When Major Nelson announced on his blog that Microsoft would be blocking third-party memory units for the Xbox 360, MAX memory unit manufacturer Datel, a major producer of game peripherals, expressed "disappointment" over the decision. 

In a public statement by a spokesperson, Datel accused Microsoft of yanking the consumer's right to choice.  You tell it, sister!

Word now is Datel has plans to fight back.  A leaked letter allegedly from Datel's UK offices to local retailers claims the company has plans to release an update that will bypass Microsoft's mysterious memory block update.  In fact, gamers who currently own Datel memory units will be able to exchange them for any updated versions to come.

Here is the letter:

Datel manufacture 3rd party unauthorized console accessories. They are innovators in technology and have released the successful XB360 Memory 2GB and 4GB high capacity cards for the Xbox 360. These products offer customers a good value alternative to the original Memory Unit.

Due to recent actions by Microsoft, there is a possibility that these memory units will not fully function after the upcoming Microsoft Dashboard update.

Datel are aware of the changes that are required to remedy this problem and will shortly release a solution in readiness for this potential update. This will be made available to you and your retail / domestic customers shortly. In the meantime if you are holding any stock of this product you can, if you wish, return this to us and we will exchange / replace with new updated versions in readiness for the Microsoft Dashboard release.

These high capacity memory units were released in May 2009 and have continued to function well to date. These potential problems are entirely due to the actions of Microsoft and are beyond our control.

I apologize for the inconvenience this will inevitably cause and hope you understand this situation is not caused by Datel.

No doubt many Xbox 360 owners are hoping this is truth and that Datel will take action soon.  What, with Microsoft memory units costing more than baby pandas on the blackmarket.