Report Surfaces Regarding External Blu-ray Add-on for Xbox 360
By Stephany on Wednesday, October 8th, 2008 at 10:08 AM PST In Game Companies, Gamer Life, Games Industry, Hardware, Microsoft, Microsoft
Ever since Microsoft stopped producing external HD-DVD drives for the Xbox 360, rumors have been floating around in abundance that the gaming giant would go Blu-ray in the future. Despite the company repeatedly stating that they have no plans to go Blu-ray nor feeling the need to do so, and then turning around and saying that they “might” if the demand were high enough, a report released by Xbit Labs this morning seems to have put all of this to bed.
According to the report, Toshiba – who have long held out on making Blu-ray players – won the contract through Tobsiba-Samsung Storage Technology to manufacture an external Blu-ray drive for the console. It was no secret to those following the HD-DVD/Blu-ray debate last year that Microsoft was unimpressed with the technology because of BD-Java support, therefore they opted to go with HD instead. When HD died in the water, it looked like Sony would be the eventual winner due to their PS3 being one of the best and cheapest Blu-ray players on the market. However, now that Blu-ray has won the day despite slow sales of the product, Microsoft is going to support the technology so that they can continue to compete with Sony’s advantage in that particular niche.
While specifications and a release date have yet to emerge, the rumor is that Microsoft plan on putting a $100 – $150 price tag on the external drive, and will release an Xbox 360 + external Blu-ray drive combination in stores. While neither Microsoft nor Toshiba-Samsung have made any comments regarding this report, it has left Xbit Labs to speculate that Microsoft will forgo releasing the new add-on during the holiday season and instead opt to unveil it during the Consumer Electronics Show next year.
If this report is to be believed, and at this point there is no reason not to, it only proves that even though Microsoft plans on eventually moving their gaming business towards a digital download model the future, they still want a piece of the same pie every one else is getting. Microsoft’s key-note speech at the Tokyo Game Show is tomorrow and hopefully they will announce a denial or admission regarding the Blu-ray add-on. So keep your eyes peeled and check back with us as 1UP is in Japan all week covering TGS. Also, be sure to check out our TGS hub page for all the latest news, previews, videos, and everything else from across the ocean.
I don’t think Microsoft would ever be allowed to get a piece of the Blu-Ray technology. Mainly because Sony had a large part in it’s development, so they’d have to deal with their rival. But knowing Microsoft, they’ll probably release a special player soon that can use a new kind of DVD that can store 150 GB on one disc. They always do that to beat Sony.
@Serio
It’s OK. Don’t be mad. Just becasue the Sony backed format won you don’t have to be so bitter.
Just think what the outcome would have been if the Xbox Came with the HD DVD drive built in.
But they did not and now they look stupid. Oh well. I am happy. I have a great Blu Ray player which turns out to be a great Upcovertion DVD player as well.
Special player with 150gig discs? Sounds like blind fanboyism to me.
So that means the XBox 360 will be the only game machine that can play HD DVD, BluRay and DVD discs. Nice!
There’s no reason why they couldn’t do it. All the necessary hardware there exists (external USB Blu-Ray readers exist). All that’s lacking is software support and licensing.
But if you believe MS and their preaching, digital distribution is and has been their main focus. So for them to invest, yet again, support in another form of physical media, would be the proverbial political flip-flop.
Don’t f***ing start a pathetic fanboy shitwar here. Go rape your beloved machines and jump into a well.
(In case someone wanted to start a war)
I for one like this idea, firstly it will mean that the blu-ray player will have to be cheap, plus since the original hd-dvd drive can work on windows so will this, i can hook it up and enjoy blu-ray films without having a current gen console.
How about a 360 that doesn’t die on you! Let’s concentrate on developing hardware that can last decades!
I’m going to receive my third 360 soon, while I’m waiting, I can fire up the NES my parents bought for me back in 1987!
I agree with Eric. I’ve only ever heard of one NES breaking, and that console was over 10 years old at the time.
But still, I hope this is true. Its not often that you see MS admit defeat and then actually adopt the technology that beat them.
This such a false rumor. MS has stated officially that they are not developing nor working with any company on releasing a Blu-Ray add-on device for the 360.