Microsoft to axe Xbox HD-DVD drive

Following Toshiba's announcement of the demise of HD-DVD, Microsoft has confirmed it will cease production of its HD-DVD Xbox 360 attachment.

Microsoft said in a statement: "As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD-DVD.

“Xbox will no longer manufacture new HD-DVD players for the Xbox 360, but we will continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD-DVD players in the market.

“As we stated earlier, we do not believe this decision will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace.

"HD-DVD is one of the several ways we offer a high definition experience to consumers and we will continue to give consumers the choice to enjoy digital distribution of high definition movies and TV shows directly to their living room, along with playback of the DVD movies they already own.”

Microsoft last week said 'no' to the possibility of launching a standalone Blu-ray drive for Xbox 360, but speculation continues to mount that the firm will eventually offer such a device to its next-generation console users.