Xbox One ‘Madden NFL 15’ Bundle Announced; ‘Sunset Overdrive’ Bundle Coming Too
Microsoft is loading up another salvo to help the Xbox One in the current console war with Sony’s PlayStation 4. The company announced a new bundle on Monday that brings together EA Sports’ Madden NFL 15 with the Kinect-less version of the console without increasing the price. There’s also confirmation that a Sunset Overdrive bundle is on the way too.
Our first draft pick is in. Meet the #XboxOne @EAMaddenNFL 15 Bundle: http://t.co/jdYzPJBPt1 pic.twitter.com/Hw0ZCWlW0K
— Xbox (@Xbox) August 4, 2014
The Madden NFL 15 Xbox One bundle will be available at retailers on August 26th for $399.99. The bundle includes a standard console, controller and headset, plus a download code for the Xbox One and three Madden NFL Ultimate Team Pro Packs. Aside from the themed packaging you see above, there’s no other special branding or unique controllers with the bundle. But, at least Madden NFL 15 cover star Richard Sherman of the Seattle Seahawks will get in a bit of cross-promotion between the Xbox brand and himself.
#ad @Xbox hooked me up with @EAMaddenNFL 15 Xbox One Bundle. Dropping 8/26, win one from me. http://t.co/n1NT5UDzTa pic.twitter.com/cEMCIplZm0
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) August 4, 2014
This isn’t the only bundle for the planned for this year. A French retailer outed a white Xbox One bundle featuring the Insomniac Games’ shooter, Sunset Overdrive. Polygon states that Microsoft confirmed with them that the bundle is real. There’s no confirmation of a release date, but it would presumably be released alongside the game on October 28th in North America and October 31st in Europe.
By comparison, Sony announced a bundle featuring Bungie’s Destiny with a white PlayStation 4 at E3. However, it is $50 more than the console’s stand-alone $399.99 price.
The Madden NFL 15 bundle should help boost Xbox One sales in North America, where it trails the PS4, but not by a disturbing margin. It’s Europe where the console needs the most help, though, as Sony’s console is more widespread in the region and outselling the Xbox One 3 to 1. And, that’s at a minimum, based on the latest sales figures.
Microsoft will have its Gamescom Xbox media briefing in Cologne, Germany next week where it plans some big announcements. Presumably, these announcements will help in their quest to secure better sales performance in the region.
The Sunset Overdrive Xbox One bundle is a start, but what else could they announce short of a price drop? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
[Images via EA Sports, Microsoft]
