Microsoft Unveils Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player Pricing and Release Details

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft announced its Xbox 360's add-on HD-DVD player will hit Japan within days of the release of the PlayStation 3, coinciding with the November launch of the PS3. The player will retail for approximately $180 in Japan, with a similar price point expected in North America, around $200. The console will also receive a software update allowing it to output at 1080p resolution, a major selling point for rival Sony's PS3. This move is seen as a strategic decision to future-proof the console, as the company believes 720p remains the optimal resolution for high-definition gaming.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Xbox 360's HD-DVD player will be released in Japan in conjunction with the PS3, priced at around $180.
  • The console will receive a software update allowing it to output at 1080p resolution, a major competitive advantage.
  • Microsoft expects to release 110 games for the Xbox 360 in Japan by the end of the year, with 160 available in North America.
  • The HD-DVD player will also be capable of improving the resolution of games running at 720p to 1080p.
  • Industry experts maintain that, while the HD-DVD player will be a significant advantage for tech-savvy gamers, it may not be a major draw for casual console owners.
  • Microsoft believes 720p remains the optimal resolution for high-definition gaming, despite the update to 1080p support.

Statistics:

  • Price of the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player in Japan: approximately $180
  • Expected price of the HD-DVD player in North America: around $200
  • Number of games available for the Xbox 360 in Japan by the end of the year: 110
  • Number of games available for the Xbox 360 in North America at the same time: 160

Sources:

  • "Next-gen console battle: Xbox 360 vs. PlayStation 3" by Chris Morris, CNN Money.com
  • "Xbox 360 Getting HD-DVD, 1080p Upgrade" by Luke Smith, 1Up.com
  • "Game News" by Brian D. Crecente, Rocky Mountain News