James Delahunty
15 Dec 2005 7:30
Microsoft, one of the world's best known software firms and the company behind the Xbox 360 console, has downplayed the possibility that future releases of Xbox 360 which include a next generation optical disc drive. Microsoft spokesman reminded the media that Microsoft has not yet announced any plans related to the rumors. "Microsoft, in both America and Japan, has not announced anything regarding the possibility of a next-generation DVD drive being placed in the Xbox 360," he told IGN.
"There are currently no plans to release an Xbox 360 equipped with a next generation DVD player." he added. Japanese news agency Jiji made a report recently that Microsoft was set to release a version of the Xbox 360 console that included a HD-DVD drive. Concerns from game developers have been spreading as many claim they are struggling to fit games on DVD-9 discs.
Two major Microsoft names, Bill Gates and Yoshihiro Maruyama have indicated in the past that it is a possibility we will see a next generation disc drive included in a future release of the Xbox 360. In August, Gates said the company was "looking at whether future versions of Xbox 360 will incorporate an additional capacity of an HD-DVD player or something else". Maruyama said last month too that it is a possibility but most likely just for playback of movies, not games.
Sources:
IGN
The Register