Almost immediately after the death of the HD-DVD format, rumors began to swirl that Microsoft would introduce a Blu-ray add-on drive for the Xbox 360. Microsoft itself had even hinted they might do as much if HD-DVD were ever to fail. Now, it seems something is actually coming of all those rumors. Microsoft and Sony are in talks to develop such a drive.

The confirmation comes from Stan Glasgow, Sony Electronics US president. Yes, this is the equivalent of cats and dogs lying together. The two bitter rivals are playing nice for a bit as they both hope to gain something. Sony sells more Blu-ray drives and Microsoft hopefully avoids the cries of “obsolete” by Sony’s marketing team. They end up helping one another out because they both need one another.

No word yet on a release date or price, and keep in mind this could all still fall through. Still, the very idea of these two bitter rivals working together on a game console project is the equivalent of Sega and Nintendo working together back in the 16-bit heyday. Many had assumed Microsoft would simply go the high-def download only route, but apparently something made them reconsider. Perhaps it was the threat of cheap Blu-ray players called PS3s, that also happen to play games.

Related posts:

1. Microsoft HD-DVD add-on for Xbox 360 officially dead
2. Microsoft takes on Nintendo and Sony in portable market…sort of
3. Xbox Live Arcade and the incredible shrinking royalties
4. Of course Sony is going to offer downloadable PS2 games
5. Sony’s clever plan for the PS3, your new center of entertainment

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