Consumers vote for flexibility with their wallets
Announcement posted by Microsoft PC Games 31 Mar 2009
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA –March 31 2009, Home entertainment continues to run hot in 2009 as consumers transform their lounge rooms into entertainment hubs during tough economic times. Xbox 360 has experienced a large increase in total sales of its add-on products following a 20 per cent cash back offer on the recommended retail price of official accessories.
“Accessory sales give us insight into how consumers purchase and use their consoles,” said Jeremy Hinton, Xbox Group Category Manager. “Recent sales of Xbox Hard Drives and LIVE Starter Packs show Aussies are spending time online with our social entertainment network and require more storage space for downloads such as games, music, demos and add-ons.” Last year alone, Australians downloaded more than 4.2 million items on Xbox LIVE.
BLACK IS THE NEW WHITE
Sales of additional controllers show that Xbox users like to play with others, in the same room or online. This increase also supports the recent trend of consumers seeking stylish products for their home entertainment, with different colours – especially black – proving very popular.
ON-LINE EXPERIENCE ESSENTIAL
“The Xbox 360 is priced to give consumers different entry points. They can upgrade with accessories depending on their needs and most importantly, our online component, Xbox LIVE, ensures their experience is always current – regardless of when they purchased their hardware. Eventually, we’d like to see 100% of the Australian Xbox community tapping into our powerful online offering.”
Australian consumers have responded extremely well to the cash back offer on official Xbox accessories which started on March 16th and runs until May 16th 2009. Sales of each participating accessory have increased, with sales of some more than doubling in the first week of the offer, when compared to the previous week.
| Xbox 360 Accessory Highlights | Percentage increase in sales 16th -22nd March 2009 |
| Black wireless controller | 102% |
| Quick charge kit | 88% |
| 120GB Hard Drive | 82% |
| Wireless racing wheel | 77% |
| Messenger Kit | 72% |
| 60GB LIVE starter pack | 48% |
The promotion offers up to $40 cash back on selected products, making it the perfect time to grab official Xbox 360 controllers, hard drives and headsets at great prices.
Customers will need to purchase Xbox 360 accessories between 16th March 2009 and 16th May 2009 to be eligible, and redeem the cash back by 5pm (Australian ESB time) on June 30th 2009. * Terms and conditions apply.
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Should you have any questions or comments please contact:
Emily Birks, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3216/ emily@pulsecom.com.au
Daniel Wong, Pulse Communications: (02) 8281 3826/ daniel@pulsecom.com.au
*Terms and Conditions: Products must be purchased between 16th March 2009 and 30th April 2009 in Australia or New Zealand. Claims must be received by 5pm (Sydney time) 31st May 2009. Offer available on official Xbox 360 accessories only. Does not include: PC Hardware; PC peripherals;3rd Party Xbox Accessories; or Xbox 360 Consoles. Photocopy of original receipt required. Maximum of 3 claims per customer. You are responsible for completing your details online and the cost of posting in your claim form. Cash Back amount will be electronically paid into your account. 20% cash back is off RRP. RRP = Recommended Retail Price (including GST). There is no obligation on any person to comply with the recommended price. The price you actually pay will be determined by the retailer. While stocks last. Only at participating retailers. See www.xbox.com.au/ for online claim form, a list of RRPs for participating products, cash back amounts and full Terms and Conditions.
About Xbox 360
The powerful Xbox 360 video game and entertainment experience delivers amazing games, the next generation of the premier Xbox LIVE online social network, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. Xbox 360 now boasts a catalogue of over 500 high-definition games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential. Xbox 360 the Xbox 360 logo, Xbox LIVE are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.