Microsoft planning 60GB Xbox 360 Pro for spring?

Microsoft may at last upgrade its mid-tier Xbox 360 beyond 20GB of storage, says a new rumor. Claiming to have accurately predicted the 16GB iPhone, the reporter touts sources who claim that Microsoft plans to replace the stock 20GB hard drive for the Xbox 360 Pro with a 60GB version. The upgraded console would come before the end of Microsoft's financial year, which ends at the start of June. Reasons for the upgrade are not given, though the advent of the Xbox Video Marketplace as well as the increasing size of demos and Xbox Live Arcade games are likely motivating factors.

The console designer is also reportedly considering a new Xbox 360 model altogether, though what this would include is uncertain. The 60GB upgrade would push the standard Xbox much closer to the capacity of the 120GB Elite, pointing to a possible capacity boost for the top-end system. The tip suggests that Sony's discussions with Microsoft may lead to an Xbox 360 with a built-in Blu-ray drive, though Microsoft has repeatedly stated that it does not want to tie the Xbox 360's success to an HD movie format by providing a non-removable drive.

The alleged insider does not say whether Microsoft will follow the upgrade with price drops on one or more models in a bid to compete with the PlayStation 3, which costs more than most Xbox 360 versions but also provides Blu-ray as well as a 40GB disk and Wi-Fi access.

Filed under: gaming, gadgets
Other story tags: Microsoft, sony, blu-ray, PS3, Xbox 360