Though many people had predicted that the HD DVD would not prevail, they would surely be surprised that Microsoft has decided to pull the plug so early! Microsoft has sent in word that they will be withdrawing from the HD DVD player market and will no longer make HD DVD players for the Xbox 360.
This is what Microsoft had to say about their plans for the HD DVD:
“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.”
But one thing that Microsoft has done right is that they have decided to continue support for the Xbox 360 HD DVD players that are available. As for the Blu-ray format, there are speculations that Microsoft could soon come out with a Blu-ray player for their next generation console.