The Inquirer posits today that Microsoft might forgo any next-generation media formats in the Xbox 2 in favor of plain old DVD, to keep costs down. They also cite the "Xbox 360" name rumor. Thanks BDGamer.

A few Xbox-related tidbits:

A flurry of news in the console business today; Sony says they'll make a PS3 announcement in March, and that the console will be "playable" at E3 this year.

Again more news that deserves the personalized touch, but instead is going to get buried in the mass grave that is a news roundup. Pass the lye...

And no break in the Halo news, either, even when the site is down, as it was most of this past weekend. Sorry about that. Here's some of what went on:

Joystiq has a whole slew of rumors regarding Xbox 2 and Halo 2.5/3 today from an unknown individual or individuals claiming to have special knowledge. Toss some salt over your shoulder and get out your asbestos underwear. (A lot of these predictions are waaaaay out there --Ed.)

As usual there was more gaming news than we could keep up with over the weekend. Here's a rundown:

Now that everyone is back from vacation, the gaming world is moving and shaking again. Here's a look around at items relating to Bungie, Halo, or the Xbox:

GamesIndustry.biz points to the lack of any official word about Microsoft's next gaming console, codenamed "Xenon" and referred to variously as Xbox 2 or Xbox Next, as a sign that the product's announcement will probably not occur at CES this year, but might later at GDC; many expected it to be announced at last year's GDC, where Microsoft instead touted XNA.

SPOnG today reports that updated Xbox 2 developer kits are shipping to developers. Like the old kits, the new ones are based on Macintosh G5 computer. The new kits feature R500 graphics cards and are planned to replace the older kits over a span of two months.

According to Voodoo Extreme, Halo 2 was the #1 best-selling console title in November. Oh, and the #2 title? Halo 2's Limited Edition. GTA San Andreas, despite the huge installed base of the PlayStation, ranked third.

Spong is reporting that they expect details about the next Xbox platform to be revealed at a special keynote briefing on January 17, 2005 in Seattle. The story also mentions the oft-repeated rumor that Microsoft chairman Bill Gates will mention the console in his CES keynote on January 5, 2005. Salt, please!

Industry rag sheet GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that Electronic Arts' CFO is saying that next-generation consoles are going to feature wireless hubs right out of the box. However, when listening to financial muckety-mucks talk tech, be sure to take it with a few tablespoons of salt; he also mentions the phrase "microtransaction environment" which should cast a bit of doubt on anything coming out of the man's mouth.

Five million copies of Halo 2 have been sold in less than three weeks, according to Microsoft. In addition, Halo 2 has now logged more hours online than any other XBL game in its two year existence. Major Nelson's blog has the entire press release.