Microsoft testing deals to boost Xbox One sales
With Sony’s (SNE) PlayStation 4 winning the market share battle among next-generation video game consoles, Microsoft (MSFT) is experimenting with price cuts for its more expensive Xbox One. In the U.K., Microsoft (MSFT) is dropping the price of its Xbox One console by 7% to 399 pounds ($664) from 429 pounds ($714) starting Friday, various news sites reported this week. By comparison, Sony’s PS4 costs 349 pounds ($581). For now at least, the Xbox One price cut is limited to the U.K. In the U.S., Microsoft is bundling its most anticipated new game, “Titanfall,” at no additional charge with the Xbox One at the standard price of $499. Separately, the sci-fi shooting game costs $60. Published by Electronic Arts (EA) and due out March 11, “Titanfall” is exclusive to Microsoft’s Xbox One, as well as older Xbox 360 consoles and Windows PCs. Meanwhile, retailers Target (TGT) and Wal-Mart (WMT) recently offered heavy incentives on the Xbox One. Target was offering a $50 gift card with the purchase of Microsoft’s new console and Wal-Mart was giving buyers a free game credit worth $50, the Motley Fool reported. Sony’ s (SNE) PlayStation 4 outsold Microsoft’s Xbox One during the holiday shopping season and has continued to do so this year. Both were released in November, but Sony’s PS4 costs $399, or $100 less than its main competitor. Sony’s new console also has gotten praise for having better graphics than the Xbox One, the Motley Fool said.