Microsoft’s Xbox 360 dashboard update has sneaked in something extra: the hoped-for addition of DivX playback functionality.

The Xbox Team’s official blog includes an AVI file support FAQ, which says the console now “supports files encoded using MPEG-4 Part 2, Simple and Advanced Simple Profile”, which the team adds are “often referred to as Xvid or DivX video files”.

Another FAQ on the web page, entitled ‘What exactly does the Xbox 360 support for AVI?’, also mentions support for .divx file extensions.

However, the site warns that while some files authored for DivX devices may contain additional functions, such as menus or subtitles, the console won't support these. It also states that, in some cases, the console may not even be able to play the file at all.

The Xbox 360 will only support content encoded with DivX version 5.0 or later.

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DivX support for the Sony PS3 was announced last month. This was followed by speculation that DivX was working to incorporate its software into another major games console.

More information about Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard update is available on its website.

Thanks to Register Hardware reader John for the heads up.

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