The standard version of Xbox 360 won't be backwards compatible with Xbox games, it has emerged today.

A representative for Microsoft this afternoon confirmed that backwards compatibility rests on making use of the removable 20GB hard drive - which isn't included in the basic 'core system' bundle (which will retail for £210).

Instead, gamers will have to purchase the £280 Xbox 360 Premium Edition - which is packaged with a hard drive - if they wish to use to the next-gen machine to play current-gen Xbox titles. Alternatively, it's possible to buy a stand-alone hard drive for an additional £70.

While the notion that the core system offers a low-cost entry to next-gen gaming is certainly a good one, it does seem surprising that you won't be able to play your Xbox games on a 360 without splashing out an additional 70 quid.

We're keen to find out which Xbox 360 bundle you'll be buying: to have your say, vote in our poll now, which can be found to the left of this very story.

Xbox 360 is expected to launch in the UK in November