Following E3, the major unanswered question overhanging Microsoft's Kinect is how it will be priced -- an issue many analysts think will be pivotal in determining consumer reception to the device.
But consumer website Kotaku has discovered an internal Microsoft marketing Q&A that indicates at least that Kinect will be offered in Xbox 360 bundles "with the
newly-designed Xbox 360 console", as well as sold as a stand-alone -- however, according to the company, "we have no additional details about pricing or retail strategy to share at this time."
Despite the absence of official confirmation, details purportedly leaked from retailers
have emerged -- such as major sellers like Amazon, Wal-Mart and GameStop pricing Kinect at a $149.99 stand-alone. And according to Kotaku's report, GameStop listings have suggested than an Xbox 360 Arcade bundle with Kinect will be listed at $299, and an Elite bundle at $399.
The marketing Q&A also suggested that Microsoft would sell a $199 version of the newly-slimlined black Xbox 360 "this fall", presumably with fewer features than the full version.
