The HD DVD add-on drive for the Xbox 360 will be here in a little less than two months. At least in the U.S., the unit is aimed for a release in mid-November and will carry a price tag of $200. While the price isn't out of line for an HD DVD drive, it does seem a bit high just for a console accessory. Perhaps if Microsoft makes their 1080p update to the console free, it will be more viable for people to consider buying it. In Japan, the new drive will ship around the same time as in the U.S. for just a tad less at around $168.
It'll apparently include a movie and an external controller. Factoring in the cost of the high-end 360, getting that and this drive would put the 360 over the cost of the PS3, making it the most expensive console on the market currently.