Microsoft has announced it will be temporarily slashing $50 off the price of an Xbox One across the U.S. until the end of the year, reports CNET.
The company said in a statement that the price of the Xbox One model with Kinect will be going for $449, down from the original price tag of $499. The Xbox One version without the Kinect camera will be retailing for $349, with $50 cut from the original price of $399. This price-cutting promo is already ongoing in the United Kingdom as well.
Microsoft's strategy to increase sales of its gaming console comes "at a crucial time" since most of the gaming industry's high profile titles are launched during the holiday season, according to CNET's Nick Statt. The strategy, however, differs from that of Sony, which focuses more on providing deals "to ensure PlayStation 4 owners can get specialized access to storylines and features for popular games," Statt added.
The Xbox One $50 discount will run from Nov. 2, 2014 until Jan. 3 next year, according to CVG. The promo will be available to customers at major national retailers, and will also be available on Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, Walmart and Toys 'R Us.
"Fans don't have to wait for Black Friday this year to enjoy great savings on Xbox One. We're offering our sbest price yet, with unprecedented choices and value, so more people can play on Xbox One this holiday," said Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft's corporate vice president.
"We're gearing up for one of our biggest holidays ever and we are thrilled to offer fans up to $150 in savings on Xbox One and some of the biggest blockbuster games of the season," he continued.
Aside from the standalone consoles, Xbox One gamers will have several exclusive bundles to choose from, all at $50 off, including the "Assassin's Creed" bundle, the Special Edition "Sunset Overdrive" bundle, and the Limited Edition "Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare" bundle.
"We want this to be an unforgettable holiday season for Xbox fans around the world," said Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox. "We're pleased to start the season off early with an incredible portfolio that includes millions of hours of fun for gamers and their friends."
