Microsoft extends $99 Xbox subscription to Best Buy and GameStop
New retail model will be available in limited numbers in all Best Buy and a select group of GameStop stores
Microsoft has extended its Xbox subscription offer to include all Best Buy stores and selected GameStop stores in North America.
Until now, the innovative new retail model was only available through Microsoft's own stores. The deal offers a 4GB Xbox 360 with Kinect in exchange for $99 and a two-year Xbox Live subscription billed at $14.99 a month.
"This next phase of the pilot program will be limited in terms of both timing and the number of units available," Microsoft's Larry Hryb wrote in a blog post.
"We're excited to forge new ground and explore a new retail model for Xbox 360, but also want to emphasise that this is a pilot period for the program."
Microsoft has offered no indication of the new retail model's success to date, but its expansion into third-party retail channels is an indication that it has met internal expectations.
This is very interesting indeed, bringing the mobile phone business model to consoles. There is no reason why it should not be a massive success. When the 720 comes out they will be able to sell the 360 on contract for "free". Microsoft are gaining competitive advantage here.
If Sony and Nintendo don't latch on quickly they could be left behind. And it could be a powerful part of Microsoft's defence against Apple.
Posted:11 months ago