Microsoft has unexpectedly cut the price of its 360 console configurations in Australia for the second time in half a year.

The Elite and Pro editions of the console have experienced the biggest price reductions, dropping AU$100 each with the Elite now retailing at AU$549 and the Pro going for AU$499. The Arcade version has taken a further cut too, dropping from AU$350 to AU$300.

The price cuts come after the benchmark pricecut made 6 months ago; where the 360 Arcade became the cheapest TV Console in the territory. Microsoft says that the Xbox 360 Arcade continues to be the best-selling console in the region.

According to the Austrlian arm of retail giant GAME, the Wii retails for around AU$399 and the 40GB PS3 sells at AU$699.

Microsoft’s UK head of gaming, Stephen McGill, had recently said that the 360 will not see a drop in price for “many years” in the UK.

One Australian dollar is worth around $0.66 and £0.43 at the time of writing.