Possible XBOX 360 bundle?

"Over on the Gaming-Age forums, one poster who goes by the handle "Dr_Cogent" claims that a new Xbox 360 bundle with about $85 of throw-ins will go on sale beginning August 1 for just $399.

Allegedly, the new bundle will come with an Xbox 360, Project Gotham Racing 3 ($50 value), 1250 Xbox Live Marketplace points (just over $15), and a three-month Xbox Live Gold subscription card ($20 value). The post doesn't specify which Xbox the bundle will contain, but presumably it would be the 20GB hard-drive-equipped, $399 premium model.

The post also says that the original Xbox has been discontinued, but did not offer any evidence or reason."

That's a very interesting rumor, as Microsoft confirmed that the price wouldn't drop, but they didn't say anything about a bundle. Though it's not official in any way, this would make a lot of sense because PGR3 is a very popular game and makes use of the Marketplace quite a bit, while the Live stuff would be a great way to promote the service. The biggest problem with this is that the game included is PGR. I'm sure there are plenty of people who like racing, but I'm sure there are many who don't. What would make more sense is to offer it with PGR3, Perfect Dark Zero/Call of Duty 2, or Kameo. That way everyone could find one they would enjoy.

The other thing that seems false is the August 1st release of this package, because it would have more then likely been announced by now. The news about the XBOX, it really shouldn't happen just yet because of the 360's backwards compatability issues. Until they get those ironed out I think it needs to keep being produced, if in small quantities. Sadly, since MS has stopped making games for the original XBOX, it wouldn't surprise me at all if it happens. Keep your eyes open for more news about this.