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

Thu Oct 22, 2009 10:49AM EDT

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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]

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

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  • 1 Posted by somefatguy7 on Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:09PM EDT Report Abuse

    I already have a PS3 to watch Blu-ray movies but if Microsoft did make a Blu-ray add-on and actually made games on Blu-ray discs, I might get it. For instance, Star Ocean 4 on the 360 has 3 discs and you have to swap them out all of the time to go back to other planets. But, if they started putting their games on Blu-ray they would only need one disc and avoid that problem.

  • 2 Posted by cyrusthevirus81@att.net on Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:23PM EDT Report Abuse

    crash_davis6 I dont think they will be that expensive. I bught the Hd-dvd drive the same week it came out and it was only $180 the cheapest way of getting 1080p at the time. Also an addon would just be a pc drive in a fancy case not a full blu-ray player. If I had to guess I would say $120-$150 range. That said I sure would love to get rid of my ps3 since its just collecting dust.

  • 3 Posted by macksumum1 on Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:24PM EDT Report Abuse

    why should you have to buy a xbox360 just to get a blu-ray add-on for $99 when you can get a blu-ray player at your local walmart for $99 or you can get a blu-ray drive for your computer for about $50?. how will you watch movies on your xbox360 blu-ray drive if your xbox360 breaks?with the lower and lower pricing of blu-ray players i don't see the need to buy a add-on for a gaming system.

  • 4 Posted by dporter121 on Thu Oct 22, 2009 12:35PM EDT Report Abuse

    Blue-ray as an accessory is foolish. The primary DVD drive should be Blue-ray. The Xbox360 folks need to replace the HD with a quieter, more efficient and reliable SSD drive. Also, the cooling fan is way too loud. While they're at it they should add DVR functionality so I don't have to run my media center server like a home server. Lastly there should be a PCMCIA slot for digital cable. Who ever adds this functionality will run the set top box market.

  • 5 Posted by jewelryczar on Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:18PM EDT Report Abuse

    While I'm not super excited about Blu-ray movies on the 360, I agree with the previous poster that if we start to see games on Blu-ray disks....that would be something to get excited about!

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