After the slash in console prices in many countries of Europe, Microsoft has finally cut prices in four countries of Asia. This looks like Microsoft is really trying to outdo (and has been trying) Wii and the PS3 in terms of sales. Also, another factor that occurred to me was the release of GTA IV. Mostly the combination of the release of GTA IV and price cut may increase its sales ( I didn’t say it will).

Sources for Bloomberg have reported that there are different price cuts for the four countries of Asia : Hong Kong, South Korea (PC ruled land), Singapore and Taiwan. The basic version in Taiwan will have its price reduced by 17 percent, which if my math is correct will make the 360 have a price tag of US $340. Similarly, the Xbox 360 will now cost $369 and $366 in Korea and Singapore respectively.

Microsoft’s grip of the game industry of Asia has been very slippery since ages. Extremely low sales, lack of advertisement and other factors like lack of immediate service and costly game titles have made their presence unnoticed in most parts of Asia. Industrialists reckon that this maybe Microsoft’s last resort to gain some share of the gaming market in the east. These price cuts may lower the global sales of the Xbox 360 down to 40 % than the estimated projection for the year 2008.

-Via Gameindustry