With all the pre-CES speculation running rampant and the hot, hot, hot rumor of an HD DVD equipped Xbox 360 being announced, everyone in Xbox 360 fandom is on high anticipation alert. And we were on the HD DVD 360 anticipation bandwagon until a few moments ago when Microsoft spoiled our speculation fun. Uncharacteristically wavering away from their traditional "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation" response, they took the HD DVD Xbox 360 rumor head on telling Gamespot that "we have reiterated multiple times since launching the Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player that we have no plans to integrate an HD-DVD player in to the Xbox 360". Bummer. A Microsoft rep further went on to explain that "we feel that offering the drive externally is the best way to give consumers the ultimate choice to create their own high-definition experiences." Double bummer.It's possible the official Microsoft response is just a smoke and mirrors trick in an effort to squash rumor talk before Gates announces the new hardware at CES. Though, we wouldn't count on it. We advise sitting tight, because Billy Gates will be walking across the CES stage tomorrow and all shall be revealed. Anyone still holding out hope?
