Xbox 360 Arcade to get price increase in UK?

According to information supplied to Eurogamer, would-be Xbox 360 buyers in the UK may have to budget a little more for their gaming fix.  Chain retailer Argos had updated their listing of the Xbox 360 60GB model to say "We are very sorry, but Microsoft have discontinued this line", since removed, while an unnamed smaller retailer had come forward to corroborate the discontinuation as well as suggest that the Xbox 360 Arcade bundle will in fact be seeing a price increase in the UK.

In addition, Microsoft are tipped to be removing the free Xbox Live Arcade games from the bundle.  No word on why the increase may be taking place, though it's possible that currency issues have made the current figure financially unfeasible.  Earlier rumors – and box art – had suggested that Microsoft is planning to can the Xbox 360 Pro.

No official statement from Microsoft has been made, but according to ITProPortal the 360 Arcade will climb by £30 ($49).  They suggest the pound/euro conversion to be the cause, a factor which will also impact on the cost of accessories.