Microsoft to Equip Xbox 360 with a HD-DVD Drive

contents

hardware

Microsoft says it plans to offer a HD-DVD for Microsoft's Xbox 360. Sony pronounces it has had to delay the introduction of Sony PlayStation 3 in Europe because of a supply problem and it is a development that will surely play into the hands of both Microsoft with its Xbox 360 and Nintendo with its Wii console. GamesIndustry.biz reports that retail sources have revealed that Microsoft hopes to price its standalone HD-DVD drive at ?199, along with two HD-DVD movies.

When bundled with the Premium console, the price will reportedly be less than ?400, as part of Microsoft's attempt to position itself as the world's most popular console manufacturer. Next-generation movie compatibility is in fact set to play a central role in deciding which console emerges as the world's most popular, with Sony PlayStation 3 supporting Blu-ray and Microsoft's Xbox 360 tied to HD-DVD.

Research from the Yankee Group recently suggested that the Sony PlayStation 3 would dominate the market in the years ahead, with Xbox 360 pushed into second place and Nintendo's Wii in third. While Sony will still release its PlayStation 3 on time in Japan and in the US, the decision to delay the European release will undoubtedly damage Sony PlayStation's market share, in the early months at least, and it has given hope to Nintendo that there is still considerable potential to exploit.

write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Computing News :: home page