Microsoft deal throws in free game with purchase of Xbox 360
The first 50 to buy the latest "12 Days of Deals" offer at a Microsoft Store will get two free games.
Microsoft's holiday deal for Wednesday offers Xbox 360 buyers a free game -- or two or three.
For Day 10 of its 12 Days of Deals, Microsoft is offering two Xbox 360 deals, each for $150: the 4GB Xbox 360 console and the 4GB Xbox 360 bundled with the game Peggle 2. (Peggle 2 normally sells for $12.) The 4GB Xbox 360 and Peggle 2 bundle includes one month of an Xbox Live Gold membership.
Along with each console, Microsoft is throwing in one free game. Buyers can choose among a select range of Xbox 360 games, including Gears of War 3, Zoo Tycoon and Forza Horizon 2, according to a Microsoft spokeswoman. Microsoft is touting a $50 savings as part of the promotion, so the game chosen can be worth that much. For example, Forza Horizon 2 sells for $50.
The latest offer is available via Microsoft's website and retail outlets. Courtesy of Microsoft's special Doorbuster deal, the first 50 people who snag one of the Xbox 360 consoles will get two free games for a value of $100. To further lure customers into one of its stores, Microsoft is holding a raffle. The first 200 people who arrive at a store within an hour of its opening will get a raffle ticket for an opportunity to win a free Xbox One.
Despite the company's recent focus on the Xbox One, the latest deal shows that Microsoft hasn't forgotten about the Xbox 360. Xbox One sales have lagged most of the year, at least in comparison with sales of Sony's PlayStation 4, according to data from NPD Group. Some gamers may find the Xbox One too expensive. Even after a $50 price cut unveiled in October, the Xbox One with the Kinect sensor sells for $449, while the version sans the Kinect goes for $349. With the 4GB Xbox 360 now selling for $149 and a variety of Xbox 360 games still available, buyers looking to save money may be more drawn to the older console.
The Xbox promotion starts online at 5 a.m. PT and at retail stores when they open. Most Microsoft stores typically open at 10 a.m., but many have been opening earlier during the holiday season. Check your local store for specific hours. The deal is good for Wednesday only or until supplies run out.
Microsoft's 12 Days of Deals ends on December 19. Thursday's deal will trim the price of an HP Pavilion X2 notebook from $329 to $199.