Previously only available as part of bundles, has now started selling standalone 250 GB hard drives in the US.

Reports on several blogs including Joystiq mentioned an advertisement popping up on Live noted the release of a standalone hard drive, which have been confirmed by Microsoft.

The new 250 GB hard drive replaces the smaller 120 GB version at the same price: 129.99 USD. No word of whether the 120 GB will be phased out, though a price drop is likely.

US retailer has already put up a listing for the on its website and more stores are expected to announced availability shortly. A release is planned for April.

By Tracy Erickson