[Albion Knight]

It seems that Microsoft is building an Xbox that includes an HD-DVD player.

Microsoft, according to insiders at Toshiba owner of the HD DVD patents, claim that Microsoft is working on a brand new Xbox that will incorporate not only a new HD DVD drive but a large hard drive and new entertainment software that is a spin off from its struggling media centre offering.

Now this isn't as ground breaking in my mind as this

A senior Toshiba executive in Singapore told SmartHouse that "An Xbox with a built in HD DVD drive is critical. They and we are working on it. It also has to be more than a gaming machine. Microsoft recognise this. A version of the device may also be sold under the Toshiba brand name".

A device sold under Toshiba Brand name sounds like Microsoft will be licensing the Xbox out to other manufacturers if that happens it could be Windows vs Apple all over again. to me that would be a huge change in console manufacturing

another tid bit

Both Toshiba and Microsoft have also explored the possibility of a new open standard chassis system that allows an Xbox to be slotted into a HD TV screen over 40-inch. The open standard bays will allow hard drives to be upgraded and expanded similar to the way that users can upgrade the hard drive on a PC.

Clearly Microsoft is thinking outside the box. Turn the Hardware into a commodity and focus on the software. At the same time build bridges to the windows platform. Maybe we will see an Xbox Laptop someday. maybe even dual boot

[Dark Drakan]

Interesting development and id always wondered if they would ever do that.

[Gikoku Harakami]

I've been reading up on the new HD-DVD Xbox 360, and i agree it would be a great idea for future games. But for those who already own an Xbox 360, that's not very wise. It'd be just another $400 - $500 more dollars to spend. But doing this will also introduce HD-DVD into the gaming industry, since 360 right now is only running on regular DVDs & DL-DVDs.

Not to mention, with HD-DVD costing less than Blu-ray, and with a single-layer HD-DVD being 15GB, and a Dual-Layer HD-DVD being 30GB. Blu-ray probably won't stand much of a chance in the gaming industry, especially with the PS3 doing so horribly, because if the PS3 fails, Blu-ray will most likely follow suit since it's mostly depending on the PS3's success.

But the whole, "Here's the new HD-DVD Xbox 360, So shell out some $400/$500 to enjoy the new experience of Next-Gen Gaming".. I'm just not sure how that'll work out without upsetting consumers who already purchased an Xbox 360.

+Rep for the article, Todd.

[Dark Drakan]

Originally Posted by Gikoku

I've been reading up on the new HD-DVD Xbox 360, and i agree it would be a great idea for future games. But for those who already own an Xbox 360, that's not very wise. It'd be just another $400 - $500 more dollars to spend.

Would be cheaper for them to just buy the HD-DVD upgrade.

[Albion Knight]

Originally Posted by Gikoku

I've been reading up on the new HD-DVD Xbox 360, and i agree it would be a great idea for future games. But for those who already own an Xbox 360, that's not very wise. It'd be just another $400 - $500 more dollars to spend. But doing this will also introduce HD-DVD into the gaming industry, since 360 right now is only running on regular DVDs & DL-DVDs.

Not to mention, with HD-DVD costing less than Blu-ray, and with a single-layer HD-DVD being 15GB, and a Dual-Layer HD-DVD being 30GB. Blu-ray probably won't stand much of a chance in the gaming industry, especially with the PS3 doing so horribly, because if the PS3 fails, Blu-ray will most likely follow suit since it's mostly depending on the PS3's success.

But the whole, "Here's the new HD-DVD Xbox 360, So shell out some $400/$500 to enjoy the new experience of Next-Gen Gaming".. I'm just not sure how that'll work out without upsetting consumers who already purchased an Xbox 360.

+Rep for the article, Todd.

I don't think Xbox games will require an HD-DVD player at first but I think its foolish to limit games to DVD indefinitely. Also gamers that get upset because new technology comes out need to get with the 21st century. PC gamers have been dealing with that all along. Eventually games will come out that will require better technology because they're better games.

I would caution Microsoft from making the Xbox too much like a PC but if they can pull off making it a commodity I think it will be good for gaming.


Thanks for the Rep Guys

[Albion Knight]

More to the rumor

Rumors about a possible XBOX 360 with build in HD DVD drive has surfaced again.

The reason is that the current ELITE model of the gaming console is said to be discontinued shortly. It is a believed that a new version would include the HD DVD drive to make it stand more strong against the Playstation 3.

It is also believed that Bill Gates will talk a lot about the XBOX 360 at this years CES. The Seattle Times believe that he will use the event to highlight big sale numbers compared to the Playstation 3 and connectivity to their Windows platform. If a new model indeed is coming this would make it a good place to tell the public.

Again, all this has not been confirmed so take it for what it is. Rumors.

Sources: PS3center.net and The Seattle Times.

Source

[DJ D Mix]

Wow! I don't think I saw this. +REP

[projectego]

Fantastic! Thanks for the update, AK! I'm really surprised to hear that the Xbox 360 Elite is rumoured to be discontinued soon, though. Good to hear that at least it would be replaced by something even better and sporting a sexy little HD-DVD drive.

[Albion Knight]

Originally Posted by Triz

Wow! I don't think I saw this. +REP

Thanks Triz

Originally Posted by projectego

Fantastic! Thanks for the update, AK! I'm really surprised to hear that the Xbox 360 Elite is rumoured to be discontinued soon, though. Good to hear that at least it would be replaced by something even better and sporting a sexy little HD-DVD drive.

Yeah I thought originally that it was going to come with one.
I'd say they did a good job keeping this under wraps until after Christmas.