Although the Xbox 360's cheapest package, the Arcade, experienced no price adjustment in the States during the recent markdown, the same can't be said for its British cousin. In the UK, the Arcade actually increased 30 lbs. pounds overnight, with no added value in the box. Microsoft, by way of CVG, has explained it as an attempt to "offset" exchange rate fluctuations and local market conditions.

A Microsoft representative told the site that the increase from £130 to £160 is a first for the company, which has never "made upward adjustments to the trade price of consoles before." British gamers have been asked to take solace in the fact that -- even with the increase -- the Xbox 360 remains "the most affordable console in the market."

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/27/xb...soft-explains/