Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive

Format Wars take on a new front - the games console.

Microsoft has announced the availability of its Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive, on March 29th, for an RRP of $249.95.

That's just a week later than the Australian PlayStation3 launch, ensuring that HD-DVD and Blu-Ray will be going head to head on all fronts.

The external drive is claimed by Microsoft to be the most affordable high definition ‘experience’ in the Australian market, which is a cheaty claim, considering the need for a $600 Xbox 360 in the first instance.

The device comes with a remote, and a HD-DVD copy of King Kong.

David McLean, Regional Director Xbox Australia and New Zealand, says, “Xbox 360 is the only video game console that lets consumers choose when to upgrade to high definition movie content. We’re not forcing technology on the consumer; instead we’re offering the HD DVD Player as an option that extends the Xbox 360 experience."

At least 40 HD-DVD films are expected to be onsale in Australia at the end of March.