Redmond, Wash. - Following a similar move in the U.S., Microsoft has lowered the price of its Xbox 360 video game console in Europe by 50 euros, with the Premium version to now sell for GBP 249/EUR 349, and the Core version to cost GBP 179/EUR 279. The price cuts will take effect on Friday, to coincide with the launch of the new Xbox 360 Elite console in Europe, which will retail for GBP 299/EUR 449.

Tokyo - Microsoft said this week that it plans to launch the Xbox 360 Elite, an advanced version of the video game console, in Japan on Oct. 11, Reuters reported. The launch comes despite the Xbox 360's lackluster sales in Japan, where it trails sales of rival Wii and PlayStation 3 consoles. The 120GB Xbox 360 Elite console will sell for about $390 in Japan.

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft announced on Wednesday plans to release Xbox 360 Elite, a new version of its video game console that will sport a 120GB hard drive and HDMI port to support high-definition gameplay.