It has been reported over the weekend that Microsoft pulled the plug on its Xbox 360 HD DVD player. The move is not surprising considering that Toshiba, a manufacturer of the car already decided to leave the market for HD DVD hardware. The $ 49.99 price is probably down to the player who has seen his fall MSRP of $ 199.99 to $ 179.99 to $ 129.99 during the past year. The Xbox 360 HD DVD player is available for shipment on the website of Best Buy, or if you prefer, in-store pickup is available if you want to get even sooner.

Potential buyers should keep in mind that Microsoft still intends to provide products support and warranty service for the Xbox 360 HD DVD player. Customers are still able to receive a free five films via an HD DVD Rebate [PDF] if they wish. The devices, as its name indicates is primarily targeted at Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console, however, it can also be used on Windows-based PCs. Microsoft said from the beginning that it was to offer its customers a choice in supplying the HD DVD drive as an optional accessory instead of standard Sony’s PlayStation 3. The Leap to include Blu-ray standard on all equipment sold PS3 may prove to be a boon to Sony that its Xbox 360 recorded for the first time in the United States during the month of January - Warner Bros. A announced its decision to back Blu-ray in early January.