Earlier this year, Microsoft began selling their console on the seemingly cheap, but in a subsidized manner. Much like how cell phones are offered. That iPhone 5 might look like a bargain at just $199, but you're actually paying the full price over the course of two years, as being part of a contract.
Some wondered why anyone would bother, since Microsoft actually has people spending more money on a package that would otherwise be cheaper via the normal route. But the system is a success, presumably, because MS will soon offer two new packages.
In addition to a 4GB Xbox 360 with Kinect for $99 down, plus two years of Xbox Live for $14.99 a month for two years, one can also nab a 250GB Xbox 360, sans the Kinect, for the same exact price up front and over time. Plus, there's a 250GB model that also has the Kinect, for $149 down.
Let's do the math. Currently on Amazon, one can get a Xbox 360, which includes a 250GB hard drive, Kinect, two games, plus 3 months of Xbox Live for free, all for $399. Now, if one chooses the subsidized option, you get everything mentioned, minus the free games and free Xbox Live, for a grand total, after two years, $508.76.
The subsidized plans are for some folks, but not everyone. Like those who can do basic math.
