Microsoft expands $99 Xbox 360 deal; Xbox rebirth coming

Microsoft will add two new Xbox 360 models to its fledgling subsidized console deal that lets you buy a low-priced Xbox 360 if you sign up for a two-year commitment to Xbox Live Gold at $15 per month.

The new plan, dubbed “Entertainment for All,” includes either a 4GB Xbox 360 with Kinect bundle or a 250GB standalone console for $99. You can also pick up a 250GB Xbox 360 with Kinect for $150.

Microsoft says the new deal will be available at Best Buy, GameStop, Toys R Us, Walmart, as well as at the Microsoft Store. The new plans become available this fall, and a specific launch date was not announced.

Microsoft's new subsidized Xbox consoles are part of a bigger push that will transform the Xbox brand from just representing the company's gaming console to an umbrella for all of Microsoft's entertainment services.

The new Xbox era begins Friday as part of the Windows 8 launch, with new services becoming available such asXbox Music (replacing Zune), Xbox Games for Windows 8, Xbox Video (replacing Zune Video Marketplace) and Xbox SmartGlass.

:story: PC World