$100 Xbox price cut

       Microsoft Corp is slashing the price of its high-end Xbox 360 model by $100(3,400 baht) in the United States and 50 euros (2,440 baht) in Europe, upping the stakes in the game console fight this Christmas.
       Microsoft will drop the price of the Xbox 360 Elite to $299.99(10,200 baht),it said recently, just days after Sony cut the rival PlayStation 3 to $299.
       The price on the entry-level Xbox Arcade model will stay at $199.99(6,820 baht), and Microsoft will phase out its mid-range Pro console, leaving it with two models. The Pro will sell for $249.99 (8,500 baht) until supplies run out. The global price cut is effective Friday.
       The Xbox is the No.2 console in the United States, behind Nintendo's Wii,which sells for $249. But Xbox sales have showed strength this year, up 17 percent - the only console to enjoy growth.
       Chris Lewis, head of Xbox Europe,said the cut would help Microsoft match or beat its 2008 performance, when it increased unit sales of Xboxes by more than 80 percent in Europe.
       "We expect them to be at least as good if not better," he said."I do believe there will be a higher level of economic confidence than was the case last year."
       Microsoft spokesman David Dennis said the price cut has been in the works for some time, and was not a response to Sony's move last week.
       Rather, he said, the company hoped the price reduction would attract new buyers and simplify its product mix.
       "It makes the decision for consumers a lot easier. They're either price conscious and they gravitate to the Arcade, or want the full Xbox experience."