Kinect's $40 Price Cut is Permanent, Microsoft Says

Microsoft is hoping a $40 price cut to its Kinect motion sensor for the Xbox 360 console will encourage more people to shake and gyrate to a growing catalog of supported games. The reduced price represents a 27 percent savings over the previous MSRP, and according to Microsoft, this isn't a temporary promotion.

"The new permanently reduced price will be $109.99 in the U.S.," Microsoft stated in a blog post. "There will be also a permanently reduced price in North America, Latin America, and Asia Pacific regions where Kinect is sold. Additionally, on October 4, the Kinect sensor will be available for a permanently reduced price in Australia and New Zealand."

Kinect Sensor

Microsoft didn't say why it lowered the price, and the timing is a bit curious with the holiday shopping season right around the corner. Gamers interested in the Kinect might be better off waiting until to November to see if any holiday promotions pop up, in addition to the already lowered price tag.

On a related note, Microsoft is rumored to be working on a second generation Kinect sensor to be paired with its upcoming Durango (Xbox 720) console, both of which may appear towards the end of next year.