In a recent announcement, Microsoft has confirmed the March 11 release of an expanded 250GB hard-disk drive (HDD) for the Xbox 360 – the largest HDD thus far for the Microsoft gaming console. The 250GB HDD version has earlier appeared only once in the ‘Modern Warfare 2 Elite’ package.

Microsoft’s spokesman Kei Iwasaki further specified that the ¥15,540-priced standalone HDD will be released only in Japan. With Microsoft having evidently slighted the US users, Iwasaki also said that, as of now, the company has no plans to sell the expanded HDD version “outside of Japan.”

Making a mention of the new HDD version by Microsoft, Steven Williamson of GamerZines said: “The Xbox 360 Elite console currently packs a 120GB hard drive, but with Microsoft continuously seeking to expand its range of online services and downloadable content, including TV shows and movies, the 250 GB external drive offers double the storage space.”

Meanwhile, giving two hoots to the Microsoft decision of releasing a “Japanese only” 250GB HDD, Andrew of TFTS said that while Xbox 360 users outside of Japan will apparently have to wait for the ‘extra capacity’ drive, what actually remains to be seen is whether the console itself “holds out until the 250GB drive hits elsewhere!”