Xbox 360 gets $50 Price Drop, plus Madden NFL 08

Microsoft Corp. is readying their holiday Xbox 360 video game console promotions by announcing a $50 price drop for the Xbox 360, which brings the cost down to $349.99 (U.S.) beginning Aug. 8. On the videogame end, Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) will release "Madden NFL 08" for xbox 360 on Aug. 14.

Other Xbox 360 console options include the Xbox 360 Core System ($279.99 U.S.) which provides everything needed to start gaming while giving users the ability to add new features and accessories. On the top end is the black Xbox 360 Elite ($449.99 U.S.) that's equipped with a 120GB hard drive.

The Xbox 360 Halo 3 Special Edition Console ($399.99 U.S.) hits stores in September to celebrate the release of Halo 3, featuring an authentic Spartan green-and-gold finish, and will include a matching Xbox 360 Wireless Controller, Xbox 360 20GB hard drive, Xbox 360 Headset, an Xbox 360 Play and Charge Kit, and more.    

New Xbox 360 game titles for the holidays include:

"Guitar Hero III(TM): Legends of Rock" (RedOctane/Activision), "Halo 3" (Bungie Studios), "Madden NFL 08" (EA) and "Rock Band" (MTV Games).