Xbox 360 4G and Kinect priced and bundled

If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on (or literally hands off, I guess) Kinect, the controller free controller for the Xbox 360, you’re one step closer.  Microsoft hass announced a new bundle specifically for Kinect, which includes the new Xbox 360 4GB console, the Kinect sensor and a traditional controller, bundled with the “Kinect Adventures” game, all for $299.99 Canadian.  Additionally, the standalone Kinect sensor, bundled with the aforementioned “Kinect Adventures” will be available for $149.99 Canadian.

The Xbox 360 4GB model (with 4GB of storage on board) appears to be the replacement for the entry model Xbox 360 Arcade, which shipped with no additional storage memory (though often bundled with removable sticks).  The 360 4GB will be available on it’s own starting August 3rd for $199.99, the same price as the older Arcade model, and will include the “Kinect” port, so the need of an external power supply for the sensor won’t be required.  Unlike the remodeled 360 sporting a hard drive out of the box, the new 4GB appears to be a little understated, in that it forgoes the shiny coat for a matte finish.  For those looking to get the 4GB and wanting to upgrade, just like the original design, there will be room to add a hard drive after purchase.

Also, Joystiq has it on good word that Kinect titles will be a little less expensive than most retail games…

There’s also an answer regarding the pricing of Kinect retail software. While most stores have been listing Kinect software for the usual $60 Xbox asking price, Microsoft’s Aaron Greenberg told Joystiq, “All of our Kinect retail games, from a first-party standpoint – Kinectimals, Kinect Sports, Kinect Joy Ride – will all be retailing for $49.” Microsoft later followed up, letting us know that Dance Central, Harmonix’s Kinect-powered rhythm game (and arguably the most well-received title in Microsoft’s Kinect launch lineup) will also match the $50 first-party pricing.

See a gallery and the full press release after the break.

PRESS RELEASE

New Xbox 360, Kinect Sensor and “Kinect Adventures” — Get All Your Controller-Free Entertainment in One Complete Package Microsoft announces pricing for Kinect and a new Xbox 360 4GB console.

REDMOND, Wash. — July 20, 2010 — Microsoft Corp. today announced an all-in-one opportunity to jump into the controller-free fun of Kinect this holiday: the all-new Xbox 360 4GB console, the revolutionary Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures” packaged together for $299.99 (CDN ERP). With “Kinect Adventures,” players will make their way through 20 adventures, navigating roaring rapids and ducking and dodging through mountaintop obstacle courses and other exotic locations — no controller, wand or balance board required. In addition, existing Xbox 360 console owners can purchase the Kinect sensor with “Kinect Adventures” for $149.99 (CDN ERP). The sensor, which will work with each of the 40 million Xbox 360 consoles currently in households worldwide,1 is uniquely able to track your full body movements, respond to your voice and deliver a multiplayer experience right out of the box.

In addition, the new Xbox 360 4GB console, which begins shipping on Aug. 3 in Canada, will be available for $199 (CDN ERP). With a sleek new design, the Xbox 360 4GB console looks great and includes built-in Wi-Fi N, 4GB of internal flash memory, touch-sensitive buttons and a black matte finish.2

“Kinect for Xbox 360 offers tremendous entertainment value for the whole family,” said Dennis Durkin, Xbox 360 chief operating officer. “With full body, voice and multiplayer play right out of the box, Kinect is the most unique, complete and affordable way for everyone to enjoy controller-free fun and entertainment.”

With more than 15 games available at launch, living rooms will become fitness rooms, dance clubs and sports stadiums. In addition to games, Kinect changes the way you experience entertainment by putting your favorite movies and TV programs all in one place. Begin a movie by simply saying, “Xbox, play,” or browse through a list with the wave of a hand. Kinect also creates new ways for friends and family to have fun together. With Video Kinect,3 share a smile with friends and family, as you open a window into living rooms around the world.

Starting today, select retailers are taking pre-orders for the Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle at $299.99 (CDN) and the Kinect for Xbox at $149.99 (CDN).

About Kinect
Kinect for Xbox 360 brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways — no controller required. Simple to use and fun to play, Kinect for Xbox 360 allows owners to jump into Kinect-enabled games for any type of play, and the Kinect Hub puts your favourite movies, TV programs, and social networks all in one place. The Kinect sensor recognizes you, responds to your gestures, listens to your voice and works with every Xbox 360 console (175 MB of memory required). More information about Kinect for Xbox 360 can be found at http://www.xbox.com/en-ca/kinect.

About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a premier home entertainment and video game system. This November, with the addition of Kinect, Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play — no controller required. Xbox 360 is also home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of standard- and high-definition movies, TV shows and digital games, all in one place. The entertainment centre of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the leading social network of 25 million Xbox LIVE members to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. More information about Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-ca/.