The Pro is getting discontinued because 60GB hard drives aren't cost effective. If you look at laptop hard drive prices, 120GB HDDs are cheaper than 60GB HDDs right now. It's the same reason the PS3 "Slim" comes with a 120GB drive. 60GB and 80GB HDDs are pretty much out of print now. It doesn't make since for Microsoft or Sony to play more money for a smaller HDD.

True, but then you could look at it like this - Sony have increased the size of the hard drive in the PS3 by 50%, but cut the price by £50/$100. Microsoft have increased the size of the hard drive by 100%, but increased the price by £30/$0.

In the UK, the prices were £130, £170, £220, so you had an entry level console that's considerably cheaper than any other console on the market, one with a hard drive that's still marginally cheaper than any other console on the market, and the Elite that's more than a Wii, but considerably less than a PS3. Now your choice will be £160 for the Arcade (worse deal) and £200 for the one with the hard drive (worse deal if you'd have bought a Pro had they still existed, better deal if you were looking to get an Elite).

I just don't understand MS with this decision. There is no price cut, just a SKU change. Once the Pro stock in store goes, the Elite at $299 becomes the cheapest 360 with a harddrive in the US. Exactly what it has been all year, just with an extra 60Gb HD and in black. In the UK, it becomes a price increase of £30 . Why didn't they add more value to the pack (wifi adapter etc)? I'm so used to MS counteracting Sony on most things, but they haven't on this one.

I have to agree with you Grooski it does not fill me with hope. I am still hanging on to the thought they have more to come, what that might be I am not sure.

I didn't realize you gamers in the UK were getting a price increase. You guys are always getting the short end of the stick. Jenna Jameson thinks you guys get screwed more than her.

"Rip of Britain" would say she is probably correct.

I think if this is their big move then it's not really quite good enough. But I wouldn't be surprised if MS does more before the holiday season.

Honestly, I see a huge amount of flux for a few weeks as the news of the consoles' price drops ripple through the system.

Sony will likely benefit the most - they've been under 100k/WW per week for a while now and it'll undoubtedly return to respectable numbers.

360's got ODST, Sony's got GT5. Both are heavy hitters.

We'll see how GOW3, FM3 and others advertise for the holiday.

Personally, I think it'll be a tight race this holiday.

Its still cheaper than buying the Slim though (by £50) which is why MS probably feel they can get away with it. When you factor in the extras from the Slim, and the costs of Wi-Fi adapter etc. the PS3 does come out cheaper but people usually only look at the initial price.

The Xbox 360 software is going to help it out a lot over the next couple of months.