Confusion Hits Xbox 360 60 Availability

SPOnG has been in contact with a major UK game retailer regarding the retail death of the Xbox 360 60Gb and re-pricing of the Xbox Elite. We were told that the they had not refreshed stock of the 60Gb and have no information regarding new stock dates. We were also lead to believe that the demise of the 60Gb unit will also see a price cut for the Elite.

All this, of course, comes in the lead up to Gamescom during which it is widely speculated that Sony will announce a price cut to the PS3. Also heavily tipped - for no good reason unless among other indications you, like a few 'news sources' believe Neogaf lessons in journalism - a brand new, slim PS3.

It must be said that, not only have we had word of mouth indication of the changes to the Xbox 360 line-up, but a quick trawl of UK retail sites indicates that the 60GB SKU - if not withdrawn - is certainly unavailable outside pre-owned sales. HMV for example shows that the unit is 'Unavailable' but 'back in stock in 21 days'.

GAME shows a Gears bundle as available and a pre-owned Fight Night bundle. GameStation shows several bundles, all of which are out of stock.

Argos, for it's part, had said that the 60GB had been discontinued, but then told MCV that this was in error.

In short, Microsoft is changing its Xbox 360 line-up in retail. Whether this is to counter a PlayStation price change or not will only - and we mean only^* - be made clear in Cologne next week when Sony makes an official announcement.

^{* Unless Qore or one of the PlayStation blogs accidently blurts it out beforehand.}