Microsoft would consider 360 Blu-Ray drive

Xbox 360 format holder Microsoft has said that whilst its gaming unit still fully backs Toshiba’s HD-DVD hi-def format, it could still consider supporting Sony’s rival Blu-Ray technology.

Xbox group marketing manager Albert Penello told Reuters that: "It should be consumer choice, and if that’s the way they vote, that’s something we’ll have to consider.”

And of Warner’s recent decision to cease HD-DVD production in favour of Blu-Ray, Penello added: "I fundamentally don’t think this has a significant impact on Xbox 360 versus PS3. With the PS2, DVD was a big part in the beginning, but over time, people were not buying it as a DVD player after first year or two.

"You can’t say it’s not a bummer, not a setback, but I’ve seen this battle declared over so many times.

"I want consumers to have a voice in this and I think there are a lot of consumers who bought HD-DVD who are going to have a say in how this shakes out."