Here we go again. Despite persistent rumours about Microsoft releasing a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360, or integrating the format into the console itself, the firm has declared yet again that it has no plans to do any such thing.

A spokesperson told Edge Online: “As we’ve said before, Microsoft has no plans to introduce an Xbox 360 Blu-ray add-on. Games are what drive consumers to purchase games consoles, and we remain focussed on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available.”

A fair point (although it kind of ignores the fact that there used to be an HD DVD drive for the console, and there’s currently a movie download store). And to hammer it home, Xbox 360 group product manager Aaron Greenberg then gave Blu-ray a right old tongue-lashing:

“No one knows what Blu-ray will be. It’s pretty clear it is not the next DVD, right? The days of one physical format being the standard are gone. Let’s say right now we’re not sure if it’s the next UMD or the next DVD.”

Nice reference to the Sony PSP’s doomed disc format, Aaron. Anyway, we think that statement has put the issue to bed. Until next year, at least.

Xbox 360 (via Eurogamer and Edge)