Microsoft Considering $99 Xbox 360 With Monthly Payment Plan?

Microsoft representatives will neither confirm nor deny it, but the Xbox 360 could soon become the first console gamers may essentially purchase on a product-specific payment plan.

The Verge alleges that Microsoft may roll out as early as next week a 360 package that can be purchased for almost as one would a car or major appliance: pay $99 up front, then $15 per month over the following two years.

For entering the payment plan available via U.S. Microsoft Stores, purchasers would get a 4 GB Xbox 360 console with Kinect motion peripheral, Xbox Live Gold access and service warranty over the two-year installment/subscription period, and unspecified bonus streaming content provided by broadcast cable and sports package providers.

The plan would also include an early-termination fee if purchases decide to break the contract. One imagines that would effectively brick the system itself, which would still retail after all payments at a total $299 with the lowest-priced Xbox Live Gold subscription.

Funny, this report's timing: IGN broke the story earlier today, with help from reader Bryan Findley, that Sony has floated a survey to PlayStation Network users seeking their personal ideal set of PlayStation Plus perks and respective reasonable price-point estimations. The survey seemingly points toward Sony considering a tiered PS Plus subscription structure.