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Xbox 2 To Feature Removeable Hard Drive

Posted by Zonk on from the backwards-compatible,-I-hope dept.

More details are emerging on Microsoft's next console, set to release this fall. GamesIndustry.biz has word that the Xbox 2 will have a removable hard drive as part of its feature set. From the article: "It's been assumed for some time that this means that Xbox 2 will be sold in at least two basic configurations - with and without a mass storage unit - and today's report seems to indicate that it will be possible to upgrade between those models by adding the hard drive."

2 of 69 comments (clear)

  1. Backwards compatibility by Elledan · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Now the real question is whether this HDD will be the missing link in allowing the XBox's successor to be backwards compatible.

    The article didn't mention this, but instead explored the rumours about an 'xPod' and the Xenon's marketing name.

    With MSFT acquiring hardware virtualization software not too long ago, there have been plenty of rumours about backwards compatibility in this console, but few facts.

    --
    Site & blog: http://www.mayaposch.com
  2. Market Economy by 2bluemike · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Why don't MS just stick with a HDD as standard in the next gen Xbox, it's not like they're that expensive is it??

    Because HDDs are PC commodity items - and therefore driven by the PC market. Can you walk into Fry's right now and buy an 8GB hard drive? 3 years from now when MS will be expecting to be making huge profit from Xenon, will you be able to walk into Fry's and buy an 80GB hard drive??

    My guess is that they will use your home network for these types of tasks (and stream the video/audio/etc). Just think of it - for you to save your maps or whatever, you have to buy a PC running WINDOWS! OMFG what a great idea Bill, we'll screw over our customers by forcing them to have a home network - and then we'll make the map-building software on the PC incompatible with Wine, so we'll simultaneously be fighting Linux too!