xbox 360 hd-dvd priced, dated in japan

Kotaku has revealed information from a reliable source that Microsoft will announce a November 22nd launch for the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive accessory in Japan.

Pricing is expected to be a Blu-Ray killing 19800 yen (appx. $168 USD!) in Japan, but it’s likely to run about $199 in the US, since Microsoft is pushing extra hard to gain Japanese market share. Even at $199, it seems like a steal compared to standalone players which range from $499 to $799 at present. I’d also lay odds that the US release date will be the same.

[via Kotaku]

[UPDATE 9/20/2006: Microsoft has confirmed the Japanese release for November 17th:

“Xbox 360 HD DVD Player and 1080p Support
Microsoft announced pricing and availability details for the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player in Japan. The accessory will launch on Nov. 17, 2006, priced at