Rumors have been floating around for quite some time about an “ultimate” version of the Xbox 360, one that would have a built-in HD-DVD drive. Seems like it would make sense, since the PS3 has forced its users to commit to Blu-ray; why wouldn’t Microsoft want to do the same with the HD-DVD technology? However, Microsoft has repeatedly denied that this imaginary console was ever happening.

Now with Blu-ray clearly kicking HD’s ass and no big announcement from Microsoft about a new sku on their current system, what do they have to say when asked, yet again, about the rumors?

“We have reiterated multiple times since launching the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player that we have no plans to integrate an HD DVD player in to the Xbox 360. We feel that offering the drive externally is the best way to give consumers the ultimate choice to create their own high-definition experiences.”

Translation? “Will you guys just shut the hell up about an ultimate 360 already? It’s not gonna happen. Deal with it. If you want an HD-DVD player that badly, just go out and buy one. It’s not that hard.”

Hey, good for them. I didn’t want an HD-DVD player anyway. Of course, I also wasn’t crazy about Blu-ray, but now that I have a PS3 and an HDTV, it doesn’t seem so bad after all.