Microsoft hints at a $199 Core system

[RussWakelin]

I agree with KruzeS, I wouldn't expect a 360 price cut before Halo 3. Semptember is a huge month for the 360, featuring both Halo 3 and Mass Effect, two huge exclusives, along with Assasin's Creed.

I'd imagine Microsoft would want to let those games sell as many consoles as possible at the current price point before dropping it.

The new memory cards (now up to 512MB for around $40) means the core system is a reasonable alternative for a casual gamer, and I'd say XLA has plenty of casual games.

I'm still not entirly convinced that the Wii and 360 are in direct competition. i.e. It is probably MUCH rarer for someone to own both a 360 and a PS3 than to own both a 360 and a Wii. Of all those Wii's sold, how many are in households that already have a 360? In my mind Wii vs 360 is kinda like iPod vs CD player: you may get an iPod, but you probably are keeping your CD player too even though both play music.

It also remains to be seen what kind of legs the Wii actually has. It is definilty a brilliant marketing system and extremely creative. But will waving your arms around to play a game truely become the ultimate gaming experience?

Only time can tell.