Microsoft denies fresh Xbox 360 Blu-ray rumors

Microsoft today has again denied claims that the firm is building an Xbox 360 with a Blu-ray drive. The Redmond, Washington-based firm has flatly rejected assertions that Lite-On is manufacturing BD drives for a future version of the console and has reiterated its past assertions that it has no need to push an HD movie disc format to succeed, noting that the Xbox built its current success on games rather than videos. Customers also have access to online downloads if they really need HD video, Microsoft says.

"For our customers who want a premium movie experience we offer the largest library of on-demand HD content available," the company adds.

Microsoft has had to refute multiple claims that it would adopt Blu-ray for its game system, the most recent until this week coming in mid-March. The death of the HD DVD video format previously backed by Microsoft opened speculation that the company would commit more fully to Blu-ray in an attempt to rival the PlayStation 3, whether through an optional USB drive or an integrated player in at least one Xbox 360 model.

Sony itself has insisted that it remains in talks with Microsoft to offer Blu-ray on the Xbox despite the open competition between the two in the console arena.

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