Amazon’s German website leaked the initial details on the rumored Arcade edition of the the new, slim Xbox 360. According to the product listing page, the Arcade version will sport 4GB of flash memory, a €149 ($189 USD) price tag, and is projected to launch on August 20th. The timing of the launch is apropos as the upcoming GameCon conference is slated for August 18-22 in Cologne, Germany. Hopefully this rumor pans out and Microsoft will launch the Xbox 360 Slim Arcade in Germany and beyond later this summer.

[Via Kotaku]

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Amazon announced today that it has added a dedicated Xbox LIVE store to its myriad of electronic storefronts. This latest partnership allows customers to purchase Xbox LIVE Arcade games, subscription cards and Microsoft points directly from Amazon. Customers who purchase Xbox LIVE content from Amazon will be provided with a digitally-delivered code that they can redeem via their own console or give as a gift to an Xbox 360 owner. The ability to give a select Xbox LIVE Arcade game as a gift is a feature unique to Amazon’s store — previously, all Xbox LIVE Arcade games had to be purchased through an Xbox 360 console which made it difficult for a non-gamer to give such a gift. The Xbox LIVE store also features Amazon’s typical recommendation system and online customer reviews. Check it out and let us know what you think.

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Until we have some form of official confirmation from the horse’s mouth we’re going to remain a tad skeptical, but evidence is mounting for the arrival of a $199 XBox 360 system in the near future. A screenshot of a product page for the Xbox 360 Arcade shows an amended SKU and new price point for a future system, set to be unleashed on the 7th of September. This release date coincides with a couple of major game releases, and would be a good way for Microsoft to launch a new promotional campaign leading into the Fall. Sure, it’s the barebones Arcade system, but $199 ain’t too bad for a “next-gen” console.

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