Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive now only $49.99
By Jonathan Schlaffer
It’s official, the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive is now the bargain basement price of $49.99, just a few days ago it would have cost between $120 and $130. The move comes as Blu-Ray has won the format war and there is no longer a real demand for HD-DVD devices.
Microsoft says it’s standing its ground and will not be releasing a Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox 360. Instead, it will continue to develop games and improve Xbox live. Though, the “games by you” is a little gimmicky.
Disc space is becoming problematic. Standard DVDs are getting to the point where one game will no longer fit on one disc. The company faces the possibility of having to release two DVDs for a game or eventually embrace Blu-Ray technology for the greater capacity.
If neither of those options are considered, Microsoft will have to concede to Sony and allow the PS3 to take the number two or number one spot. The Xbox 360 has enjoyed much success to this point but by not embracing Blu-Ray the company is limiting the longevity of the console. That could also be the plan, to release the successor to the Xbox 360 with a Blu-Ray drive.
Whatever the case is, Toshiba will stop manufacturing all HD-DVD devices by then end of March and once that stock is gone, it’s gone. The new low price of the drive may tempt some but I’m going to stay clear, it’s a waste of $50 which is better spent for a game or a couple movies.
The drive is available directly from Microsoft at the new low price.
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Tips N4G
March 4th, 2008
You gotta remember that for $50 your going to get a good upconverting DVD player for cheap until the price of Blu-Ray comes down.
March 4th, 2008
That is cheaper then the upconverting DVD players out there right now.