It was only two weeks ago when an Xbox 720 logo was spotted in the film Real Steel, adding more fuel to the speculation that Microsoft may unveil the Xbox 360 successor next year at E3 2012. This was further teased by some recent LinkedIn profiles of Microsoft employees that vaguely revealed specific positions in relation to next-gen Xbox development.
While we’ve expected for quite some time for Microsoft to tease their next big hardware console package next year, it could still be a long while until said console is available for retails. The latest report has the Xbox 720 (Xbox Next?) potentially releasing in time for the 2013 holidays.
Develop has the report which claims they’ve talked to a variety of industry insiders, ”from processor chip manufacturers to middleware firms,” who expect Microsoft to do a full reveal at E3 2013 and for it to release a few months later.
If that is the case, it’s still possible they do an early reveal/tease at next year’s E3 to at least show the world what’s next – otherwise it will be 3 years in a row with no new platform. This year at E3, the focus was on software. Last year, it was to reveal the Kinect. If next year is just more software again, while Sony and Nintendo show off new handhelds and in the big N’s case, a new home console in the Wii U, Microsoft will look a little behind the times.
Is Halo 4 enough?
343 Industries is hard at work on rekindling the mainstay Halo franchise with the goal of kicking off a new set of games and path for Master Chief to follow, titled “The Reclaimer Trilogy.” This game will undoubtedly be a focal point for Microsoft Game Studios next year, but will that suffice or does Micorosoft also need to show a new console?
They will also have more gaming and cross-platform functionality with the Windows phone but the industry is ready for the next step – as evidenced by developers like DICE and Crytek clamoring for better hardware to develop for.
Develop is also quick to point out that the Xbox 720 could also come in early 2014, which puts it near 9 years in the Xbox 360′s lifecycle, and right around the launch window of Epic’s Unreal Engine 4 and exactly when Bethesda expects the Xbox 720 to release.
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Follow me on Twitter @rob_keyes.
Source: Develop
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You know, I usually joke around that the next Xbox will be called the Xbox 720, but it looks like they might actually name it that… Lol, that’s so sad…
Well, it’s a better name than the “Wii U” and everyone KNOWS Sony’s next console will be the PS4
just like everyone knew the PlayStation Vita (PSVita) was going to be called PSP2 right?
Lol, you’re right, all console names are pretty stupid. No need to single out Wii U, Wii was already a pretty dumb name. And yes, most likely the new main home console from Sony will be called the Playstation 4. Why not I guess, lol. I call my gaming system the Ken 5000! Why 5000? I have no idea… Lol
Like pc is a better name, it does not even sound like it’s ment for gaming. Atleast consoles try to sound catchy/cool and not old.
Damn, you’re right, having a cool or catchy name is so much more important than being superior and having cheaper games… *sigh*
Don’t be mad bro, we’re talking about names here. Not technology and price.
LOL, I was being sarcastic man. I couldn’t care less how “cool” something is. I only care about important things because I’m not 15 I guess, lol.
“it does not even sound like it’s ment for gaming”
Where do I start? The PC is mean for “Personal Computing,” so a PC does more than play kiddie games. A PC is more bang for your buck as it lasts alot longer, if you know how to buy or build a decent one in the 1st place.
PC doesn’t need a “gaming name” LOL. PC’s are Constantly evolving unlike the consoles which only “evolve, advance” when Microsoft says so(Or when Microsoft wants more money for a 5 year old product).
I don’t care what the hell they name it as long as its a better then the last one and its every thing we all hope it will be. My biggest NEED would be it can run 360 games and old school xbox games. Something PS3 didn’t have that really. . .annoyed me. I have FF7 yet needed to buy it again off of the PSN that was really lame.
Couldnt agree more. I really, really hate the name xbox 720. Its so childish. hmmmm the xbox 360 doubled would be….the xbox 720. Its so annoying.
Microsoft used “360″ to convey a sense of being complete. It plays games, online games, dvds etc. Also to get across the idea of commuinity and joining together. Its a great name and the original artwork was fantasitc. Plus with Playstation relasing their third console, it didnt hurt for Microsoft to have a 3 in the title of their new machine but the xbox 720…its just stupid!
It works for the Dell XPS 720. The Xbox 720 sounds like something from Star Trek, cheesy and dated.
Whether it is XBOX 720 or XBOX 1440.. PLAYSTATION 3 FTW!
Fallout 4 must be the first game!
No more invisible walls, please
Can you imagine how epically epic Bethesda could make games from what’s been rumored to be the tech in the next-Box and PS4? I’ll buy the console regardless, but if Fallout 4 was a launch title I’d be giddy as a school girl haha.
If you ever say or even so much as imply “epic” twice in the same sentence again, I will DESTROY YOU.
Instead of the red ring of death will we get the red sphere of death or will it just explode and kill the user?
I think exploding and killing the user sounds like a good plan. That way they won’t complain to Microsoft to get a new 720…
Nah I think we will see a reveal in 2013.
2013 is correct. It’s not good business to release a new product when they are making profits. Once their profits slow down a little more not to mention when consumers wake up and realize how old their systems really are then and only then will they release a new console for their Money-counting pleasure.
Console wars between consumers are stupid.
Sounds like a f**king air conditioner degrees..
Bring on an Xbox that finally will support Blu-ray!
how long before the first red ring of death on the 720? we should have a pool.
Lol, I don’t know. One friend is on his 5th Xbox 360 already due to the red ring of death. Another is only on his 2nd, so it seems the quality varies greatly. I still don’t understand why after spending so much money replacing the same console does he keep buying them again instead of just realizing Xbox hates him so he should switch?? Lol. No problems yet with my PC *knock on wood*