Hard drive secrets of Xbox 2 glimpsed

News - Media player too?

A number of occasionally conflicting online reports about the next iteration of the Xbox spark some interesting conjecture today - firstly about Microsoft's plans for storage on their new system. A rumour today from an Engadget source suggests that a removable and upgradeable hard disk drive will be a key component of the next system, and could mean that the console comes in two flavours: with and without said HDD. Developers have reportedly already been told not to rely on the presence of mass storage, too.

Further rumours persist still however, namely that said HDD won't be a simple removable drive but actually include a screen and controls too for use individually as a portable media player - something first rumoured by XNA boss J Allard who is said to have let slip this "xPod" clue whilst drunk in a ski resort. Indeed, Engadget's source is quote as stating that the HDD attaches to the console "in a really slick way, almost like the hood scoop on a muscle car."

Sources are also suggesting that the new system won't be called the Xbox 2, but rather Xbox 360, after focus groups decided against a traditional numbering system. Xbox Next and NeXtBox are also rumoured to be under consideration.. meanwhile, Sony also hope to dispense with numbering with their 'third' Playstation. More on all this exciting gossip soon.