Storage specialist Iomega has just introduced its Media Xporter Drive, a portable hard disk drive pitched at the gaming console market. The cross-platform media storage solution is fully compatible with the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles, and allows users to transfer data between the personal computer and the high-end gaming consoles.

The new 160 GB Media Xporter Drive comes in an ultra-portable form factor and connects via the USB 2.0 ports built into both Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 gaming consoles. The drive is fully compatible with the two gaming consoles and comes bundled with software for converting file formats that are not natively supported by the gaming devices.

"The new Media Xporter Drive is a total solution from Iomega that includes software to convert most kinds of video formats for use with an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3," said Ralf San Jose, global product manager for HDD Products, Iomega Corporation.

The drive can be used either as an external storage source or as a swapping device between the personal computer and gaming consoles. Users can load the drive with their favorite PC content, then display it on the living-room wide plasma screen for enhanced image quality delivered by the 1080p HD resolution.

"That means a game console can run an entire media library, be the family video and photo viewer, not to mention run favorite music playlists. The Iomega Media Xporter Drive makes home entertainment accessible and portable in a way that's fresh and relevant for today's home gamer," San Jose continued.

The Iomega Media Xporter Drive can also be used as a backup device for the data stored on the personal computer, since it connects via USB 2.0 ports and comes in large capacities. Its diminutive size allows users to carry their data anywhere without the risk of corrupting data or damaging the internal drive, as it comes in an ultra-rugged enclosure.

The Media Xporter Drive is already available on the US market and sells for an estimative price of $119.95.