Report: Dell phasing out XPS gaming systems

[UPDATE] Yesterday, the The Wall Street Journal reported that Dell Inc. would begin phasing out its XPS desktop game machines. The move, according to the report, was intended to give Dell's high-end gaming brand Alienware more breathing room in the market, with the WSJ claiming the XPS line "ate into" Alienware's sales.

Late in the day yesterday, Dell responded to the WSJ report on its official blog. Not only did the PC manufacturer completely deny that the XPS brand was on the outs, but it said that the high-end machines were in store for significant investment in the future.

"Dell XPS and Alienware are both great brands--arguably the greatest brands in PC gaming--and both will live on. But we are going to expand our focus on Alienware," reads Dell's statement. "XPS gaming systems will remain an important part of our gaming product portfolio. We don't plan an early phase-out of these systems as the WSJ incorrectly stated, and in fact will continue to refresh them to keep them on the front edge of gaming."

As for the expanded focus on Alienware, the Miami-based manufacturer, which Dell acquired in 2006, is expected to bring out redesigned systems based on new materials that go beyond the brand's long-standing design, according to the WSJ report.