UK games retailers have seen the availability of all varieties of Xbox 360 hardware brought to an abrupt stop. Something is definitely afoot!

It’s all about the long-rumoured 360 price cut, of course. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed any such thing – yet – but numerous retail sources have told trademag MCV that all 360 models have either been pulled from open availability, or are suddenly in very limited supply. By common account that’s the same pattern of behaviour as was seen before the Xbox 360 ‘Core’ was dropped in favour of the current ‘Arcade’ model.

Speaking of which, there seems to be some confusion regarding the fate of the Arcade – increased trade prices actually point to a potential price rise for the entry-level model, although MCV tipsters are speculating that this listing may just be a placeholder for a price-reduced Elite instead.

Meanwhile, across the pond, eagle-eyed fanboys have spotted the Xbox 360 Elite on sale in a shiny white box. Nothing so strange in that, you might think, except that the new packaging only lists two Xbox 360 variants – the Elite and the Arcade. Looks like the mid-level ‘Pro’ 360 is dead and buried, then. Other US retailer outlets have already printed fliers listing the Elite at $299 – £184 at today's rate, and a substantial chunk less than the current RRP.

All things considered it’s about time Microsoft came clean about this whole price-cut business, don’t you think? But maybe they just want to keep their powder dry as long as possible in order to inflict maximum damage on the PS3 Slim’s launch next Tuesday.