UPDATED: Here we go again: Is Blu-ray coming to the Xbox 360?

How many times have I written this post before? Who knows, but Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is fanning the Blu-ray-on-Xbox flames again, this time hinting that a BD accessory for the 360 is in the works. Update: Xbox Live's Major Nelson has just chimed to in "clear something up" about what Ballmer said Wednesday.

In an interview with Gizmodo's Wilson Rothman (you can watch the video right here), Ballmer was asked (again) about the possibility of Blu-ray support on a future Xbox 360 console. The answer:

Well, I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there—you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories.

Hmmm ... kind of like the now-defunct HD DVD add-on for the 360 (pictured here), right? Right. (Hey, I've still got mine in a closet somewhere.)

Given that Ballmer has been known to speak out of turn, Rothman wisely double-checked with a Microsoft PR rep, who noted that the Xbox 360's imminent Zune Video and instant 1080p streaming features are "our current solution for Blu-ray-quality video." But: "As far as our future plans are concerned, we're not ready to comment."

Of course, that's not what I'd call a confirmation, but it's not a denial, either, and as Rothman writes, "we trust [Microsoft] to say no if they're not making one."

Personally, I think Microsoft should just go ahead and kick out a Blu-ray add-on drive for the Xbox 360. Why not? It's an option that some people want (raising my hand), and by making it an accessory rather than a built-in drive, you're not forcing everyone onto the Blu-ray bandwagon.

And for those who'd rather get their HD video online, guess what: Microsoft went ahead and tackled that first with the upcoming Zune Video Marketplace and instant-on 1080p streaming.

So, what do you think: Will we ever really see a Blu-ray add-on for the Xbox 360? Would you buy one—say, if it was $99 or so? (I'd think it'd have to be at least that cheap, given the way Blu-ray player prices are going.)

Update: And here we go again, again. From the blog of Xbox Live's Major Nelson:

During an interview yesterday, Steve Ballmer was asked about Blu-Ray and the Xbox 360. I wanted to clear something up. Steve was referring to Blu-Ray accessories for the PC. As we have said in the past, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox 360.

Related:
Ballmer Talks Natal, Says Blu-ray Add-On for Xbox Coming [Gizmodo]