Development sources downplay alleged Xbox 360 spec sheet

Developers working on the Xbox 360 hardware have expressed doubts at the validity of a "leaked" bullet-point list of specifications purporting to be those of the Xbox 360 next-gen console and the accompanying Xbox Live service.

The console specifications, which were posted to the Internet this week, are largely consistent with previous leaks about the Xbox 360 hardware - but a number of unusual flaws in the document, pointed out by development sources, suggest that this is not an official Microsoft document.

"It's most probably a list made by someone who knows more about the official spec than the average hack, but I doubt it's an official Microsoft spec sheet," we were told by one developer who has experience of the new format.

"It's probably broadly in line with the spec that will be announced, but may be off on some of the finer details," he added.

One example is the mention of a 20GB detachable hard disk, when a 40GB unit is clearly visible in last Friday's leaked photographs.

The hardware spec sheet offers details on the central and graphics processing unit architectures, memory details and bandwidth potential, and claims that Xbox 360 will support a host of CD and DVD derivatives, output in widescreen and the much vaunted high-definition resolutions as standard, boast a trio of USB 2.0 ports, support for four wireless controllers, and the aforementioned detachable 20GB drive.

It will also be "Wi-Fi ready", the spec sheet claims, although whether that is intended to imply that the system actually has Wi-Fi hardware (as is widely expected) or that it's simply ready to plug an additional Wi-Fi module into is not clarified.

The Xbox Live spec included on the sheet is arguably more interesting, mentioning a pair of subscription options (one free, and one paid-for) and some key concepts like the ability to access Live to download premium content without actually being a paid up subscriber who can play games online.

We must stress that Microsoft has made absolutely no comment on this information, and is unlikely to do so if past form is anything to go by. We don't have long to wait, however, with the MTV special which will officially unveil the console planned for Thursday evening in the USA.