News You May Have Missed

Another new thing I'm starting here, entitled:

News You May Have Missed

It's basically a recap of all the SMALLER, but still important, gaming related news that people have passed over for the week.

• In the original Punch-Out for the NES, Mario was never actually approved to be the referee or be in the game at all. (Source: Kotaku)
  
• Johnny Cash is in Guitar Hero 5, and you will be able to export SOME, but not all, songs from World Tour and Smash Hits.
  
• There is a Best Buy in Utah testing the price-matching of Gamestop's used games on their new games. (Source: Joystiq)
  
• Oh yeah, Madden 2010 drops this Friday.
  
• Apparently, the Xbox 360 Pro is going to be discontinued, with only the Arcade and Elite remaining. No word on price or pack-ins. (Source: Joystiq)

I bolded that last part because I think it's the biggest news of the week that nobody is paying attention to. With the Pro bundle effectively eliminated, it can only mean a price cut is in order. With the Xbox 360 leading the way now that the Wii has really slowed in terms of sales and the attach rate on the 360 continuing to set records (8.1 games per 360 owner on average), Microsoft could be poising themselves to cut the price on the Elite to sell tons of systems. If they cut the price on the Arcade to $149 and make the Elite $279, they would make some serious dough. Especially if they continue to do their holiday bundling (last year they gave out Kung Fu Panda/Lego Indy; the year before that was Forza 2/Marvel Ultimate Alliance), Microsoft could sell millions, putting them even farther ahead of Sony and catching up to Nintendo's total Wii sales (although they wish they had the kind of attach rate that Microsoft has). Furthermore, it could really put a damper on Sony- why would you buy a $99 PS2 when you can get $149 Xbox 360 Arcade. Next-gen for only $50 more!? How could you not?