Rumors have been circulating that Microsoft's new Windows 8 OS will introduce Xbox 360 compatibility to PC's. This is probably just a rumor, but if it's not, it could free up some space on my desk, and that would be cool.

It would supposedly work by popping an Xbox 360 disk directly in to your PC's disk drive and letting Windows 8 do its thing. The rumors also suggest that gamers will be able to access their Xbox 360 Dashboard and Xbox Live service straight through their computer—eliminating the need for an Xbox 360 console. And here's where things get iffy. Would Microsoft really be so bold as to undermine their highly successful Xbox 360's value by doing something like this? Mattel's online Magic 8 Ball says: “Cannot predict now.” Thanks a lot, stupid online 8 ball.

Technically speaking, I see no reason why this wouldn't be possible. After all, the Xbox 360 uses an every day DVD drive and isn't very graphically demanding by today's standards. The only real issue would be the aforementioned “iffy” situation.

It's also worth noting that the same rumors indicate a premium fee will be needed to access Xbox Live via Windows 8. Whether or not that is above and beyond the standard Xbox Live subscription remains a mystery.