HD DVD Drive under $200?

Renewed speculation over the price point for Microsoft's Xbox 360 external HD DVD has been sparked by Internet reports claiming a figure of US$200, just months ahead of the device's planned release.

According to DigiTimes, the device will be launched in time for the Christmas shopping period at a retail price of US$200, bringing the total cost of a premium Xbox 360 and HD DVD drive in line with Sony's US$599 PS3.

Microsoft has declined to confirm the precise launch date or pricing for the drive to date, stating only that the external device would be among the least expensive of the HD DVD drives to reach market, when the drive was demonstrated recently.

If the reports are accurate, it would suggest a UK price of approximately GBP100-150, although Microsoft officials were unavailable for comment at the time of writing, leaving official confirmation still pending.