In a few days, Xbox One will be more expensive. The price cut that Microsoft instituted for the holidays will end and push the cost of the console back up to its usual $400.
Gamers throughout the United States can currently purchase Xbox One for $349 through most major retailers. This price also applies to the special bundle that includes Assassin's Creed Unity and Assassin's Creed 4.
Microsoft will end this discount on Saturday, January 3rd. In the final days of this reduced price, several retailers are offering special deals. Here are a few (via Xbox Wire):
- Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop and Target: $50 off Xbox One Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle or Xbox One Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle with Kinect, plus a free $50 gift card
- Toys 'R Us: $50 off Xbox One Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle or Xbox One Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle with Kinect, plus a free Xbox One controller
- Meijer: $50 off Xbox One Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle or Xbox One Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle with Kinect, plus a free Xbox One game of your choice
- Newegg: $50 off Xbox One Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle or Xbox One Assassin’s Creed Unity Bundle with Kinect, plus a free 12-month Xbox Live Gold subscription and a $20 Newegg gift card
Microsoft implemented the $349 price two months ago. They hoped it would help them rack up a lot of holiday sales. More specifically, they wanted the Xbox One to outsell its rival, the PS4. The PS4 is $399 and didn't receive any nationwide cut for the holidays.
The price cut helped Xbox One surpass the PS4 in November sales. That was the first sales victory for the XB1 in 2014. Microsoft no doubt took a hit by cutting their console's price. They apparently think those reduced profits were worth it to shorten the sales gap between the Xbox One and PS4.
Speaking of the sales gap: we have no idea how large or small it is these days. Sony and Microsoft are very reluctant to share sales data, much less share it at the same time. They send out as little information whenever it suits them in order to make themselves look as good as possible. The last update we had about Xbox One's sales was on October 31st when Microsoft said they had shipped (but not necessarily sold) 10 million. Sony's a little less tight-lipped, telling the world that they sold 13.5 million as of September. Still, even as the market leader, Sony hasn't announced any sales data since then. The only reason we're certain that PS4 is still in the lead is that Microsoft hasn't send out a press release proudly announcing they're now in first place.
Nonetheless, the Xbox One's temporary price cut seems to have helped the console regain some ground. The big question is whether they'll maintain that momentum once the price goes back to $400.
