The anticipated Microsoft Project Natal gaming technology is expected for release this fall and now has a rumored price tag of $149.
Gaming site Edge spoke with a “trusted source” who has been reliable for other Microsoft-related gaming news in the past -- and a $149 price point seems high enough to generate revenue, but cheap enough to attract gamers.
"Microsoft expects to sell millions and millions of Natal units in its first year on the market so you can expect the software launch line-up to target non-traditional gamers," the source told Edge. “A major marketing campaign will also play a key role in attracting and educating the expanded audience about Xbox 360’s controller-free revolution.”
I believe marketing Natal to casual gamers is an extremely good idea for Microsoft, especially with the success Nintendo has had with its Wii-motes and motion control games. Furthermore, the Sony PlayStation 3 Move motion controller will be marketed more towards more hardcore gamers, so it will be interesting to see which company sells more motion control hardware.
Microsoft is reportedly preparing to offer Natal as a $149 add-on and inside the Xbox 360 Arcade bundle.
The rumored $149 price point is very interesting, as there have been several different price points released the past few weeks. An earlier unconfirmed report said Natal would be available for around $72, while a different report said the price would be closer to $200.
Microsoft is expected to officially launch Natal during E3 next month -- with Microsoft hosting a press event specifically to unveil the technology -- as game manufacturers prepare for the summer and fall gaming seasons.
I think $149 is a fair price point for the add-on, especially if Microsoft is working with game developers to integrate the motion controller into new games, and look forward to seeing how the controller works and performs in real world gaming.
