Earlier this year Microsoft revealed an interesting new way that they would be selling their Xbox 360 console. A console subsidized by tacking on a two year Xbox Live Gold agreement brought the Xbox 360 price down to $99. Problem was, it was only available at the Microsoft Store. Today Xbox Live’s Major Nelson announced that the $99 Xbox 360 will be available at Best Buy and GameStop, as well as the Microsoft Store.
The $99 bundle comes with an Xbox 360 console and a Kinect. The everyday price of this bundle would normally be $300, but when you sign up for the two year XBL Gold Membership at $14.99 per month you get the significantly discounted console.
If math isn’t for you, this bundle will save you some cash in the short run, but actually cost you more over time. Given that you can pick up the console for around $300 on a day to day basis, that’s actually cheaper than what you’ll end up putting out to “finance” your new console. With the upfront cost of $99, plus the agreement of $14.99 x 24 ($360) means you’re actually paying about 50% more for the console. Obviously that’s not including the benefits you see from your Xbox Live subscription.
Major Nelson says the consoles will be available at Best Buy and GameStop starting today.