By : Erik Gruenwedel | Posted: 05 Jul 2006
egruenwedel@questex.com

Microsoft Corp.'s online community manager June 30 quelled scuttlebutt that the software giant would include an internal HD DVD drive in future Xbox 360 game consoles.

An Australian-based Toshiba executive had reportedly linked Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft, which plans to offer an external HD DVD drive for the 360, to supplying an internal drive.

“Saw a few stories online about an Xbox 360 with a built-in HD DVD drive: not true,” wrote Microsoft's Cesar Menendez on Gamerscoreblog.com.

He said the Xbox is designed to focus primarily on video games and not movies. He said keeping drive external allows consumers a choice when creating their own high-def experiences.

“We have no plans to release an Xbox 360 with an internal HD DVD. What we showcased at E3 was an external HD DVD drive, and we're sticking with that,” Menendez said.

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