US price cut for Xbox 360 HD DVD player
European gamers hard done by yet again
US gamers will again be the first to benefit from a Microsoft retail strategy. The Seattle-based software behemoth today announced plans to reduce the US price of its Xbox 360 HD DVD player by $20 (£9/€14), but failed to mention any similar cut for its European gamers.
The price drop, announced at the Comic-Con event in San Diego, means the estimated retail price of the console’s add-on will now be $179 (£87/€130), effective from 1 August. Microsoft claims the Xbox 360 HD DVD player is now the cheapest high definition player available, following the reduction.
While the cut may scarcely amount to the price of a few pints in the UK, it could cause further frustration for gamers over this side of the Pond. European gamers have been forced to wait until 24 August to get their hands on the forthcoming all-black Xbox Elite, despite the fact it has been on US shelves since 29 April.
Microsoft also announced that it will extend Toshiba’s “Perfect Offer” for five free HD DVDs from a selection of 15 titles - previously exclusive to those purchasing Toshiba HD DVD players, to the Xbox 360 HD DVD player.
These two announcements may help increase the popularity of HD DVDs amongst consumers, strengthening the format’s standing in the ongoing HD DVD Vs Blu-ray high definition format war.
Earlier this month the HD DVD Promotion Group announced that Toshiba HD DVD players accounted for 74 per cent of European sales of next-gen optical disc players, although sales figures were not mentioned. However, the HD DVD promotion group did say that more than 500,000 HD DVD players and Xbox 360 drives have been sold worldwide.
COMMENTS
Re: Price difference
man that was poor typing! sorry, pretty tired today!
Re: Price difference
"It's because you Brits and Europeans are making so damned much money."
Erm, as you refer to "us" as "Brits and Europeans," I'm assuming you're American?
Just so you know: America is the richest country in the world.
So don't give me b0ll0cks about us Brits/Europeans being so wealthy, as I and many other person my age in the UK has to drive in a vsmall car and live in a terraced house. When I was in the US last year, I lost count how many teenagers who had just passed their test has a brand new dodge bought for them!
Price difference
It's because you Brits and Europeans are making so damned much money. Microsoft wants to squeeze out every ounce of profit it can, so it goes after the markets with disposable income.
BluRay has about 40% more software out there right now. And growing. Toshiba just hasn't made the deals with the studios that Sony has. Plus, they don't have a studio.
Global Village
Don't buy one in Europe! The HD-DVD drives are all the same - the only difference is the language on the remote control buttons and the power adapter fly lead. For normal DVD playback the HD-DVD drive takes its region code off the 360 - HD-DVD themselves are region free.
I had mine shipped over from Hong Kong 6 months ago for just under 100 quid. HD-DVD discs cost less than DVDs in the UK if you have them shipped from US (no region issues, occassionally a little tax to pay if customs notice). Not sure what the audio quibble is I get 7 point surround.
You pay too much for beer...
By my maths you could get at least four pints for 9 quid. More if a special offer is on :P
