Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) Store Lists New Pricing for Kinect

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) is listing its “Kinect” gaming system on the Microsoft Store for $149.99 available as a pre-order only, in line with previous rumors of the pricing of the device.

This does not mean that official pricing has been released for the product. There’s a disclaimer in the product listing which cautions that “official pricing has not been announced,” and that “$149.99 is an estimate only and subject to change.”

Other websites, including GameStop, Wal-Mart and Best Buy, have listed the Kinect for $149.99 as well.

Some believe that Microsoft may be testing the waters and gaging consumer reaction about the $149.99 price point. Many in the media believe that $150.00 is too steep, however, Microsoft’s $99 Wi-FI adapter was also decried as being too expensive as well and Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) did not have trouble selling that device.

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) likely wants to start pushing direct-sale pre-orders since the company likely makes more money on direct sales than through retailers.

If Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) drops the price on the Kinect between now and the November release date, the website’s “pre-order price guarantee” says that “the advertised price for pre-order items may increase or decrease prior to the date the product is released to the public,” and that “you’ll only be charged the lowest price offered between the time you place your pre-order and the date the product is released to the public.”