Microsoft has lowered the price of the Xbox 360 system in New Zealand, effective immediately.

Underlining its "already terrific" value, the Xbox 360 console is now available from a recommended retail price of $450 and $650 for the Core and Pro systems respectively.

Microsoft New Zealand says the new price means there has never been a better time to jump in to Xbox 360. "The Xbox 360 console is the best-selling new-generation console in New Zealand and has proven itself as a leading platform for interactive home entertainment."

The platform's strong games line-up will be boosted with the hugely-anticipated Halo 3 in September.

David McLean, Xbox Regional Director, Australia and New Zealand, says, “Xbox 360 is all about offering consumers a choice – and I think we’ve just made that choice even easier.

“Today’s announcement shows Xbox 360 delivering on our commitment to make next-generation entertainment accessible to as many Kiwis as possible – whether you want high definition movies and digital downloads, or want to join an online community of more than 7 million people, or whether you just want to jump straight into a game and have fun.”

Microsoft is enhancing the value of its entire family of Xbox 360 consoles. At the new recommended retail price of $650, the Xbox 360 Pro offers an online-ready gaming experience right out of the box with a 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, Xbox 360 media remote, and more.

And for those looking for the ultimate value and the freedom to customise their console as they see fit, Xbox 360 Core is now priced at RRP$450. Xbox 360 Core provides everything needed to hit the ground running while giving consumers the ability to add new features and accessories when they want.

The Xbox 360 console is the only place gamers will be able to play all of the following highly anticipated blockbusters: Halo 3 (Microsoft Game Studios), Grand Theft Auto 4 (Rockstar Games), Call of Duty 4 (Activision), Rock Band (MTV Games), Assassin’s Creed (Ubisoft) and Guitar Hero III: Rock Legends (Activision).

Other games coming to the Xbox 360 console include: BioShock (2K Games), Lost Odyssey (Microsoft Game Studios), Blue Dragon (Microsoft Game Studios), Scene It?: Lights, Camera, Action (Microsoft Game Studios), Project Gotham Racing 4 (Microsoft Game Studios), Mass Effect (Microsoft Game Studios) and Viva Piñata: Party Animals (Microsoft Game Studios).

The full contents of the two systems are:

* Xbox 360 Pro System (RRP $649.95): Includes the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, 20GB Hard Drive, Wireless Controller, Media Remote, Component HD AV cable, an Ethernet Connectivity Cable and a complimentary 30-day trial Xbox Live Gold membership.
* Xbox 360 Core System (RRP $449.95): Includes the Xbox 360 Core console, Xbox 360 Controller and Composite AV cable.