Microsoft responds to HD DVD speculation

Microsoft has released a statement following the press speculation revolving around the potential demise of Toshiba's HD DVD format.

Speaking to tech blog Engadget the company claimed that the move wouldn't have "any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace," stating instead its belief that "it is games that sell consoles."

The statement went on to say that it would "wait until we hear from Toshiba before announcing any specific plans around the Xbox 360 HD DVD player."

Nikkei news reports today suggested that Toshiba had already decided to discontinue the HD DVD format, and cease all sales by March - a move expected to be announced tomorrow.

In the meantime there has been speculation that Microsoft could opt to manufacture a Blu-ray peripheral for the Xbox 360 - a direction which the company has said in the past it could go in - although it's likely to prefer to step up its downloadable content in line with the corporate vision of content on demand.