January 14, 2006

By VICTOR GODINEZ / The Dallas Morning News

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS: It turns out the Xbox 360 will get a next-generation optical drive after all. Microsoft announced last week at the Consumer Electronics Show that it will release an external HD-DVD drive for the Xbox 360 later this year. The move steals some of Sony's thunder, because the PlayStation 3 will include a high-tech Blu-ray drive of its own when it's released this year.

WHO CARES? But it's hard to see what benefit gamers will get out of the Xbox 360 drive. Unless Microsoft basically gives away the drives, most gamers will probably never bother to buy one. As a result, game developers will probably just continue to release Xbox 360 games on regular DVDs.

HALF A G: Sentiment seems to be building that the PlayStation 3 will cost $500 or more when it's released (presumably) this year. American Technology Research predicted a $499 price tag after the Consumer Electronics Show. Even though that's $100 more than the most expensive Xbox 360 package, it's hard to see how Sony will make a profit.

THE PRICE OF THE FUTURE: For example, stand-alone Blu-ray movie players unveiled at CES will go on sale this year for no less than $1,000. While Sony is mum on a PS3 price, it's clear that next-generation gaming isn't going to be cheap.

NINTENDO TO THE RESCUE: Unless, of course, you want to buy from Nintendo. If Nintendo sneaks the Revolution in at around $200 or so, it'll be hailed as the savior of the budget gamer.

THIS BODES WELL: Do you kind of suspect that all this hoopla around drunken skier Bode Miller is just a little bit manufactured? I'd never heard of this guy before the infamous 60 Minutes segment last week. Now, he's everywhere. And guess what? The PC game Bode Miller Alpine Skiing ships this month. It'd be cool if the game shipped with a shot glass, though.