Micro$oft desperation? Price cut on 360 add-on...

[Jack Torrance]

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3158163


360 HD-DVD Add-On Prices Appear to be Dropping
Has HD-DVD already run out of steam?
By Philip Kollar, 03/21/2007

It seems like just last year Sony was hyping the new Blu-Ray disc format in PlayStation 3 while Microsoft announced their allegiance with the opposing HD-DVD format (resulting in optional drive for Xbox 360). Actually, what do you know? That was just last year. Nevertheless, we're already receiving the first signs of the finish line in this race.
Kotaku reports a rumor popping up around the net that prices for the 360 HD-DVD add-on are beginning to fall rather sharply. How much? Reports are saying that Wal-Mart is ignoring the regular retail price of $199.99 to sell the drive for a very cheap $130. This is after reports that Blu-ray movie sales are now surpassing HD-DVD, likely due to the PlayStation 3's release.

It's still far too early to announce Blu-ray as the winner and HD-DVD as dead and gone (though various analysts and studio heads have tried to do just that), but without some momentum in the opposite direction, Sony's choice may end up rolling over Microsoft's. Is the price drop part of a Microsoft effort to gain some momentum? Unlikely. These unconfirmed reports of lower prices are likely regional specials -- Wal-Mart currently lists the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player for $199.82.

Been able to snag an Xbox 360 HD-DVD player at Wal-Mart on the cheap? Send News Editor Luke Smith a scan of your receipt.