Toshiba to manufacture an external Blu-ray drive for the 360.

Suprised? No? Me neither.

Ever since Microsoft stopped (See: canned) production of the HD-DVD drives for the Xbox 360, rumors have been floating around the internet (and certainly amongst the console forums) that Blu-ray inclusion would be all but confirmed. The question was always “when”, now we know.

Originally Microsoft had stated that they “have no plans to go Blu-ray” provoking a slew of “Digital downloads are better” threads amongst the 360 fanbase (denial anyone?) then they turned tail by saying that they “might” if the demand were high enough.  

A  report from Xbit Labs claims to have the inside information about a deal done with the HD-DVD giant of yesteryear, Toshiba — who have long held out on making Blu-ray players.The contract sees Tobsiba-Samsung Storage Technology set to manufacture an external Blu-ray drive for the console.

Why the turnaround? Well, originally Microsoft was said to be less than impressed with the technology because of BD-Java support when Blu-Ray first hit market, prompting them to back the now dead-in-the-water format HD-DVD. Now it seems they’re willing to overlook that in turn for a return; Who wouldn’t? After all, they did say they would back the format if “demand” was high enough.

Specifications and a release date are all very much illusive at this early stage, however the rumor is that Microsoft plans on putting a $100-$150 price tag on the external drive (think £100-150 for the UK market), and will release the add-on separately AND as the “Xbox 360/external Blu-ray drive” combo.

Xbit Labs are saying a post-Christmas release which doesn’t suprise me. Still, those with a 360 can expect a nice second wind when it ships in the new year and the forums can speculate about the big M’s push for digital downloads. Personally, I’m not buying it.