Busy Gamer News

Some interesting rumors are floating around about the Xbox 360. First, as predicted, the hard drive will most likely be excluded in the anticipated $300 retail launch package, though there may be higher-priced configurations that include it. Speaking of higher prices, an agreement with Mad Catz leaked out revealing that accessories will require a licensing fee to Microsoft, with all non-licensed items locked out by the 360's hardware security. This probably won't affect USB-based media devices such as the iPod and PSP - in fact, a developer confirmed that it's easy to link a PSP to a 360 dev kit to view pictures and stream MP3 music. However, wireless controllers, light guns, hard drives and memory cards are all strictly excluded - at least in Mad Catz' agreement - suggesting only Microsoft will manufacture these. Naturally, cheat devices also won't be licensed. Wired gamepads, steering wheels, arcade sticks, flight sticks and dance pads are all on the approved list...