Microsoft will not cut the price of its Xbox 360 games console before Christmas, the company's head of European Xbox marketing, has revealed. Maybe not, but it looks like Microsoft will stress its machine's price advantage when Sony ships the PlayStation 3.

Interviewed by UK games trade weekly MCV, Microsoft's Head of Marketing, Xbox Europe, Richard Teversham, said the company will not reduce the 360's price tag, but he did say Microsoft is planning "a number of surprises" for the fourth quarter.

Price does seem part of the strategy: "We will ensure we are good value and we’ll do that through having a variety of pricing on games, a variety of pricing on console offers," Teversham told MCV.

That suggests a range of bundle packages, possibly including the anticipated externel HD DVD drive Microsoft is preparing to release later this year.

Teversham's comments were given a global perspective by Takahashi Sensui, general manager for Xbox 360 Japan, who this weekend told Japanese media the Xbox 360's price will not be cut. He also claimed the PS3 will be "too expensive". ®