Microsoft UK has cut the price of the Xbox 360 Core System to a mere pound under £200, knocking a tenner off the console's previous price.

The company itself wouldn't confirm the cut last week, but website GamesIndustry.biz persuaded a number of retail moles to reveal the price drop. Stores are able to sell the console for whatever they like, so what we're talking about here is a reduction in MS' price guidance and, presumably, a comparable drop in what the company's dealer price.

Until late last week, the recommended price stood at £209, where it's been since Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 in the UK in December 2005. That hasn't stopped some retailers charging a penny under £200 for the console. Meanwhile, the 'standard' full-feature package continues to cost around£279. ®