nothing wrong with this option.
grrreeeaaatttt...............-_- this is what MS has been wanting to do, and this is just a test pig. If this works the next xbox will come with a subscription, just like cell phones!!!! I have never had any issues with paying for LIVE (when i had my xbox 360), if you use it and enjoy it THAT'S WHAT MADERS. But this....i will not buy.
You are aware than you can buy mobile phones unlocked and with no subscription, right?
The subscription option is only relevant for people who don't wish to pay for the phone in advance, and obviously it costs more over time. But you still have both options, so what's the problem with that?
For people that buy into the rip-off and say it doesn't affect anyone else, if this sells how long will it be before the other big 2 do it, thus affecting the rest of us?
Look at when DLC 1st started happening early this gen. Look at the subscription MS introduced, Sony said 'I can't ppl are buying into this?!' Next thing Playstation Plus happens.
I could go on, point is if you buy into things like this, you hurt yourself now, the rest of us shortly after.
Would you say it is a rip off for a serious gamer who is so eager to play, say,Call of Duty just moved out on his/her own and is on the strictest of budgets and his "happy" release is gaming? Half the cash up front, slow pay for a bit and he gets the enjoyment of playing MONTHS earlier.
I know a few players similar to that right now. People who eat ramen noodles multiple times a day to save for the next game they want in an attempt to play when the game is still hot and with friends.
People use rent a center
People pay high interest rates to get that nicer care
People pay for rings to wed the women they love that they can't afford
And
People go to extremes to be happy.
Let's not hinder it because many either don't like MS or the direction that gaming is going. I know it isn't for me, but don't tread on peeps happy times!
Why would any sane intelligent person let their friend go to Rent-a-Center? Saying "let them be happy" while you watch them waste money makes you a horrible friend.
It's shit like this that made me pass on buying a 360 I got one eventually, free through a friend, and I do enjoy it, but I HATE the fact that they nickle & dime people on accessories mostly, and now this.
And it's worse for me since I work at Best Buy and have to see this every day. Luckily enough, it does make it easier to pitch other products so I'll give them that
I think this is actually a great deal. Who cares if it's $50 or $60 bucks more in the long run? You get to take home an excellent console, and Kinect for only $99 up front and then pay the rest off over two years while getting XBL that entire time. This makes complete sense for people on fixed incomes like students who might find coughing up $460 all at once for a game system a bit steep. And so you pay a slight bit more for that convenience. Is that really a deal breaker? People are making too much out of this. I think it's a great deal and a smart move by Microsoft.
I agree. $60 over two years equals an extra 15% (compared to the $400 total cost of buying each item separately). That's a lot less than you'd pay in interest with most credit cards.
Agreed. Its the same way I pay my car tax. Slightly more than paying full whack once off but in the end I have more cash in my pockets month to month. Its nice to have options.
Paying an extra 15% over two years is a rip-off with a capital R? Really? Most credit cards charge around 20% interest per year. I'd like to hear your opinion about a person who buys a PS3 with a Sony credit card. That person will spend more in interest than a person who gets this 360 deal.
Also, the idea that MS uses money to buy timed DLC instead of new IP's is just fanboy drivel. The same could be said of any company. I can just as easily look at something that another company produces that I don't care about and say "They should have used that money to produce (insert whatever here) instead".
They are smart that's what it means. It's a genius move to try to get those impulse buyers when they see they have two options to pay $300 plus or pay $15 now sure it's monthly but still most will chose $15 a month if they are tight in money it doesn't mean it's a media device now like you are saying. You are still able to play games and do everything it's like your renting a console.
It's smart they will make more money in the long run but customers think it's cheaper. So I think it's a great idea it will be very interesting to see how it does.
Cell companies do it it's cheaper to buy an unlocked phone and just go with the carrier that has the cheapest plan but most don't they just see it's cheaper to get a phone with a year or two year contract sometimes it's free but it's actually more expensive in the long run but they don't care not everyone has $500 plus to spend at that exact moment to buy an unlocked phone and it's worked for them so why not it's good for the industry to find ways to make more money.
It's obviously not a rip off since no one is forcing you to buy anything you still have the option to buy it not rent it It's about convenience. It's up to each individual to be intelligent enough to make a smart decision. But realize not everyone has $300 plus to spend at that moment when deciding but to pay $15 right away sounds pretty good and that is what this deal is all about.
Just imagine a kid wants an Xbox 360 and goes to tell his dad he wants one and it's $300 you think they are going to buy it?? But tell them you have to pay only $15 a month that sounds pretty appealing doesn't it people in here saying it's stupid just need common sense and some logic.
It's 100% the cell phone model and genius... And before everyone gets there poop all backed up about MS changing direction... Please don't forget that from Day 1 MS has always stated they wanted the 360 to be the center of the living room media experience. This is also very similar to the Sony charge card offering where they knocked off $150 if you opened a credit card and charged the system to it. Sure you might pay off the card instantly but most people would let that payment slide and most important use the card in the future and end up paying interest.
It's a good idea, and I don't think it is a ripoff (even though, personally, I've never ever though a Gold XBL subscription was "worth it"). People need to remember that underneath it all, MICROSOFT IS AN ADVERTISING COMPANY! They thrive on advertising. Their products have never, ever, ever, ever, ever been the best value or the best quality, but they excel at advertising and using media outlets to make their stuff look good.
Customers win. Microsoft wins. People get a system for 100 bucks and then they can spend their leftover money on actual games. Games? Isn't that what game consoles are all about?
Heck, I know it's "evil". I know that Microsoft is testing the waters so that they can do this with the Xbox720 (just you wait: it launches at $450 up front or $300 with a 2-year contract). Just like cell phones. Just like Kindle, Nook, etc.
Whatever. I have the consoles I want from this gen. I have no issue with latecomers being able to enjoy a great console. Why gripe?
so microsoft is finding another way to get the xbox into people hands who might find this way more beneficial to the, then paying outright for the whole package, its a option that doesn't affect you so whats the big deal.
if someone cant afford the 400 plus bucks right now then this might be more feasible for that said individual, this really should not concern us that already own the 360 or plan on buying it outright.
exactly, as long as this model isnt mandatory i do not see why everyone is so upset about this.
Especially considering how many people here have cell phones.
yes it costs more, but is it a rip off? Its cheaper than using credit isnt it?
if a low income household finds this the perfect way to purchase this item all the disagrees are going to deny them?
Ill save money buy buying my systems outright, just like i pay my car insurance for whole year up front, just like I pay for my gym membership for entire year up front, etc. at the same time I wont bash the options to pay monthly.
Or they know the economy is in the shitter and people cant afford new consoles. This gives most people a way to buy their kids a 360 without having to trample people on black friday. Payment plans are big today, most others charge at least a hundred dollar premium so this isnt bad at all.
I do think if money is that tight you shouldnt be buying games but people like my parents made many sacrifices so me and my bro could have the new nike's and a snes and later n64 and ps2. Parents dont want their kids to feel left out or made fun of. Some of you might not understand that but it means the world to parents to make their children happy.
Yes the shitter economy in which over 100 million people can afford $500+ ipads, iphones, $1200+ macs, etc... Yet a $1000 gaming laptop/pc or $250 vita/ps3/xbox 360 is too expensive.
Ummmm Iphone uses this same exact model. Its pretty much what gave MS the idea im sure.
Ipad different story, but it has much less household penetration.
also dont underestimate the power of credit cards to push people into making irresponsible purchases. if Ipad had this option more would be sold im sure.
I think it would be pretty decent deal for those who don't wanna pay full price (day 1), but only if they swapped that useless kinnect camera for basic hard drive
The Kinect inclusion makes sense in that this system is seemingly catered to the casual market, and I'd like to think that intended audience would be more interested in Kinect than more space.
However, I agree that the choice to swap for a 250gb hard drive should at least be there. That way, even hardcore gamers who need a new system or haven't gotten one yet can get one at a reasonable price. It would make the package seem more all-inclusive, ya know?
Damn, I should have included this in the piece! Good stuff man.
Media streaming is all that any of these companies care about anymore, soon enough the gaming will become second altogether and the gaming industry will suffer for it.
I guess being a gaming console precludes you from being able to go after streaming markets as well? Its not like MS is dropping buying 360 for $199, $299, and $399 with various configurations with and without kinect.
They simply providing another way to buy their system that competes in a different market segment.
No, but doing this instead of making deals to secure exclusive games for your core gamer base is indicative of where your priorities lie. And this is the first generation in which a gaming company blatantly going after their bottom line instead of getting the money by giving people worthwhile gaming experiences is supported by the people who are being targeted.
Oh please. Show me proof that MS had a choice of doing the $99 deal or securing more exclusive games.
Once again, the only people who complain about a lack of core games (including exclusives) are the delusional fans of other consoles who just want to troll and bash MS repeatedly, regardless of what they do.
Most of the people who actually own 360's are very happy with the worthwhile gaming experiences MS and other companies provide for the console. Die-hard supporters of other consoles simply hate the fact that the 360 is so successful, and has so many great games, so they constantly regurgitate the same lies over and over.
Who said MS is re-directing money from exclusives to do this deal? When I do the math it looks like MS makes more money by selling a 360 for $99 and $15 / month Live subscription over 2 years...
MS has three console exclusives above 85% on Metacritic this year... Witcher 2, Trials Evolution, and Fez. Sony has only two. MLB12 and Journey. So 360 owners don't have much reason to complain.
wow, people just don't seem to look at the bigger picture here... it's all about perspective. $99 bucks is a steal if your current 360 craps out or the kinect even. any 360 that's out of warranty will cost that much if not more to repair it not to mention that kinect still sells for $150, so now you can get one of these $99 dollar deals and save yourself a few dollars...
and come on people; it's not like they are forcing you to pay 15 bucks a month. you can still play games without going online can't you?... I'm sure there are those that will say "that's no fun" but i remember a time when gameing systems couldn't go online at all and they were STILL fun...those that can't have fun without online play are simply spoiled brats.
From reading the kotaku article about this, but yes they are forcing you to pay the $15 a month. You have to sign a contract to get this deal.. And if you want to get out of the deal you'll be charged a cancelation fee like you would if you were to break your cell phone contract
well i only read this article which didn't point that out clearly but if that's the case then it's a horrible deal. Why call it pay-as-you-go if i don't want to "go" anymore??. this would have worked for someone like me that barely plays online. not to mention i don't subscribe to hulu, hbogo, or netflix, ah well...guess i'll just fix it myself if i have to.
The funny thing is that people seem to think this is another evil plan from microsoft, while paying more for something with small monthly payment has always existed. It sure doesn't sound really different from getting a new phone with a subscription or even getting a TV with a monthly payment.
It seems quite naive to expect the monthly payments to add up to exactly the same price as what you would pay if you bought it the regular way.
While I agree that nobody should really wish for the failure of something/someone, I can't help but believe that YOU (according to your commeny history) would be perfectly content with wanting Sony to fail.
Isn't this basically what Tivo does. Charging a small price up front with a service contract instead of having people pay for the hardware completely at the start. Yes it's like rent to own and you have to pay more, but more people can jump in on the tech. It worked for Tivo!
I actually expected to see this business model used on the next gen consoles. But with a twist. You could get the console with service contract from your cable company. Game system, internet device, and cable box all in one unit. Yea it would cost more in the long run, but if the unit fails, the cable company replaces for free. And if the coax cable goes directly to the unit, no modem or router needed. That could help reduce on line lag from idiots who can't set up a router correctly.
How is this a rip-off? $15 per month, but you also get a few subscription based services for free. Normally, you would have to pay for those, but you won't with this deal, so in a way it could be cheaper.
This deal is for those who do more than play video games on the 360, if that is not you, then please be quiet.
Its just a different business model. This is MS testing out the waters for something new. Not to mention getting more kinects out in the world, and pushing their brand deeper in to the industry. Sure as gamers we know as a deal this isnt really good but thats because we have committed our selves differently to gaming. There is a bigger market that hasnt.
I'm not sure where this will lead but if anything its just an experiment. Then next gen everybody will be crying fowl when MS sells 40 million system in the first year as replacement for the cable box. They are just trying to out pace the competition.
Just the thought Microsoft is asking for more money is shooting themself in the foot. and making it a obvious choice to go with Sony ps3 system and free psn. with Sony showing droppin NEW titles for e3. the last thing microsoft need to do is speak of more $ unless they are talkin about a price drop for the xbox 360.
That would be true, but unfortunately the mass population in general are idiots that can't take 2 seconds to look at the bigger picture.
If people weren't so stupid and they actually did their research when buying a new console and weighed up all the facts of both the 360 and PS3, I guarantee that a lot more PS3s would have been sold.
MS know people are idiots and are easy to trick. Why do you think so many people buy ipads and iphones when there's far better products out there that are also cheaper?
This is the way it's always going to be. It should be enough to have a huge amount of quality, varied exclusives, but it's not.
this is a great deal for those who dont want to outlay $400 on a console straight away. yes, EVERYONE knows that you end up paying a bit more when you buy things on a 'payment plan' - but that is usually outweighed by the fact that you get the thing NOW instead of in 1-2 years time when you could afford it at full price.
its basically a loan to get an xbox - youre just paying interest to get it now instead of when you could afford it without the loan.
but hey, you $ony fanboys wouldnt understand this on account of most of you still being in high school so you dont understand how the real world works.
^this... is a pathetic fanboyish statement. It's quite disgusting (especially with their name LOL), but hey.. it's N4G. Also, they ask why people are in debt (hmm)
It says they are trying to help get their product and services to those who can't afford the upfront cost of the 360 and Kinect.
This is good for the tight budget people who don't want to wait many months or years to save up the money to buy it straight up. So they pay a fragment of the cost and a small monthly payment.
Same shit everywhere. People. If consumers had UP FRONT MONEY all the time payment plans...wouldn't exist. Now you tell me what payment plan...doesn't make companies profit??
$99...and a few dollars per month to get your GAME ON.
Rent a Center will have you paying up to $600 before you own an Xbox that you rented.
This package is clearly not aimed at a single person here - core gamers...its aimed at those markets where a $300 to $400 one time purchase is not affordable. I'd love to know how many people here actually juggle a monthly budget. Those families who would love to own a console but can't afford to lose $400 in one month? A different option? A subscription based console? The INTENDED market will lap it up and it will make sure their budget isn't affected too much. Call Microsoft what you want, but they are SO good at business.
To anyone who balks at this, remember that this is akin to how cell phones are. You can either buy the hardware upfront and pay when you want on XBL or do it in increments. Even though it looks like it's $40 more, there is the inclusion of a two year warranty that is in effect for the duration of the contract. I'm sure that this will attract some people who find it to expensive to get a 360 or PS3 outright. Anyhoo, how does this differ in price from the person going to Rent a Center or Fingerhut to finance the system?
This is Microsoft paying attention to ios and droid markets and going the same route. It's been working for them, why not Microsoft?
IMO it's a smarter business model to have these types of devices directly sub. by services than to sell them at full price. It's just better business. Plus it puts Microsoft in a better position to combat the oncoming apple/google threat.
Like it or not, I predict this model will at least match, and then eventually fully replace, the current one. Not long till we get a free system with enhanced service.
Your move Sony!
Edit- If Sony doesn't offer a similar hardware sub. service plan I'll eat my hat!!!
No, that means you pay your console $200 less on day one, and you pay more for live as it includes payment for the console every month. Meaning you pay 99 + 15x12x2 = 460 over 2 years instead of 300 + 60x2 = 420 if you buy 12 months subscription cards or 300 + 25x8 = 500 if you buy 3 motnhs subscription cards
20°
20°
10°
30°
Ad 
20°
If you don't believe it's a rip off then do the math.
XBox 4GB + Kinect + Two Years of XBL
Straight Purchase: $400
XBox 4GB + Kinect + Two Years of XBL
Subsidized Price: $459
Oh Microsoft lol
Edit: @ blue
I pray that this fail. I’d hate to have another carrier situation with consoles.
MS knows the average Idiot is too stupid to do math so they will think its a great deal. They will even validify this by saying its like financing an xbox so the 15$ monthly payments wont hurt them that much.
they also forget that its only a 4gb system, So imagine.
what idiot would buy this over the norm 300$ version? or a ps3? especially sionce the ps3 has free online and yadda yadda.
and i mean kinect isn't even good, people are starting to realize that now and i dont think they are as stupid as they once were.
Oh man
"Xbox Live, It's good to Pay together"
"They will even validify this by saying its like financing an xbox so the 15$ monthly payments wont hurt them that much."
Exactly. Now where have I heard that before.....oh yeah, "it's only $4 a month to play games online on Xbox, if you can't afford that then you need a new hobby".
only a sucker would say its only 4 bucks a month. what kind of person says that? DO U REALLY PAY 4$ A MONTH? no u pay 60 at a time, saying its 4 bucks a month is just sugar coating ur failure of Financial comprehension.
that 50$ steak and Lobster I had last night is 4$ a month, am i going to start turning every single payment into monthly payment excuses? if you are smart then Live is 12 bucks a month as sold in the stores, if you are smart then you know its stupid to segregate prices like you do.
If i take the 60$ a year that Xbox has been out thats 360$ thats 6 brand new games in my library, thats a ps3 and a game, thats a computer, a car payment, an extra set of clothes. its not about whether or not you can afford it, its about being the moth that gladly goes into the fire without question and with extreme loyalty.
I cant believe some people try to justify this.
Im not telling people how to spend their money, im telling people their are better ways to do it.
if your gonna get live get them on ebay, wait for sales, but people who fall for this 460$ bundle without a harddrive are just laughable. And these people say the Vita is too expensive or the ps3 was too expensive at launch -_____-
Explains why their sales are mainly in America...
(I'm American, BTW; justsayin')
Sony offers financing on a lot of their TVs and other electronic devices. Are they "evil" for giving buyers the choice?
Financing is an option. It *always* adds up to a higher end price, but some people prefer it anyways, and it's not like you won't still be able to buy the product outright if you want.
The only surprising aspect about this is that it hasn't happened sooner.
lastdual,
Would you please stop pointing out the truth about things. If they believe things should be free they can. And if people don't have the money for a console up front then screw them. They should just get a PS3.
?
Compare this to Rent-a-Center and the total cost isn't so exaggerated. Rip off that it is, the MS deal is much much better.
I hope gaming doesn't turn into a bunch of cell phone plans thanks to these people.
Seriously, leave your fanboyism behind and stop defending these business practices because they'll end up affecting ALL of us eventually.
Look at DLC. They're spamming that sh*t so much lately and it's only geting worse.... thanks to these people.
Plus they still lose a bit of money on consoles and make it back on live. This certifies they get that money back.
Yeah it is up to the individual to spend his/her money in any means they see fit although the real issue is MS trying to cloak a deal that is clearly uneconomical to the people who may consider purchasing it.
All we are doing is warning the people who may not see this.
If you saw some one about to buy something you knew was cheaper down the road would you not tell him/her?.
Or would you let them spend there money how they wanted and rip them self`s off at a bad purchase?.
"All we are doing is warning the people who may not see this". it's obvious that you and the rest of the bunch really think people are stupid and you guys are the smartest people in the world, if you think they need you to warn them on how to spend their money and what they need to spend it on.
No one has ask you for anything. so the need to warn people wasn't needed or asked for. only people bitching about this is the same bunch that bitches and moan about everything MS. people are cpable of thinking for themselve and have never needed advise from anyone on this or any site when it comes to their purchase. just like I'm sure no one made the decission for you and your purchases.
point I'm making is. if people see this as a good deal. they will jump on it. doesn't make them idiots,dumb, or brainwashed because they like something you don't.
so keep you warnings for someone who actually ask you and the rest of the MS haters on this site.
I don't think this bodes well for them going into the next generation as mainly a console that will be supported primarily by multiplat titles and a multimedia format. There is more competition as a multimedia unit than there is in the console gaming industry. Nearly every new display, smart phone, tablets, etc, being built today offers a plethora of multimedia applications.
Plus MS wants to charge people every step of the way and at a higher price than most others.
Sorry but I am not a fan of the direction they are headed and unless they are going to support the people that brought them to the dance I will find a new place to get my groove on.
Edit: Disagree in less than a minute? Tell me what I said that is inaccurate. I would love to hear it. You honestly think Kinect and their top 3 franchise titles is enough to carry them into another generation of gaming without new first party support? Please, I'm all ears. Let me hear your rebuttal.
MS has less 1st party support now than when they entered the gaming industry. <- This is a good thing, really?
@2V1
Did you already buy the bundle???
I don't "admire" them as business, but I can't deny MS is really smart when it comes to stuff like this
Agreed! I think Sony should offer this as an option too. There are literally houndreds of shops that offer financing like this so I don't see anything wrong or different just because this is MS. I don't understand why anyone should. It's just a regular pay-more-in-the-end-but-get-ea sier-access practice that's been around for decades.
The only thing I find a little "offending" is that this deal is available only with 2 years of xbl gold. Why can't they simply offer this deal for the console only without the live costs? With this deal you pay the absolute full price of 60 dollars per year for live so this is a small hand over fist move really. Otherwise there is nothing wrong with this option.
this is what MS has been wanting to do, and this is just a test pig. If this works the next xbox will come with a subscription, just like cell phones!!!! I have never had any issues with paying for LIVE (when i had my xbox 360), if you use it and enjoy it THAT'S WHAT MADERS. But this....i will not buy.
The subscription option is only relevant for
people who don't wish to pay for the phone in advance, and obviously it costs more over time.
But you still have both options, so what's the problem with that?
Look at when DLC 1st started happening early this gen. Look at the subscription MS introduced, Sony said 'I can't ppl are buying into this?!' Next thing Playstation Plus happens.
I could go on, point is if you buy into things like this, you hurt yourself now, the rest of us shortly after.
I know a few players similar to that right now. People who eat ramen noodles multiple times a day to save for the next game they want in an attempt to play when the game is still hot and with friends.
People use rent a center
People pay high interest rates to get that nicer care
People pay for rings to wed the women they love that they can't afford
And
People go to extremes to be happy.
Let's not hinder it because many either don't like MS or the direction that gaming is going. I know it isn't for me, but don't tread on peeps happy times!
Why would any sane intelligent person let their friend go to Rent-a-Center? Saying "let them be happy" while you watch them waste money makes you a horrible friend.
I agree, please be so kind to READ the post.
PEOPLE use rent a center.
The part about friends online was in the paragraph BEFORE.
The rest were just examples. Posting a reply and not understanding why... Makes you a horrible ...reader?
I cant believe you got disagrees on that. This is a rip off. Pay as you go console oh please leave that to WoW.
I got one eventually, free through a friend, and I do enjoy it, but I HATE the fact that they nickle & dime people on accessories mostly, and now this.
And it's worse for me since I work at Best Buy and have to see this every day. Luckily enough, it does make it easier to pitch other products so I'll give them that
My gym membership works this way, if I pay for the entire year its 20% less.
This is an OPTION. If this were the way they sold all the xbox 720s then we have something to whine about.
This deal seems to be best fit for the lower income "layaway" type of consumer.
also everyone that buys a cellphone with a 2 year agreement is already using this model.
Idk what Microsoft is doing. First it's timed DLC when the money could be used towards a new IP (or *gasp* a new Killer Instinct), now its this.
Also, the idea that MS uses money to buy timed DLC instead of new IP's is just fanboy drivel. The same could be said of any company. I can just as easily look at something that another company produces that I don't care about and say "They should have used that money to produce (insert whatever here) instead".
It's smart they will make more money in the long run but customers think it's cheaper. So I think it's a great idea it will be very interesting to see how it does.
Cell companies do it it's cheaper to buy an unlocked phone and just go with the carrier that has the cheapest plan but most don't they just see it's cheaper to get a phone with a year or two year contract sometimes it's free but it's actually more expensive in the long run but they don't care not everyone has $500 plus to spend at that exact moment to buy an unlocked phone and it's worked for them so why not it's good for the industry to find ways to make more money.
It's obviously not a rip off since no one is forcing you to buy anything you still have the option to buy it not rent it It's about convenience. It's up to each individual to be intelligent enough to make a smart decision. But realize not everyone has $300 plus to spend at that moment when deciding but to pay $15 right away sounds pretty good and that is what this deal is all about.
Just imagine a kid wants an Xbox 360 and goes to tell his dad he wants one and it's $300 you think they are going to buy it?? But tell them you have to pay only $15 a month that sounds pretty appealing doesn't it people in here saying it's stupid just need common sense and some logic.
Customers win. Microsoft wins. People get a system for 100 bucks and then they can spend their leftover money on actual games. Games? Isn't that what game consoles are all about?
Heck, I know it's "evil". I know that Microsoft is testing the waters so that they can do this with the Xbox720 (just you wait: it launches at $450 up front or $300 with a 2-year contract). Just like cell phones. Just like Kindle, Nook, etc.
Whatever. I have the consoles I want from this gen. I have no issue with latecomers being able to enjoy a great console. Why gripe?
M$ Hits New Low?
if someone cant afford the 400 plus bucks right now then this might be more feasible for that said individual, this really should not concern us that already own the 360 or plan on buying it outright.
Especially considering how many people here have cell phones.
yes it costs more, but is it a rip off? Its cheaper than using credit isnt it?
if a low income household finds this the perfect way to purchase this item all the disagrees are going to deny them?
Ill save money buy buying my systems outright, just like i pay my car insurance for whole year up front, just like I pay for my gym membership for entire year up front, etc. at the same time I wont bash the options to pay monthly.
I do think if money is that tight you shouldnt be buying games but people like my parents made many sacrifices so me and my bro could have the new nike's and a snes and later n64 and ps2. Parents dont want their kids to feel left out or made fun of. Some of you might not understand that but it means the world to parents to make their children happy.
Ipads are real mature adult technologiez so it's okay. And they have a cute picture of a bitten apple on them so it's all good.
Ipad different story, but it has much less household penetration.
also dont underestimate the power of credit cards to push people into making irresponsible purchases. if Ipad had this option more would be sold im sure.
1. they are a comapny and want to make money
2. they know how to make something look good to get people to buy it.
However, I agree that the choice to swap for a 250gb hard drive should at least be there. That way, even hardcore gamers who need a new system or haven't gotten one yet can get one at a reasonable price. It would make the package seem more all-inclusive, ya know?
Damn, I should have included this in the piece! Good stuff man.
What the hell crack smoke is being blown up who's butt.
The pay as you go goes along the same line as any other cell phone subscription. But you mean MS couldn't at least throw in a 250 hard drive?
GTFO!
I guess being a gaming console precludes you from being able to go after streaming markets as well? Its not like MS is dropping buying 360 for $199, $299, and $399 with various configurations with and without kinect.
They simply providing another way to buy their system that competes in a different market segment.
Once again, the only people who complain about a lack of core games (including exclusives) are the delusional fans of other consoles who just want to troll and bash MS repeatedly, regardless of what they do.
Most of the people who actually own 360's are very happy with the worthwhile gaming experiences MS and other companies provide for the console. Die-hard supporters of other consoles simply hate the fact that the 360 is so successful, and has so many great games, so they constantly regurgitate the same lies over and over.
MS has three console exclusives above 85% on Metacritic this year... Witcher 2, Trials Evolution, and Fez. Sony has only two. MLB12 and Journey. So 360 owners don't have much reason to complain.
and come on people; it's not like they are forcing you to pay 15 bucks a month. you can still play games without going online can't you?... I'm sure there are those that will say "that's no fun" but i remember a time when gameing systems couldn't go online at all and they were STILL fun...those that can't have fun without online play are simply spoiled brats.
It seems quite naive to expect the monthly payments to add up to exactly the same price as what you would pay if you bought it the regular way.
Think about it, this is for people who can't afford the upfront cost for the system, kinect, and Xbox Live. So they do a payment plan.
Anyone ever hear of Rent-A-Center, or even simpler, the common credit card/financing options?
I personally think this is a decent idea. Although it would have been more effective at launch when the system cost more.
I actually expected to see this business model used on the next gen consoles. But with a twist. You could get the console with service contract from your cable company. Game system, internet device, and cable box all in one unit. Yea it would cost more in the long run, but if the unit fails, the cable company replaces for free. And if the coax cable goes directly to the unit, no modem or router needed. That could help reduce on line lag from idiots who can't set up a router correctly.
This deal is for those who do more than play video games on the 360, if that is not you, then please be quiet.
I'm not sure where this will lead but if anything its just an experiment. Then next gen everybody will be crying fowl when MS sells 40 million system in the first year as replacement for the cable box. They are just trying to out pace the competition.
If people weren't so stupid and they actually did their research when buying a new console and weighed up all the facts of both the 360 and PS3, I guarantee that a lot more PS3s would have been sold.
MS know people are idiots and are easy to trick. Why do you think so many people buy ipads and iphones when there's far better products out there that are also cheaper?
This is the way it's always going to be. It should be enough to have a huge amount of quality, varied exclusives, but it's not.
this is a great deal for those who dont want to outlay $400 on a console straight away. yes, EVERYONE knows that you end up paying a bit more when you buy things on a 'payment plan' - but that is usually outweighed by the fact that you get the thing NOW instead of in 1-2 years time when you could afford it at full price.
its basically a loan to get an xbox - youre just paying interest to get it now instead of when you could afford it without the loan.
but hey, you $ony fanboys wouldnt understand this on account of most of you still being in high school so you dont understand how the real world works.
I guess you have nothing better to do since you only have 1 game to look forward to.
Microsoft: There's a Fee For That.
This is good for the tight budget people who don't want to wait many months or years to save up the money to buy it straight up. So they pay a fragment of the cost and a small monthly payment.
Sounds decent.
$99...and a few dollars per month to get your GAME ON.
Rent a Center will have you paying up to $600 before you own an Xbox that you rented.
So please guys enough with the hate its foolish.
IMO it's a smarter business model to have these types of devices directly sub. by services than to sell them at full price. It's just better business. Plus it puts Microsoft in a better position to combat the oncoming apple/google threat.
Like it or not, I predict this model will at least match, and then eventually fully replace, the current one. Not long till we get a free system with enhanced service.
Your move Sony!
Edit- If Sony doesn't offer a similar hardware sub. service plan I'll eat my hat!!!
Meaning you pay 99 + 15x12x2 = 460 over 2 years
instead of 300 + 60x2 = 420 if you buy 12 months subscription cards
or 300 + 25x8 = 500 if you buy 3 motnhs subscription cards
This just means that people can afford a console. Admittedly it's def NOT cheaper but it sure is easier.