Microsoft Confirms Xbox 360 HD-DVD Drive

By Geoff Duncan Published May 9, 2006

Although it’s a surprise to no one at this point, Microsoft has publicly confirmed it’s preparing an external USB 2.0-based HD-DVD drive for its Xbox 360 gaming console. It’s also no surprise Microsoft is taking the opportunity to promote the virtues of HD-DVD over Sony’s competing Blu-ray format, saying that HD-DVD is a better standard and offers a greater value to consumers.

According to Microsoft, the external HD-DVD drive will enable users to watch high-definition movies with digital surround sound via USB, but be priced substantially lower than Blu-ray offerings because costs at every step of the HD-DVD production chain (from players, drives, discs, licensing fees, and manufacturing) are lower than Blu-ray.

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Microsoft plans to announce the Xbox 360 HD-DVD “accessory” at E3 this week, wth availability scheduled for the 2006 end-of-year holiday buying season, although no pricing information has been released. Microsoft expects more than 160 titles will be available for the Xbox 360, including Grand Theft Auto 4, when the HD-DVD drive comes to market.

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