Microsoft today announced a price drop for the Xbox One to $349.99 starting tomorrow, January 16.
"Building off a record-setting holiday, we are excited to announce a new promotion in which fans in the U.S. can buy an Xbox One at a special price of $349, starting tomorrow, January 16, from their preferred retailer," said Mike Nichols, Corporate Vice President of Marketing for Xbox. "We are thankful for all the excitement for Xbox One this holiday and proud to offer more fans the amazing games lineup, Xbox Live gaming community, and continual innovation that Xbox One fans have come to enjoy."
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The console experienced a very successful holiday sales period, and Microsoft seems eager to continue that trend into 2015. There is no stated time frame for this deal, but it's still being called a "new promotion" in the statement, not a permanent change.
Xbox One was the best-selling console over the last two months according to Microsoft, also outpacing the Xbox 360 by roughly 50 percent at this point of its life cycle. A new video from Xbox head Phil Spencer, which you can watch below, looks back on the 2014 holiday performance and ahead into what's coming for the system in the new year.
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Sony recently announced a $399.99 bundle for the PlayStation 4, which includes a copy of The Last of Us Remastered. Microsoft will hold the price advantage as long as this promotion continues--the company is likely seeking to capitalize on its strong upcoming software lineup. A mix of major titles and exclusives such as Rise of the Tomb Raider, Evolve, The Witcher 3, and Forza Motorsport 6 combined with the price drop could see the Xbox One gain ground on Sony's superior install base.
"Since it launched last year, Xbox Feedback has been instrumental in helping us best determine what our fans want and expect from us, and it's clear that the Xbox One wouldn't be what it is today without their valued input," said Spencer. "We're incredibly proud of the Xbox One and are fully committed to ensuring it's the best place to play console games in 2015 and beyond."