Speaking to TheStreet.com, Microsoft corporate VP J Allard has confirmed rumors of the Xbox 360 being in the $300 range, saying the console will "be in the neighborhood" of $300. <
><
>The exact release date remains unknown, but speculation has been circulating of a late holiday (November) launch. <
><
>"We're going to do something that's really unprecedented in the industry by launching the console in all three major markets for the same holiday," said Allard. "It's never been done before. So, that's some of the logistics that we're working through now." <
><
>Given the advanced hardware of the console, Microsoft will take a loss for selling each unit at that price--but given the looming threat of the Sony PS3, which launches in Japan in Spring, it's almost a necessary step for Microsoft if it wants start off with a solid hardware sales lead. <
><
>Sony has said nothing with regards to the launch price point of the PlayStation 3, but it'll likely arrive at retailers selling for 40,000 Yen (or $400) in Japan (as did the PS2 and PS1).<
><
>-GP- <i></i>