Taimur Asad on July 21, 2010, 2:07 am

New Xbox 360 Arcade Confirmed for $199, Kinect Standalone for $149, and Xbox 360 + Kinect Bundle for $299

Last month at E3, Microsoft refreshed its Xbox 360 lineup by releasing the all new super quiet Xbox 360 S. This model, which was introduced at E3 was basically a 250GB model with refreshed design, built-in WiFi-N, a dedicated port for Kinect (formerly Project Natal), and more. And as it was widely assumed and predicted, Microsoft today has confirmed that there is going to be a new Xbox 360 Arcade SKU with 4GB internal flash memory, and it will go on sale on August 3rd for US $199.99. Microsoft’s new and revolutionary Kinect for Xbox 360 controller with free Kinect Adventures game will be available in November for US $149.99, while the Xbox 360 Arcade + Kinect bundle will be available in this holiday season for US $299.99.

Press release is as follows.

New Xbox 360, Kinect Sensor and "Kinect Adventures" – Get All Your Controller-Free Entertainment in One Complete Package
Microsoft announces pricing for Kinect and a new Xbox 360 4GB console.

REDMOND, Wash. – July 20, 2010 – Microsoft Corp. today announced an all-in-one opportunity to jump into the controller-free fun of Kinect this holiday: the all-new Xbox 360 4GB console, the revolutionary Kinect sensor and "Kinect Adventures" packaged together for $299.99 (U.S. ERP). With "Kinect Adventures," players will make their way through 20 adventures, navigating roaring rapids and ducking and dodging through mountaintop obstacle courses and other exotic locations – no controller, wand or balance board required. In addition, existing Xbox 360 console owners can purchase the Kinect sensor with "Kinect Adventures" for $149.99 (U.S. ERP). The sensor, which will work with each of the 40 million Xbox 360 consoles currently in households worldwide,1 is uniquely able to track your full body movements, respond to your voice and deliver a multiplayer experience right out of the box.

In addition, the new Xbox 360 4GB console, which begins shipping on Aug. 3 in the U.S., will be available for $199.99 (U.S. ERP). With a sleek new design, the Xbox 360 4GB console looks great and includes built-in Wi-Fi N, 4GB of internal flash memory, touch-sensitive buttons and a black matte finish.2

"Kinect for Xbox 360 offers tremendous entertainment value for the whole family," said Dennis Durkin, Xbox 360 chief operating officer. "With full body, voice and the ability to play games with your friends right out of the box, Kinect is the most unique, complete and affordable way for everyone to enjoy controller-free fun and entertainment."

With more than 15 games available at launch, living rooms will become fitness rooms, dance clubs and sports stadiums. Kinect games, including "Kinectimals," "Kinect Sports," "Kinect Joy Ride" and MTV Games’ and Harmonix’s "Dance Central" will retail for $49.99 (U.S. ERP). In addition to games, Kinect changes the way you experience entertainment by putting your favorite movies, TV programs, music and live sports from ESPN all in one place. Begin a movie by simply saying, "Xbox, play," or browse through a music list with the wave of a hand. Kinect also creates new ways for friends and family to have fun together. With Video Kinect,3 share a smile with friends and family, as you open a window into living rooms around the world.

"I think Kinect is a major leap forward in the gaming experience that will appeal to both mainstream and casual gamers," said Michael Gartenberg, partner, Altimeter Group, and author of the Engadget Entelligence column.
Starting today, select retailers are taking pre-orders for the Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle at $299.99 (U.S. ERP) and Kinect for Xbox 360 at $149.99 (U.S. ERP). Pre-order Kinect or the Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle today, and at launch receive a token to download three exclusive game levels for "Kinect Adventures," the game included with Kinect.4 Those wanting more information or to pre-order now should go to http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/wheretobuy.