Has Microsoft killed production of the Xbox in anticipation of the launch of the Xbox 360 later this year? Microsoft revealed last week that there was indeed a shortage of the consoles because of their “surging popularity” (hmmmm…), but now SPOnG is “confirming” that Microsoft has ended production of the orginal Xbox altogether and isn’t planning on making any more. Seems like it’d be a little early for Microsoft to be doing that, especially given that the Xbox 360 isn’t due out for another eight months or so, right? We’re still waiting for Redmond to issue an official statement, but Larry Hryb, Director of Programming for Xbox Live, is squashing the rumor on his blog, saying that “We are NOT pulling the Xbox from stores. Xbox consoles being in short supply since they are popular and stopping production are two VERY different issues.”