We ALL saw this coming. (Yes, we did).

Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD reminds me of all the major corporate battles that go on with Pepsi vs. Coke; Apple vs. PC. Nike vs.,… well you get the point. There's lots of competition out there but in the end, there can only be one company who stands on top. Whomever came out with the HD-DVD standard must have took this into account when they decided to introduce this alternative video format which we now know is basically on its way out. Forever. Ok, eventually it will be considered obscure or something.

At the risk of sounding apathetic, Microsoft's unceremonious dismissal of the HD-DVD format in the 360 doesn't faze me one bit. Ever since the whole high definition video saga began, I was extremely indifferent to Blu-Ray AND HD-DVD. Why? Well, because I was too comfy enjoying the very format that's still cheaper and visually appealing: DVDs. Yeah, you remember those right? I've had the opportunity to experience both of the new next-gen video standards (if you want to call it that) and to the naked eye of most consumers… they look the same. 

In any case, here's an official statement released over the weekend confirming Microsoft's plans which were disclosed to the public earlier last week:

As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD DVD.  Xbox will no longer manufacture new HD DVD players for the Xbox 360, but we will continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD DVD Players in the market.  As we stated earlier, we do not believe this decision will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace.  HD DVD is one of the several ways we offer a high definition experience to consumers and we will continue to give consumers the choice to enjoy digital distribution of high definition movies and TV shows directly to their living room, along with playback of the DVD movies they already own.

So now this makes how many Xbox 360 SKUs on the market? I believe we're up to three if you count the core, standard and the recent HDMI unit… and yes, you KNOW they're going to end up releasing another unit which I am sure will have the HDMI WITH Blu-Ray to combat the PS3. It's such an easy conclusion based on all that's going on. Watch, you'll see. :p

This blog article should be recognized as the sole opinion of the editor and does not necessarily reflect GotNext's official position on the subject.