AfterDawn: News

Microsoft ships 60GB Xbox Live starter pack

Microsoft is about to release the much rumored 60GB Xbox LIVE starter pack, according to a GameStop pre-order page.

The bundle will include a 60GB hard drive, headset, and 3-month free Live Gold subscription.



The package is intended to pimp Microsoft's popular online service which allows for downloads of Xbox Live Arcade and Xbox Original game titles as well as demos, game content, HD videos and more.

The 60GB hard drive should provide sufficient space for music, movies and other downloads.

The Xbox Live 60GB starter pack will be available for $100 USD beginning on November 4th.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 29 Oct 2008 22:59

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• 24 comments

• fgamer

  Could they not make it a more reasonable, 69.99 or $79.99? Still better than nothing I suppose!

  30.10.2008 00:36 #1

• ripxrush

  it does seem excessive since i can buy a 500gb drive for like $69! so if i am paying 100 i want more than 60! so 3 free months that worth what 15-20, headset, well shit i have 4 or 5 of em! just what i want another!

  30.10.2008 02:07 #2

• Vr0cK

  Hmmm to turn your Arcade into a Pro = same price as Pro but wit a lil more. They shouldve put at least the 120GB HDD instead and that would sound more appealing. Too bad they still rip us off with the HDD space with that price.

  30.10.2008 08:36 #3

• lawndog

  wow, seriously. Sounds like people will complain about anything on here.
  $100 bucks. reminds me of the NES days. I haven't really looked at priceing lately, but I think that's the cheapest of all the systems out right now?!?!

  30.10.2008 08:38 #4

• redux79

  This deal is tempting; you can turn an arcade model into a pro with a free headset and 3 month gold subscription. The only draw back for me is that the arcade model isn't B/C with xbox 1 games (I know only 300 or so are supported).
  
  For most people this isn't an issue. I've never owned an xbox so games like halo 1, 2 and ghost recon 2 are games I would like to play. These were solid games and I definitely plan on either buying or downloading them from XBL.

  30.10.2008 09:13 #5

• Xplorer4

  Originally posted by redux79: The only draw back for me is that the arcade model isn't B/C with xbox 1 games (I know only 300 or so are supported).
  Actually I think the only reason the Arcade doesnt play original XBox games is because it lacks the hard drive. When you slap a HDD on a Arcade it becomes backwards compatible.
  
  
  As for reasonable how much more reasonable can it get people?????
  
  The arcade is bottoming out @ $199 right now, so your getting the console half price, free Xbox Live GOLD for 3 months, a headset free and hard drive for free, and yet you expect them to sell it for $70-$80?

  30.10.2008 10:22 #6

• AntSpliff

  Only a real D.I.C. would complain about this. This means you, all of you.

  30.10.2008 10:58 #7

• johnflash

  sounds like a great deal! Good work M$, finally. RROD come with the deal too?

  30.10.2008 10:58 #8

• johnflash

  DP. Sorry

  30.10.2008 10:58 #9

• DVDBack23

  Originally posted by lawndog: wow, seriously. Sounds like people will complain about anything on here.
  $100 bucks. reminds me of the NES days. I haven't really looked at priceing lately, but I think that's the cheapest of all the systems out right now?!?!In case it wasnt clear from my article, this is a bundle that includes an HDD, a headset and an XBL subscription, the console is NOT included :)

  30.10.2008 11:32 #10

• DXR88

  the package is intended to pimp Microsoft's popular online service oh common pimp is that the best word you could find, use your words dude.
  
  
  On the other hand for $100 one could buy a case mod, new fans, a torx set and an hdd kit.

  30.10.2008 12:03 #11

• emugamer

  So $199 for the arcade version and then $100 more for a 60GB HDD, headset and 3 months of XBL Gold.
  
  After 3 months of XBL Gold, a person would still have to pay for the next year, so I can't really see how that is a great deal, unless you absolutely love XBL and think being teased a little longer is a great thing.
  
  What type of headset? I've seen some for $100 and some for $10. So I guess depending on how much you care about quality, that could be a good deal combined with the HDD. But if you already have a headset or only care ti get a used one for $10, then does it really matter? (I don't know much about the 360 headsets - only the information a quick Amazon search yields).
  
  Why not just sell a 120GB HDD for $70 or something? 60GB is a bit ridiculous these days. I have about 30GB alone of music on my console, just because I can and just because....well...why not? It's super convenient for the games I play that support in-game music.
  
  Not saying whether or not this deal sucks or not. I just hate when companies like this offer bundles that are obviously marketing gimmicks if you dig a little deeper. But this may be great for some people, so why not offer it I guess.

  30.10.2008 12:30 #12

• Xplorer4

  Quote:
  In case it wasnt clear from my article, this is a bundle that includes an HDD, a headset and an XBL subscription, the console is NOT included :)
  Ahh I missed that part lol. I thought that seemed to good to be true.

  30.10.2008 12:35 #13

• kikzm33z

  Looks good but the 3-month XBL isn't great. If I had a 360, I'd get this.
  Sony needs to do stuff like this.

  30.10.2008 12:47 #14

• lawndog

  Quote:Quote:
  In case it wasnt clear from my article, this is a bundle that includes an HDD, a headset and an XBL subscription, the console is NOT included :)
  Ahh I missed that part lol. I thought that seemed to good to be true.oh hell I missed that to.
  Ok the deal ain't to hot anymore.
  I retract what I said earlier.
  I admit I'm an IDIOT!

  30.10.2008 13:34 #15

• Vr0cK

  Quote:Sony needs to do stuff like this.Not to sound negative or bias because some people are easily offened, but how so with the PS3? They have 80gb hdd (which you can find a cheap hdd with more space like 500gb for like $100) and PSN is free. As for the headset..I guess you can buy the Socom bundle for $59 and got yourself a game for $10 since the headset is $49 alone (which is attractive looking and great quality so its not some cheap thing). I think Xbox360 would do alot better if their console was able to swap hdd easily. Thats what made me find the original Xbox more attractive then the PS2. I dunno why MS didnt stick with that. Probably due to mods etc.

  30.10.2008 13:36 #16

• lxhotboy

  Quote:Quote:Sony needs to do stuff like this.Not to sound negative or bias because some people are easily offened, but how so with the PS3? They have 80gb hdd (which you can find a cheap hdd with more space like 500gb for like $100) and PSN is free. As for the headset..I guess you can buy the Socom bundle for $59 and got yourself a game for $10 since the headset is $49 alone (which is attractive looking and great quality so its not some cheap thing). I think Xbox360 would do alot better if their console was able to swap hdd easily. Thats what made me find the original Xbox more attractive then the PS2. I dunno why MS didnt stick with that. Probably due to mods etc.Dang man you just took my post. LOL No seriously though this is a good idea for a lot of 360 owners who have no HDD or a 20gig like myself. It still is not the news i have been waiting to hear. Prices will eventually drop of the HDD's, though it doesnot seem to be dropping fast enough. Microsoft should unlock the 360 and allow for use of your own HDD. Good deal for some but on the real in the long run its a rip off. Curse you Microsoft.

  30.10.2008 15:52 #17

• slickwill

  Quote:The bundle will include a 60GB hard drive, headset, and 3-month free Live Gold subscription. I never understood why businesses and advertisements still keep using the phrase "free HBO or free High speed internet" or in this case "3-month free Live Gold subscription." I mean it's not free at all b/c it's included in the purchase. If it was really free then the consumer could obtain it regardless of the purchase.
  
  Do people still believe they are actually getting something for free?

  30.10.2008 17:32 #18

• Hunt720

  Quote:Quote:The bundle will include a 60GB hard drive, headset, and 3-month free Live Gold subscription. I never understood why businesses and advertisements still keep using the phrase "free HBO or free High speed internet" or in this case "3-month free Live Gold subscription." I mean it's not free at all b/c it's included in the purchase. If it was really free then the consumer could obtain it regardless of the purchase.
  
  Do people still believe they are actually getting something for free?Good point. People should consider the price of the HDD and headset and see if the 3mo XBL freebase is really free.

  30.10.2008 20:40 #19

• IPRFenix

  Originally posted by ripxrush: it does seem excessive since i can buy a 500gb drive for like $69! Actually, no, you can't. Both Xbox360 and PS3 use 2.5" laptop hard drives, not your standard 3.5" desktop hard drives. There is a very steep difference in price between the two.
  
  40gb: 2.5" $60 | 3.5" $36-$40
  60gb: 2.5" $70 | 3.5" ?
  80gb: 2.5" $50-$60 | 3.5" $37-$40
  120gb: 2.5" $50-$70 | 3.5" ?
  160gb: 2.5" $55-$75 | 3.5" $41-$60
  200gb: 2.5" $80-$100 | 3.5" ~$55
  250gb: 2.5" $70-$90 | 3.5" $50-$65
  320gb: 2.5" $75-$110 | 3.5" $58-$70
  500gb: 2.5" ~$150 | 3.5" $65-$80
  640gb: 3.5" $$75-$85
  750gb: 3.5" $100-$150
  1TB: 3.5" $120-$170
  1.5TB: 3.5" ~$180-$?
  (Prices are regular prices (newegg), sales excluded, so yes, you can find slightly cheaper. Prices are current as of this post.)
  
  Lets assume the plastic contraption they put the drive in costs them $10-$15 to manufacture and put the drives in. That would put the 60gb drive at ~$80-$85, with the 2 extras, they're actually pretty close to the $100 cost. Unfortunately, I get the feeling that it would cost the same price if they went with 120gb hard drives instead (because of the cost difference of the HDs). Why they don't? I don't know..

  30.10.2008 22:00 #20

• Oner

  Originally posted by IPRFenix: Originally posted by ripxrush: it does seem excessive since i can buy a 500gb drive for like $69! Actually, no, you can't. Both Xbox360 and PS3 use 2.5" laptop hard drives, not your standard 3.5" desktop hard drives. There is a very steep difference in price between the two.
  
  40gb: 2.5" $60 | 3.5" $36-$40
  60gb: 2.5" $70 | 3.5" ?
  80gb: 2.5" $50-$60 | 3.5" $37-$40
  120gb: 2.5" $50-$70 | 3.5" ?
  160gb: 2.5" $55-$75 | 3.5" $41-$60
  200gb: 2.5" $80-$100 | 3.5" ~$55
  250gb: 2.5" $70-$90 | 3.5" $50-$65
  320gb: 2.5" $75-$110 | 3.5" $58-$70
  500gb: 2.5" ~$150 | 3.5" $65-$80
  640gb: 3.5" $$75-$85
  750gb: 3.5" $100-$150
  1TB: 3.5" $120-$170
  1.5TB: 3.5" ~$180-$?
  (Prices are regular prices (newegg), sales excluded, so yes, you can find slightly cheaper. Prices are current as of this post.)
  
  Lets assume the plastic contraption they put the drive in costs them $10-$15 to manufacture and put the drives in. That would put the 60gb drive at ~$80-$85, with the 2 extras, they're actually pretty close to the $100 cost. Unfortunately, I get the feeling that it would cost the same price if they went with 120gb hard drives instead (because of the cost difference of the HDs). Why they don't? I don't know..There is no way M$ is paying $70 for a 60gb. Plus how could they justify a 120 gb (it's definitely less than $50 for M$) @ an originally launched price of $175+ (now down to $150 or so)? Only answer is to fleece the customers! This on top of the cost of LIVE, rechargeable battery packs and other items some people may need like $100 for a WiFi adapter (come on)! If they would have made harddrives, HDMI, WiFi and some other items standard (possibly HD-DVD) they would be losing more but passing the savings on to the customer...and we all know M$ wouldn't (didn't) do that. Which is sad because they really could have had this gen in the bag from the get go (if they also made the hardware stable)!
  

  
  
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  30.10.2008 22:53 #21

• DVDBack23

  Quote:Originally posted by ripxrush: it does seem excessive since i can buy a 500gb drive for like $69! Actually, no, you can't. Both Xbox360 and PS3 use 2.5" laptop hard drives, not your standard 3.5" desktop hard drives. There is a very steep difference in price between the two.
  
  40gb: 2.5" $60 | 3.5" $36-$40
  60gb: 2.5" $70 | 3.5" ?
  80gb: 2.5" $50-$60 | 3.5" $37-$40
  120gb: 2.5" $50-$70 | 3.5" ?
  160gb: 2.5" $55-$75 | 3.5" $41-$60
  200gb: 2.5" $80-$100 | 3.5" ~$55
  250gb: 2.5" $70-$90 | 3.5" $50-$65
  320gb: 2.5" $75-$110 | 3.5" $58-$70
  500gb: 2.5" ~$150 | 3.5" $65-$80
  640gb: 3.5" $$75-$85
  750gb: 3.5" $100-$150
  1TB: 3.5" $120-$170
  1.5TB: 3.5" ~$180-$?
  (Prices are regular prices (newegg), sales excluded, so yes, you can find slightly cheaper. Prices are current as of this post.)
  
  Lets assume the plastic contraption they put the drive in costs them $10-$15 to manufacture and put the drives in. That would put the 60gb drive at ~$80-$85, with the 2 extras, they're actually pretty close to the $100 cost. Unfortunately, I get the feeling that it would cost the same price if they went with 120gb hard drives instead (because of the cost difference of the HDs). Why they don't? I don't know..Although those prices are correct from a retail standpoint, MS will be getting wholesale prices for both the enclosure and the drive and I cant imagine their costs being more than $30 per drive with enclosure.

  31.10.2008 00:28 #22

• IPRFenix

  Quote: Although those prices are correct from a retail standpoint, MS will be getting wholesale prices for both the enclosure and the drive and I cant imagine their costs being more than $30 per drive with enclosure. Oh no, I'm very well aware that those are the retail prices and that MS would get them for, well, face it, practically nothing. I was listing the retail prices to point out how skewed the difference is between what WE are paying for a mere 60gb hard drive for 360 versus what we'd pay at retail for any other hard drive. Which is even more ridiculous when MS could get them far below what we pay. That was more or less the point of my post. That and to point out to the person I was quoting, that there is a price difference between the 2.5" and 3.5" drives, since the topic is 360 hard drives, which are 2.5" not 3.5". The $10-15 estimate on the enclosure is a figure I picked out of my ass, to say that's likely the price WE'D end up paying for them, after markup.

  31.10.2008 00:54 #23

• ZippyDSM

  If no one has mentioned it MS puts enterprise class drives in their..well....drives...LOL
  
  you might can get a new 60GB made for 20-40$ but thats as cheap as they can make it, a enterprise HD is geared for long life spans and longer running times, still dose not make their locked setup excusable....

  31.10.2008 01:59 #24