Wal-Mart has been known for offering
hardware pre-orders in the past, but it's generally left
extensive (and expensive) bundles to the likes of GameStop
and EB. Well, that tradition's no more, though this bundle approach is definitely being taken the Wal-Mart Way. On
Wal-Mart's web site, you can currently find
"3" bundles offered for
Xbox 360 pre-orders, with the first two options pointing to duplicate links for an
Xbox 360 Live Bundle costing $579.16, while the last one points to an
Xbox 360 Game Bundle that costs virtually the same thing (that is, $579.06), as you're basically swapping a Live
subscription for a game. (You'll find just these two options offered on
Wal-Mart's
Xbox 360 Hardware page.) Perhaps one of these Live Bundles was originally tagged as the $620 one with the Xbox 360
Premium System that GameSpot originally spotted for its article (linked
here and below)?
At any rate, read on for further details of each bundle offered, but I do appreciate actually being given the option
of which games will go in my bundle (with that added $10 surcharge for any third-party games, as first-party titles go
for $49.99). It would be unfortunate, however, if Wal-Mart decided not to bundle Premium Systems (read: those with hard
drives) on its well-trafficked web site or (God forbid) its stores. (Or would it invigorate the Core System market?
Analysts oughtta have a field day with this one.)
[UPDATE: Well, it looks like the fabled $619.32
"Xbox 360 Pro Bundle" exists after all.
(Thanks, kuyu!) Why Wal-Mart would force you to search for that exact string, however, rather than include the Premium
bundle on the regular 360 hardware page, is beyond me. Not including your products in an easily navigable, drill-down
site map is an example of broken usability testing as well as simply bad web design. Sheesh. Okay, rant over. I guess
there goes my anti-Core theory, too. Nice. Choice is good? ...Maybe a little too good: Wal-Mart's run out of
pre-order stock online!
Thanks, Danger Dan.]
Engadget
TUAW