Next Xbox won’t use Disks

The next Xbox won’t have a disc drive, according to a new report.

That’s what Microsoft has told its partners, MCV claimed.

Instead, the next Xbox will work with “some sort of interchangeable solid-state card storage”. It is not known whether this will be proprietary or a more standard format, MCV said.

A 2013 launch date “has been confirmed”.

MCV’s story conflicts with information reported by Kotaku, which claimed the next Xbox will play Blu-ray discs.

In November 2011 Digital Foundry reported that Microsoft plans to launch two very different versions of the next Xbox.

The first is described as a “pared down machine” to be released as cheaply as possible. It is likened to a set-top box, and will act as a Kinect-themed gaming portal.

The second is a “more fully-featured machine” with optical drive, hard disk and backwards compatibility. This would be aimed at hardcore gamers and released at a higher price-point.

Microsoft said it does not comment on rumour or speculation.

Source: Eurogamer