Microsoft to launch Xbox 360 HD DVD in Japan November 22nd
Written By: Joseph Gillespie
Microsoft stated today that it plans to launch it's latest Xbox 360 feature, the HD DVD player, in Japan on November 22nd, 2006.
The Xbox 360's HD DVD drive will be in direct competition with the PS3's BluRay drive, two contenders in a current content war. The HD DVD versus BluRay battle has been raging for quite a while, and Microsoft is firmly standing behind HD DVD, while Sony stands behind BluRay.
However, the Microsoft HD DVD add-on will be completely optional, whereas the PS3 will function on BluRay disks only. If BluRay loses the content war, then Microsoft will be firmly in place with the winner, and PS3 users will be unable to play HD DVDs on their PS3's (at least without a future add-on). On the other hand, if BluRay wins, Microsoft will be able to simply release a new add on, and have no loss of features.
At any rate, the new Xbox 360 add-on will allow users to play HD DVD movies via their Xbox 360. This provides a considerably cheaper method of playing HD DVD movies. Current HD DVD players are certainly not competitive with standard DVD players, and while the Xbox 360 already functions as a standard DVD player, this Add-On will make it a very useful media device indeed.
The add-on is planned to retail for 20,790 yen which is roughly $177 USD. Other HD DVD players currently retail for $400 and up. This add-on will prove a much more cost efficient player for Xbox 360 owners.
Last Modified: September 20th, 2006
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