This was meant to be the spoiler to the PS3 launch, except that Sony managed to do that all by itself. Instead, Microsoft will go into Christmas with its Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on a full four months before the Blu-Ray spinning PlayStation reaches these shores.
The ¥19,800 (£135) SRP, complete with wireless remote, seems to confirm UK details leaked earlier this month by Gamesindustry.biz. It's predicted to have a £200 price tag, which includes two HD DVD films, with a launch date here around November or December.
Microsoft also promises us the box will output movies in full-fat 1080p. A software update will boost games output to the same level.
With an all-in-one package of the Premium console and HD DVD drive mooted at around £375-£400 (or up to £50 cheaper than the PS3 with Blu-Ray), Bill Gates could be having a very good Christmas indeed.