Google

Monday, February 18, 2008

Xbox 360 Blu-Ray Add-on Expected

The format war is finally over, and Blu-ray has triumphed over the HD-DVD format. But what happens to all of those HD-DVD early adopters?

From the looks of Microsoft, one of the earliest adopters of HD-DVD, it's just time to move on. Rumors are already circulating about Microsoft is planning a Blu-ray add-on for its Xbox 360 console similar to the HD-DVD add-on that is already available.

This rumor isn't new, but with recent headlines proclaiming the imminent demise of HD-DVD speculation has grown louder. As early as 2006 former Microsoft corporate Vice President Peter Moore commented that Microsoft would remain open to the idea of the Blu-ray format, saying "We don't know which will win -- HD-DVD or Blu-ray. But because we've gone with an external form of device, we can remain compatible with changes to the situation in the future."

Rumors say that Microsoft could have the Xbox 360 Blu-ray drive ready as early as this May. Just like the HD-DVD add-on though, the supposed Blu-ray drive would only be used for movies, meaning no Xbox 360 games would start appearing on Blu-ray discs. Keep in mind that these are only rumors at this point, but giving Microsoft's history, it is very likely to be true.

No comments: