Xbox 2: No Hard Drive

[Bond]

March 05, 2004 - In an interview with Globes Online, M-System's CEO, Dov Moran, confirmed that the successor to the Xbox will not include a hard drive. Here's the quote from the article:

"Microsoft has taken the hard disk out of its Xbox. The only thing left will be a CD; that's all. At some point, when users want to save their e-mail messages, copy music, or anything like that, the only storage they'll have is what we give them."

While Microsoft is mum on the subject, M-Systems was recently announced as the official supplier for the Xbox 2's flash memory units (memory cards). We don't know much about them, but they are said to be considerably bigger in size than current ones.

The lack of a hard drive implies several things. First, that either the new memory cards will be really, really big, or that Microsoft intends to expand on its server-side storage feature implemented in Xbox Live 3.0. Secondly, the lack of a hard drive means that we could see an end to custom soundtracks in games, as well as some of the other multimedia features showcased in Xbox Music Mixer and the like. Thirdly, expect the Xbox 2 to be significantly smaller than the current iteration.

With online play finally hitting its stride, it'll be interesting to see how Microsoft deals with downloadable content, patches, etc.

Could Microsoft release a hard drive add-on like Sony is doing with the PS2? It's entirely possible, but will users want to shell out another bill for the added functionality? Will certain games require its use? It's too early to answer any of these questions. Hopefully Microsoft will make some sort of announcement regarding the matter at this year's Game Developer's Conference or E3. Until then, savor every block of your Xbox's hard drive.

Source: IGN

It should be interesting to see what Microsoft does without a hard drive.

[Null]

Originally Posted by Bond

It should be interesting to see what Microsoft does without a hard drive.

heard about this couple months ago. interesting to see it confirmed now.
could hurt them tho cuz they built up how a hard drive is such a great thing. and then users will see it in the PS3 and not Xbox2.

Most likely they have found a differnt form of memory at a very good price.

[Hero2]

NOOOOOOOOOOOoooo...... it cant be true. that ****en sux. ohh well looks like ps3 will be God for next gen consoles. unless nintendo pulls something big off and while that possiable Im not holding my breath. ohh well I still have my computer.

[Happydude]

Originally Posted by Null

Most likely they have found a differnt form of memory at a very good price.

they better have.

[TheGame]

Yuck, bad idea... but hopfully they follow through with another big memory format unlike Nintendo's SD card tease. I for one would much rather have a big card than some type of online online memory space.

[Jonbo298]

Why can't MS use the HD's that laptop's use. Those are tiny as hell and can fit a good amount on it.

[TheGame]

T think the reason they don't want a HD is piracy issues... I still say make a HD with just too little space to save the average full game. Oh, and have it be 100% unreplaceable or upgradeable