JP
The real headline was that such a system might sell at a loss, but looking back its been Microsoft’s strategy to sell their systems at a loss just to be the cheapest in hopes that game sales would eventually push them back into the black, and they always have, as far as I know. Problem is that Microsoft is being quoted between $95-$100 per drive, OEM, for the BD-ROM drives; a price they couldn’t really make up without raising the price of the system by a lot, especially considering they are only putting out $18-$20 per drive for the DVD-ROMs.
Another concern is that since Sony, maker of the PS3, controls the flow/production of several key components to making a Blu-Ray drive, they might cut supply of those components to whatever manufacturer picks up the Microsoft contract. I would hope that Sony wouldn’t try and pull something like that, because I assure if they did, they wouldn’t be the sole producer of such components for very long.
That Microsoft might integrate Blu-Ray into their systems isn’t that much of a surprise, it would just be the smart thing to do, but none of this is confirmed, nor denied by Microsoft. When contacted they simply said that they don’t comment on market rumors.
[via digitimes]
5 Responses to “Blu-Ray Xbox 360 Coming soon, maybe”
Mornelithe April 2, 2008
Would be awesome if Sony charges Microsoft the amount they lose per PS3 for licensing the tech. Then drop the price of the PS3 that much LoL.
That’d be great!
Morne
NeutralAnt April 2, 2008
I still think it’s an April fools joke that won’t end – ugh i wish these rumors would stop
NeutralConker58 April 2, 2008
I already have what is considered the best Bluray player on the market via the PS3, so why would I want another one for the 360. Their lack of support for the HD DVD add on, which clearly offered better options and a picture to match Bluray, has made me shy away from making any future investments with MS.
Neutralchris April 20, 2008
Guys when this is released the 360 will be un stoppable so shush all u PS3 fan boys
NeutralJeffo September 16, 2008
Sony would be happy to sell Blu-Ray licensing to MS for one giant reason: ROYALTIES!
NeutralMicrosoft happily collects licensing royalties from Sony Computers with Windows installed why not continue move the money around. The thing is that if MS were to create an external add-on drive, it would undoubtedly cost $400 or more based on the other obscenely overpriced add-on peripherals (e.g. wireless G adapter, 120GB hard drive, and the now failed HD-DVD drive). Integrating it into the system would be nice, but why waste time trying to rebuild the wheel. This would be the fourth time they would make the 360 users dump their console for a rebuilt one with added fluff (sounds kind of like iPods). They should just focus on providing quality game releases and the next-next-gen console of course. A smart idea would be to just update the 360 OS to support any standard USB external Blu-ray drive that works with the PC (It’s so simple), so what if it doesn’t say “Microsoft” or “XBOX 360″ on it; it will appease the Blu-Ray needy and will be so much more cost effective (Duh! Microsoft).