Microsoft, Retailers Offer Low Xbox Live Gold Prices Before Price Hikes Come

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Recently, Xbox Live got a 20% price hike, to $60 a year in the United States. It was a controversial move, with tons of usually loyal “Xbros” speaking out against Microsoft. The new prices don’t take affect until November 1st, though, and so many retailers and Microsoft themselves are trying to get you to buy early so you “lock in” the low price for the next year.

Amazon, Buy.com, Newegg and Target are all offering one-year of Xbox Live Gold memberships for on or around $40. As many of our readers know, the cost of a 1-year membership right now is $50 and will be $60 after November 1st. But, Microsoft isn’t about to be outdone.

Microsoft themselves has setup a web site (located at xbox.com/en-US/live/pricelock/default.htm) in which they’re inviting customers to lock in the low-rate for the next year with 12 months of Xbox Live Gold for just $40. With so many outlets offering Xbox Live for just $40, it’s almost like the November 1st price hike is really like a double-price increase!

Many gamers regard Microsoft’s Xbox Live as the premier console gaming service, despite the cost. In addition to online gaming, Xbox Live also offers such features as Netflix, Facebook and last.fm. But, Sony’s competing PlayStation Network offers many of those same features for free – so it’s a bit odd to see Microsoft raising the price of Xbox Live.