New Xbox Bundle to come with $99 price tag-Rumor?

Microsoft rumored new Xbox bundle cost a bit more overall than it's current subscription offering,but the barrier to entry is lower.Getting an Xbox and Kinect for initial outlay of $99 could be an inducement for lots of consumers to try it out."It is giving (Microsoft) a way into living rooms where you might not see video games ," said tech analyst Scot Steinberg."The system offers much beyond games,as it a way to stream movies and TV Shows.

Microsoft (Nasadq:MSFT) is reportedly planning to release its Xbox 360 bundle beginning next week for US$99.If rumors are to be believed,it could rival a TV infomercial's promise-but wait,there is more-by including the kinect control sensor with 4 GB versioin of the game console.However,as with the infomercials,there is fine print,which in this case details a monthly subscription fee of $15.


That two year subscription will offer access to the Xbox Live Gold service along with the possibility of some additional streamed content that could include sports or cable TV offerings.

Is this really a deal?Not exactly.

''What is up with the $15 a month,currently the same service is available for $5 per month'' said Billy Pidgeon,principal analyst for M2 research."Unless they are going to add a layer of service,it isn't worth it.''

Currently a hardware package is available for $299,with two years of Gold service priced around $120.That adds up to $420,whereas the same package at $99 with the $15 a month subscription raises the price to $459 for two years-Clever!

"Anyone who picks up a calculator,does the math,and still goes with it deserves it to pay more," Pidgeon told the E-Commerce Times."Microsoft proves that no one went broke understanding the intelligence of most people".