Xbox 720 To Be Announced At E3 2011?

360 Magazine: Is the future of gaming closer than you think? Are we on the brink of a ‘next-gen’ reveal? Each console life cycle has brought with it great sweeping changes to both the technology and functionality of our gaming machines. With the current crop able to evolve with updates and additions it has seemed for a long time that a ‘next-gen’ was years away...

[gillri]

no, I would be surprised if it was announced next year

but I would hope for a new console, Xbox 36o is already 5 and a half year old now

[Vojkan]

Considering that Kinect is selling well, I don't see it happening. If it happens, it will get announced this year, but get released fall 2012.

[I_find_it_funny]

thats stupid to even post this

[Active Reload]

It's not going to happen. The economy is down and new hard-ware would be suicidal. Crysis 2 just came out on the 360 and is arguably the best between the two consoles--just look at the game. Crytek is working on Kingdoms exclusively for the 360 and they're saying they want to squeeze every juice out of the 360, so no, it's not coming for a while.

[Blad3star]

Why would'nt Kinect work with the new XBox and why can't MS support two console, the current xbox for the casulas and the people who dont want to move on and the new console for the the hardcore fans who think that five year old tech is actually dated tech.

[Mustang300C2012]

Yeah I don't know why anyone would think they would announce it to be two years away and hurt sales today. I don't believe it will be announced due to the continue increase in sales of the 360 and Kinect selling as well as it has. People need to let it go about this 5 year plan. Just look at the landscape and you will see why they don't need to drop a console. The consumers are keeping all 3 systmes moving without the rush or need of a nextgen system. All 3 systems are still selling and that is a good thing imo. Just laast gen we had 1 system seller which was the PS2. We now have 2 systems selling higher than they did last gen and handhelds to top it off. Notice the 360 has increased in console sales and has yet to have a price drop. It is unheard of that a system still is relevant to increase in sells without an actual price drop. Consumers are accepting the new slim and Kinect. When I say consumers I don't mean the fanboys that love to choose some side. Consumers some people like to group as "casuals" are buying the system. People enjoy different games and there is plenty of variety if you own one or all the systems. I don't see next gen happening until systems have to price drop to keep demand or price drops do not provide any increase including sales of software. Turn to the person that is to the left or right of you and blame them for the systems still going strong. I am good personally. I have all the systems including a PC to simply enjoy what ever they decide to bring. Next Gen systems can wait another 10 years for all I care. When they arrive I will be ready just like I was in 2005 and the launches before it. Enjoy the games people.

[Lifendz]

Of course annoucning new hardware today that will debut in two years will hurt sales today. For anyone, anyone thinking of buying a 360 will consider waiting for the new hardware. And a lot of people might sell their consoles, games, not renew Live because they want to start saving. It's too far out. If they announce it this year, it has to drop this holiday season.

[DigitalRaptor]

Microsoft would be unable support a new console, especially in this economy.

Sony is able to suport all their platforms well because they have strong third party support and a huge number of first party studios. Nintendo is bringing out a handheld which has great third party support and first party that is going mainly into 3DS development. You can say the same for NGP.

Microsoft is struggling to maintain their 360 lineup as it stands, and now that Kinect is out, that is their golden cow to milk for the next couple of years. You will see most Xbox resources go into Kinect.

A new console for them, would mean they would have to drop support for the 360, like they did with the original Xbox. It not like they don't have the money for it - they just don't currently have the relevant resources.

[Active Reload]

MS can afford to release a new console, but devs wouldn't be able to afford to develop for it unless they're someone like EA or Activision.

[plb]

Kinect is just a USB device. It works on Windows and it will work on the next xbox too. And if the new xbox is backwards compatible I'm all for it.

[malamdra]

the successor to the 360 was released last year and it's called Kinect

casuals don't need more grapchic power

[OneSneakyMofo]

I don't think Microsoft's going to jump in for a third round at gaming consoles if their stocks keep dropping like it does. They gotta regain some money from some place and the most sensible is their gaming division.

[Vaud-Villian]

We hear this rumor every year.

<Insert new console here> being announced at E3 20XX?

This is beyond crying wolf.

[ChrisW]

To be honest, I hope so. Consoles are keeping PC development back.

[No_Pantaloons]

The fact that M$ said they're focused on Kinect right now still doesn't make these baseless articles go away.
Sony said the same about move, and nintendo about the 3ds, but if all that weren't enough the polls from gamers clearly show most aren't ready to buy a new console.

Obviously there's planning going on behind the scenes, companies have to plan years in advance, but that doesn't mean anything is "to be announced."

These articles are annoying as hell, they come out every other month and then 2-3 years later when something actually is revealed, they claim "see we told you!"

[JohnnyBadfinger]

It could be announced this year yes... but that doesnt mean your gunna see it in action or be able to purchase it within the next 2 years.

I pretty confident there wont be a new console for atleast another 3 years.

Yes the PC graphics are better than console, but they arent that good that the PS3 and 360 need a complete remodel their hardware. If anything the PS3 and 360 make DX11 and all the other unnecessary hardware seem...well unnecessary.

The only differences are very slightly minor.

My verdict PS3 and 360 still have at a minimum 3 years before they need to be reborn.

[Kurt Russell]

If they do announce one... I'm buying it.

[DeadlyFire]

Very possible. Considering UE 4.0 is 97 % done. I doubt it will be before Fall 2012 before its released. CE 4.0 and UE 4.0 must exist as a base Engine platform for the next generation of games.

E3 2012 sounds best though for Xbox 720. Why? Well Halo 4, Gears of War 4, Fable 4, Froza 5 would have to be ready for the next console era. At least 2 of them. Gears 3 just releasing, Fable 3 just releasing, Froza 4 yet to come out. E3 2011 would be bad time to say anything for Microsoft. They could mention a new Halo though.

I am betting if any of them speak at E3 2011 for a new console it will be Nintendo. Wii 2. UE 4.0 support. Coming Fall 2012. Everyone will be floored to hear such a thing from Nintendo. Its exactly what noone expects from Nintendo.

[Malice-Flare]

i'm sure Microsoft can afford to sell a Triple-SLI GPU, Multicore CPU based console for a giant loss...

but do you want a console consuming 1KW of electricity when you play?

[trancefreak]

The video from crytek explains why there is no cry-engine 4. Cry 3 is next gen and will display itself more in the future.

[DeadlyFire]

Only reason that is said Trance is because they fear they will not have it ready by 2012. So they are saying CryEngine 3.0 will be best utlitzed on the next consoles while at the same time working on CE 4.0 anyway for 2013. It is very wise plan they have. CE 3 will be able to shin brightly on a new console generation, but likely its successor will show up with more power in the new generation as well. CE 3.0 is really CryEngine 2.0 with a makeover and highly optimized. Which is why DirectX 11 wasn't essential in the making of Crysis 2. Still it is there and added benefits are as well.

Still though CE 3 is not something to overlook.

Rinku. Don't worry so much about GPU. Single chip GPUs capable of delivering 30-60 fps on UE 4.0 will be here by end of 2012.

3 reasons why that is possible.

1. GPUs evolve every year. There is 1-2 major releases of GPUs from AMD, and NVIDIA with many minor launches scaling off the 1-2 major released chips.

2. PCIExpress 3. What does that have to do with consoles? Not alot, but bandwidth is getting a big boast soon for Graphics cards. It will reflect very well in gaming perfomance and power usage on PC platform. The more bandwidth = more power. Consoles likely will have embedded buses and bandwidth though as always.

3. Power saving GPUs don't exist. Like it or not. Power grows every year in GPUs. Now PC cards require a power supply plug to operate. Never used to be the case a few years ago. Power is going up. Solution - Put 5-10 solar panels on your house. It will save you some money in the long run.

[damnyouretall]

i dont know probably not. but you would think ms would be the first to launch one. could account for the lack of exclusives, maybe developers have moved on to bigger and better things for a next gen console

[WitWolfy]

Remember Microsoft claims that the next Xbox console will be "Forward compatible" meaning current gen games like Gears,Halo,NFS ect ect will look even beter on the next console then what it looks on the current one (Seeing that it will have will have DX11 backing it up) Guess we'll have to wait and see if this is indeed true

[FinalSpartan]

Crysis 2 destroys PS3 version, Xbox 360 still has more to go. Multiplatforms are 99% better looking on Xbox 360.

Whereas only Exclusives look good on PS3.

[the_best_player]

Your still living in 2007 - 2008 by the sound of it.

[trancefreak]

"Crysis 2 destroys PS3 version."

What the hell does that mean?

I bought the pc version but crysis on pc is a freaking console version.

[the_best_player]

Red Ring V2 coming soon :P

[zeddy]

this is bull, 360's install base is 50mil+(minus rrods) and games usually sell well so no point theres starting over again for the time being.

[Jocosta]

Its not minus rrod, those were normally repaired. Why does everyone think that?

[pain777pas]

Microsoft will try to come out first again but I think that it is too soon. Microsoft is at $199 and is still trailing the Wii with a year free from next gen competition. Microsoft should wisely see that they are doing better than their first foray but haven't reached their end goal. 360 is an improvement not the end all be all. Microsoft is in the most difficult position because they are thinking what is it going to take to be #1? I would venture to say that if there is nothing mind blowing save a new Halo or something they may release something that no one even cares about or wants right now. Innovation will be paramount and selling their ideas to the masses. Kinect was just released aswell. There is no need for a new system from Microsoft. Nintendo on the other hand is in the best position because they are so far behind in tech and so far ahead in consoles sold. They could come up to 360 specs and completely dominate with something HD and innovative.

[solidt12]

I been playing crysis 2 on very high settings and after seeing it I would say yes it is time for a new Xbox.

[Anon1974]

Not gonna happen and even if it did, I think it would be a disaster. It's like when the Xbox went head 2 head with the PS2. The Xbox had the advantage graphically, but the PS2 was hitting it's stride, the graphics were good enough for most and the price was right. We'd see the same thing if a new Xbox launched versus the PS3. The PS3 is hitting it's stride, no one is complaining about the quality of the games and if the rumors are true there's another price cut in the works. It'd be hard to try to launch a new, more expensive console in this current marketplace and I think a 720 launched now would be passed over much like the Xbox was in favor of the PS2.

Plus, we're not seeing the financial signs. There's no ramp up of R&D spending in the Entertainment Division at Xbox that would precipitate a new console launch, nor have we heard anything on the hardware side of things. When the PS3 slim and 360 slim launched, we saw signs, heard rumors from hardware makers, saw spending fluctuate. None of that is happening now.

[TheXgamerLive]

"NO", the Next XBOX will "NOT" be announced this year. Damn i hate these fake assed rumors. We won't see a new XBOX or PS for atleast 3 to 5 more yrs. this has already been announced. Technology hasn't reached the lvl's there looking for yet in the future consoles, only Nintendo will announce a newer console late this yr. or next IMO.

[Death]

Sales will determine when we see new consoles. If both the PS3 and Xbox 360 continue to have good sales, the need to launch new hardware will be prolonged. Either way, there will be atleast a year of solid rumors with some kind of "leaked" info before an announcement. So far both camps have been very quiet. I have no doubt the new consoles are well beyond the design stage, but time will bring down price which they both need.

-Death

[showtimefolks]

NOt happening anytime before fall 2013

[gamingdroid]

I hope a new Xbox 360 is coming soon. I can't wait until the next generation!

I favor faster console cycles with lower launch price!

[cryymoar]

LOL another UnrealEngineBox? I hope not.

[Vherostar]

No way they just got kinect out the door and like there own staff say Kinect IS the new xbox. There is no way they are gonna abandon Kinect after 1 year especially after it sold so well. I mean sure its not shifting consoles just yet but future games might change that.

[Dailynch]

I honestly think it's going to be announced this year. When you look at all the exclusives that have dropped of the radar and all the new shiny tech being brandied about it just feels right.

[hennessey86]

if it doesnt then im buying a pc

[evrfighter]

its true with all the new tech being shown off sub 720p resolutions and low res textures don't seem all that great anymore.

BUT

Kinect is still in its early stages. M$ will milk it for all its worth before they announce a new console. Sony needs to store some profits from the ps3 and also needs to milk move before they announce a new console.

All of a sudden pc gaming is lookin that much better huh. :)

[theonlylolking]

You should also take into account the activision call of duty deal. It ends in 2012 so M$ around that time M$ is going to announce or release the next xbox. M$ probably would have had the deal last longer but that would mess up there next xbox plans.

[trancefreak]

Everything tech wise is going at rapid rates again from smart phones like htc evo 3d, smart tabs others like apple products every year, new graphic cards every month and so on.

[RevXM]

^^^
This is a good argument.
360 only got Kinect titles, plus GEARS, Forza and Kingdoms.(Quality brand titles)

What would the MS studios do if they didn't have upcoming games for the 360? like 3 studios is doing something worth talking about.

Seem likely that they are working with the next gen hardware and concepts.

Even if the hardware gets announced this year it wont come until sometime next year.
I cant wait.

[wwm0nkey]

I dont think we will see an announcement till 2013 or 2014. Maybe a hint this year but no announcement unless it was announced that you could switch out the MB/GPU.

[Dailynch]

Problem is, if Microsoft doesn't announce anything, then it's got nothing exciting coming this year other than a sprinkling of games. Compared to the competition it's looking really weak.

[Pozzle]

I'm not ready for the next generation of gaming yet. I still haven't gotten everything out of my current gen consoles.

[zeddy]

kids in the next couple of gens are going to be spoiled big time with the massive library of games of today.

[Stealth20k]

lol no. what a stupid article. They havent even made the thing yet
Hell people in the industry aka designers say it wont come out until 2015. Thats consistent with job post descriptions

[green]

Unveil it at E3 2012 with a release date shortly after and i will be a very happy gamer.

[B1663r]

Microsoft is incapable of keeping a secret. They will announce this year, that they will announce next year... Just like with the Kinect..

[hamburger123]

Another rushed console from MS..

[BABY-JEDI]

Both the 360 & PS3 had problems at launch. Both consoles have their own market approach & consumer appeal. The only thing I found really rushed initially was the glut of bad games on each console.

[Counter Strike]

360 is in 6 years now... i think will have 7 years before the new one but they will keep it in the market for 10 or more years.

[Raendom]

No harm in SHOWING it this year with a few tech demos and whatnot.

[Droid Control]

I wouldn't be surprised if the Xbox 720 was announced at this years E3. That said, I think it more likely that Microsoft will announce the thing at next E3 instead.

I can't wait to get my hands on some powerful hardware again!

[Simco876]

Get a PC, then you won't have to wait 7 years.

[D3athc3ll]

pc dont blow consoles away, so the hardware is useless for gaming! Rather wait for next console!

And most devs support consoles! No win!

[Counter Strike]

Running on Unreal engine 4 on the next Xbox.

its gonna get bloody

[captain-obvious]

well if the next xbox got the power of 3 GTX 580's
then it'll cost some thing like a 1000$ at lunch

so
no

[bednet]

I thought the same thing when I read the article...just one GTX580 is 500$, let alone everything else.

And the problem will remain production costs...

[Megaton]

First thing to pop into my head when I saw the picture they used for this article. The GPU cost alone to generate those graphics was $1,500 (3x GTX 580). It's laughable to think a console announced this year will be doing that, unless it's got a $2,000 price tag.

[FGHFGHFGH]

yea if a they already decided on the parts it prob wouldn't have a gpu stronger than a 6850 or maybe even less (which would still destroy the current consoles)

[Raf1k1]

I think PC gamers would welcome it as then we'd be getting games that can actually push our hardware but TBH I'd be surprised if it's announced this year.

[Darth Stewie]

Doubt it the only new console that has a chance of being revealed at this years E3 would be Nintendo next console.

[Chaostar]

E3 is about 3 months away, if MS did have a new xbox in the works with enough info to give an official announcement we probably would have heard something about it already, something substantial anyway.

I don't see vague job listings and tech demos as proof of anything, however I'm not ruling out the possibility completely. I think people are still reeling from the recession and a new system announcement now would put more than a few at unease.

Personally I would like a leap in console graphical power as soon as possible but it's all about timing for the manufacturers, is the market right at this moment?

It all starts again with new consoles it's scary and exciting and anyone could came out on top or flop like a fish out of water. Who will be first to take the gamble, most say MS but with Kinect doing so well I'm inclined to think they may delay a little until sales drop off.

If I had to have a guess I'd say next year at the earliest, totally based on crap I've read on the Internet mind you ;P

[Kingdom Come]

I can imagine a tech demo for what could be achieved, but to be honest, I want to see more games to the standard of Gears of War 3 an Crysis 2's graphical capabilities before an announcement is made, we are consistently seing that the Xbox 360 can handle more than percieved and being primarily a 360 gamer myself, its fantastic to see...

[Nicaragua]

Nope

[zeal0us]

Media will make anything go buzz, whats next ps4 at e3 or "xbox handheld" at e3

[RyuCloudStrife]

no new console comes out next year. M$ and Sony should wait another 2 years..

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

I can see them doing it.

[Shaman]

BS...If they just now started to hire architects for next hardware it will take 2-3 years for it to come in our hands which means,2013 announcement most likely.

[WitWolfy]

I seriously disagree with you on that, remember after every new console each corporation ever releases they immediately start predicting what the next gens spec would be. And start drawing proto designs for it.... FACT!

[mcstorm]

Not going to happen this year. I think E3 will be about Core Kinect games and WP7 and 360 software to bring the platform together and maybe a full kinect user interface for the 360 dash.

But we dont have too long to wait and see what MS have instore for us.

[solidt12]

they make speak on the next Xbox at e3 but yea it is at least 2 years away

[CaptainPunch]

They'll most likely announce it at E3 2012, for a 2013 fall release. Which makes sense when you think about it. The Xbox 360 came out in 2005, so it's been a while now.

[ghostgaming]

I really think the next gen will not start until somebody shows their cards. So hypothetically speaking, if lets say Nintendo show an updated console at E3 for a 2012 release, E3 2012, I am sure MS would show a console for a 2013 release

[Masterchef2007]

Please Microsoft dont jumpstart next gen like you did last time. Current gen console still have more life in them so please dont kill them off.

[krazykombatant]

Ummmm wasn't there an article recently saying that MS, was just starting to hire people to start thinking on the next console. MS won't realease this early that would give SONY a huge technological advancement by the time they decide to release theirs, and we would have this crap all over again about how the ps3 overpowers the 360 (which it does, I don't own a ps3 but you have to be an idiot to think the 360 has the capabilities to run a game like uncharted. The best it can do is Mass Effect and I'm happy with that).

Now I think nintendo will announce their next console soon, not for this year but maybe the next. Anyways let's just wait and see how things turn out.

[SkyGamer]

There is a bunch of difference between the two games. You have a dialogue system with rpg elements while the other is a story. It's like comparing apples and oranges, I am sure that X360 could build a game like Uncharted but that's not usually the types of games that X360 make. They are more into open world with you making your own story instead of a closed and linear game that tells you a story. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule, like Gears and such but for majority, open world is there environment of choice.

[krazykombatant]

Ohh sorry i didn't mean to sound as if i was comparing the styles of both games. I meant graphics. So far the x360 hasn't had anything close to the graphic in a ps3 games, and people can bitch and moan. It's true, I own a 360, and played on it countless of hours. I will agree on the linear style of games lacking in the 360. I really don't anything to disagree with your statement, just saying that a new x720 is most likely not gonna be released this early enabling sony to have better hardware in the future.

[SkyGamer]

What a company needs to do is have a monster cpu right out the gate. Then add in capablities for memory upgrades and video card upgrades. That would be the closest to a future proof system for consoles.

[Raven_Nomad]

I said this months ago, Microsoft is going to have an epic E3 this year. I wouldn't doubt they show off some of the next Xbox for release NEXT Holiday season. Probably built in Kinect or Backwards compatibility with it.

Also we might see some Halo 4 on it and perhaps this Gears Of War Exile might be some sort of launch title as well? Could be very interesting.

I'm not 100% sure we'll see this, but I have no doubt Microsoft want's to jump on the competition. If they announce something this E3, goodbye PS3! Your going to Ebay.

[Wikkid666]

MS is Operating System company, so in theory the next Xbox could be like an updated PC with new high end specs and a updated OS. So it could come out and completely be 100% backwards compatible... and completely coexist with the 360.

But in the end really don't see a release for 2013, but any thing is possible.

[SkyGamer]

The mistake they made last gen was that they used over the counter pc parts. By doing that, they shot themselves in the foot, (albeit they are not a hardware company) because nVidia owned the rights to the video card and it was too costly for them to make those outdated cards. Now with the X360, MS OWNS the chipsets in the system, namely the Xenos video card so that their next system will be 100 percent backwards compat. They won't have to pay licensing fees and they can get whoever to make the chips. I just hope that nVidia doesn't pull that crap with sony, the 7800gtx is getting really outdated and it might cost sony more money than it's worth to keep that video card in the ps3. Since nVidia owns the video card, ip, etc., they can dictate any price just like they did with the first Xbox. Let's just hope that nVidia treats sony better than they treated MS. That is the main reason why nVidia lost the contract to ATI because MS wanted to own the chipsets. I guess on some things people do learn their lessons, eh?

[skrug]

Sony owns RSX graphics card

[FGHFGHFGH]

i think i heard peter moore say it was the harddrives that were expensive. 8gb 3.5"?

[WitWolfy]

SkyGamer your 100% correct he said they actually sold every console at a loss due to the HDD they had installed. But that could've been just one of the factors for all we know.

I think MS got super pissed when people started soft modding and hard modding their baby for pirated game mostly, and decided to abandon the whole project all together and start on a clean slate.

Think about it how many people actually owned a non modded xbox that you knew about??

[skillednutter]

Not Going to Happen this Year.

I would expect this sort of announcement next year with a further 2 years until release.

[D3athc3ll]

makes sense!! I do hope the 360 last for another 2 years at least!

[iistuii]

And before people jump on the no need for a new console debate imagine this, Crysis 2 or K3 running as smoothe as silk 1080p without a bad texture or jaggie in sight, now that would be the real next gen.

[Raider69]

Well it was announce this week that M$ is working on a new evolution for kinect too!There was a job posting for it.So its very possible that a new XBOX will be release at 2012!Do people really think that the work on the new XBOX just started this year?!M$ haves a research group that haves this on the running for a long time, wiring new technicians dont mean that they just started research this year.

[ASSASSYN 36o]

The Xbox 360 was literally on the design board 1 week after the Xbox launched. Sony and ms have been actively working on the next generation. You snooze you lose.

[WitWolfy]

Well said sir , I agree 100% with you

[Raider69]

They have been with AMD this generation and they will probably go ewith them again with Fusion technology.

[sickpup]

There is no way they will be announcing a new console until at least next year or most likely 2 years from now. They need to decide on the next form of media (DVD, Blu-ray, Cloud, or other), the hardware specs for a new graphics processor, and design for the casing. I would also like to see USB3, gigabit networking, larger external HDD support or even network drive support for storage, and a built-in TV tuner for DVR style recording. They are dabbling in TV so it is only logical to provide recording functionality as the next step. I don't mind them competing with cable companies but the price has to be right. They just need to design a system that can last 5 years and right now I don't think the latest tech is far enough ahead of what the Xbox currently has to warrent a change.

[GrandMaxPain]

bullshit That's not gonna happen untill 3 years larer.

[ASSASSYN 36o]

I am ready for a new console. I and apparently ms, do not care what the whiny few dislike about the possibility of a new console. No one is forcing you to buy it. It isn't like the fabricated console life cycle originally pitched by Sony is inclusive to ms.

[Forth]

not this time, maybe Nintendo's new console

[Excalibur]

My prediction is it will be announced E3 2012 with a 2012 Holiday release.

And for all the folks commenting on Kinect, there is no reason why Kinect shouldn't work on the Nextbox 360.

[NoobJobz]

It depends on whether they want more money or not. They could be buttholes and say Kinect doesn't work with the new xbox. Only Kinect 2 works and you have to buy a new one. I'm sure that won't happen.

I would say that will never happen because people aren't stupid enough to fall for that but...people are. They would rush out an buy the new one.

[WitWolfy]

Obviously the Kinect was designed wiht future xbox consoles in mind, who ever think other wise is just plain idiotic

[Excalibur]

And you know come to think of it, that might be why we have had kind of a dry run on exclusives for the 360, Maybe M$ is trying to keep them for the Nextbox 360.

[Tzuno]

bullshit if so i will sell my 360 and upgrade my rig and fk all.

[MrBeatdown]

New rule: You can't announce a new console until the primary model of your current system has been under $200 for a year.

Seriously, if they announce a new Xbox, I'm going to be pissed. I bought an Xbox 1 in 2004, thinking it still had a few years of like left in it before the downhill run began. Nope. MS ditched it and released the 360 2005, while PS2 was still getting quality games up until 2007. They screwed over existing Xbox owners and rushed the 360 out the door, forcing everyone to deal with piss poor hardware, all in the name of getting a jump on the competition.

I'm not supporting that kind of crap again. This generation has plenty of life left in it, and if MS would rather cut that life short just for their own benefit, I'm done with them.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

possibility of this happening is 50/50. Wouldn't surprise me if the Crytek game project kingdom was for the next gen. xbox using the full power of the CryEngine3.

The article is fail because it's rehashing stuff we already know.

[MeNoRasta]

I hope they dont announce the new xbox.The slim only launched not even a year its only been 9 months since the slim came out and they announce a new console.NO.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Not this year... Not with Kinect just having launched less than a year ago... 2012 E3 they will announce the new console coming in 2013.

[josephayal]

XBOX 720 in 2011???? NO WAY MEH!!! maybe in 2014

[Holeran]

I don't see it happening this year. I wouldn't expect it for a year +.

[DFresh]

I just don't see it happening.
All of the console manufacturers want their platforms to last 10 years.
Xbox 360 console life is extended with Kinect.
PS3 console life is extended with Playstation Move, Playstation Suite, 3D, and the fact Sony likes supporting their consoles as long as possible before releasing the next console.
Let's not forget the world economy is down the shitter.
(Just look at Japan. Don't expect another Playstation or Nintendo console for awhile now.)
We have at least a few more years before the new consoles arrive.
It's way too early.
I'm pretty sure the PS4/Xbox 720 will be based solely around digital distribution and cloud gaming.
Just a matter of time now.
(Luckily Sony said they'll still be making disc games with the PS4. Not too sure about Xbox 720.)

[BLAKHOODe]

Sony has been working on blu-ray's successor for some time now. Physical media isn't going anywhere, anytime soon, which is why Sony has a huge advantage going into the next generation of consoles.

[BLAKHOODe]

Not this year and probably next year either, although an announcement next year of some kind is likely.

Either way, I think next gen is going to belong to Sony, unless Microsoft dishes out some $$$ and pays Sony for the rights to use blu-ray. That, plus I think Sony learned a lot this generation in terms of what the consumer wants and is willing to pay - the price of the NGP is evidence of that. Without blu-ray support or something like it, I just don't think Microsoft can compete next gen, unless it pushes digital downloads and who knows if the general gaming public will buy into that.

Just my opinion.

[Morbius420]

or they could resurect HD-DVD for thier games.

[BLAKHOODe]

true.. and i've thought about that. it would definitely allow them to compete as far as games go, but since Hollywood doesn't support the format and since nowadays Microsoft and Sony both market their consoles as not just gaming consoles, but all around ENTERTAINMENT centers, Sony would still have the edge with the Hollywood supported blu-ray format.

[Dorwrath]

Not a chance, 2012 maybe, more like 2013.

[Undeadwolfy]

Nope... aint happening

[El Nino]

Never happening this year. Kinect is doing well and gears drops towards the back end of the year.

Also i dont see the next xbox as being anything like the 360, it will be aimed at the casual crowd, disband the hardcore crowd completely.

What do microsoft care about most, making the next xbox casual and making more money.....or making top games and making less. Certainly not the latter is it.

First the wii, then kinect....there a gimmick, but holy shit the gimmick sells and is exremely profitable if marketed right.

[rataranian]

Whatever it is, it'll end up being a slightly better 360 gpu in a new case design and a new name. And people will buy it no questions asked. Cause thats how they roll. Dumb. ;)

[Xander756]

Well if you think about it computer power doubles every 18 months. The Xbox 360 has been out slightly over 5 years so since it was released in 2005 computer power has doubled 3 and a half times. Ergo computers are nearly 9x to 10x faster than they were back then! It's definitely time for a new console.

[zackacloud]

I guess they will with PS4 annoucement

[JoeIsMad]

http://n4g.com/news/728287/...

Copy-paste the above code to have the ability to report this failure as if it were never approved.

[dkgshiz]

Next gen consoles can wait a good 5 years for all I care. I really don't want to invest another $400 into the latest and greatest just yet.

[JusenkyoGuide]

there's no way in hell this is happening. it's still too early.

[caperjim]

Microsoft please announce a new console!! Buying games for my 360 now feels like a rip off when you think of how stripped down they have to be to play on 360/PS3. There is no need to make us wait for new hardware every 6-7 years. Ill be first in line with my wallet open to pick one up. I couldnt imagine playing BATTLEFIELD 3 or SKYRIM on my outdated console.

[Bob570]

The 360 is 5 years old, but you have to remember,it launched early. The PS3 is only 4 years old, and it would probably be best for them to release the same year this time.

[Jonah_Reese]

I don't see a reason for it still. I don't vcare how many biased articles I see about the 360 (and/or PS3) being maxed out, it's too early to move on. Crysis 2 just wowed people for the most powerful platforms (PC, PS3 and 360)To some degree.

[Droid Control]

For all those saying Microsoft only starting advertizing for developers recently: GET A CLUE!

Microsoft, like Sony and Nintendo, starting developing their next console straight after they released the current ones. It takes years or developement but only 18 months or so to go from planning to launch.

There is simply no way Microsoft would start planning for the 720 now in 2011, six years after the launch of the XBox 360.

Whether the 720 is announced this year, or next, it IS coming. Sooner rather than later.

[gcolley]

i would even say they start on the next one before the current one was even out. there is always a wishlist verses a realistic list of functions/abilities that don't make it into the current gen for whatever reason.

[Bounkass]

I hope they do. So Sony can make an even better console. Again...

[Allowen]

If Sony can Keep three video games (PSP,PSP2 & PS3) at same time why can't Microsoft try to do the same ?

I bet such move could help MS gather even more respect from gamers that still don't own an xbox console.

Also don't forget that the gap bettewn world wide salles bettewn PS3 and the 360 is getting shorter and this is also a good reason to "leave" to the next gen while you are ahead the competition (the Ps3 at least).

As a Sony "fanboy" and a fan of AAA titles I would love to see this Xbox720 raising the bar for high end games.

It will be interesting to see Sony's AAA exclusive games on the PS3 no longer beeing the most beautifull games for next year

It does not worries me because I know has enough ammo to counter attack.

[Morbius420]

It will be interesting to see Sony's AAA exclusive games on the PS3 no longer beeing the most beautifull games for next year

They're not. PC games are.

[Veneno]

In order for Microsoft to support the 360 and a new xbox, there would have to be consumers in each area, like PS2 and PS3.It seems to me that the audience for a new xbox is EVERYBODY that owns a 360 now. BUT with Kinect MS may be trying to create a casual, motion based gaming audience to support 360 while MS moves on to the next gen. But if Kinect is also forward compatible, how would that work?

That's why there will be no new xbox announced for at least a couple years to see how Kinect does.

[gcolley]

i love new console announcements, always exciting but i doubt it. not after kinect just sold a bunch. that would be counter productive

[stu888]

maybe the reason for there being a tiny number of exclusives left for 360 (gears 3 and forza 4) is because developers are making for a new console?

[dmonee]

LoL......

[Platinum_k]

While doing that, they should also announce when it'll RROD or when to expect it to RROD!

AHAHAHAHAHA!

-dont hate

[Morbius420]

you suck

ahahahahah!

[Platinum_k]

Morbius420 eh???

just as i thought, another stupid pothead xbot...
At least us "droids" have some commmon sense and arent retarded like XBOTS.

[bobrea]

Nope.

[Phantasm]

If a new console is announced, I could see the 360 still going strong, but evolving more toward the casual gamer. Both price and Kinnect would be the primary selling points with other software bringing up the rear.

As for the 720... I think Microsoft will take the original Xbox approach and then some. Pack it full of technology and power.

Microsoft would essentially go the car company route... Toyota has it's Lexus and Nissan has it's Infinity.

Questions I do have about a new Xbox is... How will it deliver the software? Those 200 gig blu-ray disks? Some secret new disc format?

[Primetimebt]

Xbox is going to invest anything on new technology. They're just going to take want ever is top of the line now and dump it into it's console.

[xc7x]

i agree with the sensible peeps here,don't expect it this year,at the earliest next year. Wii2 needs to be announced if anything.

[Primetimebt]

Watch xbox try to go even more causal..

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[yogaflame]

For me it is a bad move if they will unveil next gen because there are so many games still coming out for all next gen and there are still more power left. This will hurt there current console because people will now be more hype with next gen and lose there interest on current console.

[Primetimebt]

The Xbox is on it's 5 going on 6 years in the marketplace. Plus they're lacking on exclusive games so they need to beat sony to the market again to win america.

[xc7x]

don't think that'll be a problem with Microsoft,they can about buy whatever exclusive they want with all the money they have and Sony don't seem to be in a rush to reveal PS4.

[bozebo]

There isn't more power left in the 360. When developers say that they mean they can optimise their games to better make use of the power that there is. That said though, yes it does mean there is more potential to come.

But the real issue is the DVD severely limiting game content, especially with the consistent drive for more realistic textures (take Rage for example).

Performance aside, if publishers stop pushing devs to keep remaking the same old things we should see a lot of new great games; so yes - a new generation of consoles isn't yet required.

[ATiElite]

Xbox 720 announced at E3 2011.....more like E3 2012 with a Q4 2012 release.

Halo 4 will be Xbox 360 and Xbox 720! Now that would be cool.

[stuntman_mike]

if it does get released i hope they dont call it the 720 that sounds shit.

[blackblades]

Hope not it's to early definitely the ps4 for the wii they can make a new one but they should announce it in 2013 or 2014 then release the next year.

[bozebo]

it's too early to release another console, microsoft know it, sony know it, nintendo... lol.

tbh, if they want graphics like the unreal demo they will need dual graphics chips custom engineered (fair enough they tend to be custom engineered in consoles). A 720 out, even q4 2012, would cost about $1000 to manufacture let alone retail (thats if they want to be able to run the likes of samaritan on it at 30fps, and ffs - I hate this 30fps rubbish).

Graphics like samaritan are only just attainable in realtime with current hardware, and thats in a ridiculously overpowered PC that would cost upwards of $2000 and use incredible amounts of power, at 30fps even.

They might have some kind of sneak-peak to get people interested, but I seriously doubt they have any kind of hardware in the works yet. Graphics are evolving far too rapidly for it to be a good business plan to release a console soon.

They could release a relatively cheap console with superior performance to current gen (graphics like the witcher 2 or battlefield 3 maxed out), but it would still be behind what consumers are expecting (the samaritan demo)

What they will be doing is trying to organise contracts with chip manufacturers. Though that has probably been going on since the launch of current gen consoles. (ms will stick with ati and sony will stick with nvidia, most likely) Cpu-wise, xbox will probably use AMD and playstation will probably use intel (ibm power pc is a bit of a flop now, but they could have something new under wraps though it will work like conventional PC cpus do probably). Though if Apple are in talks with Intel for console stuff then they will probably nick them off of sony - though no doubt if Apple release a console it won't be powerful and won't be for proper gamers, they will probably wipe the floor with nintendo (because people love buying Apple stuff even though it is total junk just because it is apple, a similar audience to the Wii) and nintendo will have to go back to making a powerful console for gamers (but then, amd and nvidia are nicked for competing contracts, and Intel may be in the high performance graphics race by then but they would be with Apple or Sony). There is only really room for 2 major competing consoles because there are only 2 major graphics chip manufacturers.

Basically, if they pushed forwards with something this year or next, a launch price for 720 of around $350 could perform like a $1000 pc and probably have near identical architecture. Putting a dedicated console architecture into manufacture would be a horrible business plan at this stage (this year or next).

Another point, they will have to go with digital download (sony part own Blu-ray and dvd just isn't enough anymore) which will put a lot of strain on many people's bandwidth usage. Or come up with a proprietary disk (like, dig up hddvd tech and actually damn well put it in the fekin console this time!)

I would say 2014 they will have the hardware set in stone for the "720". If they call it 720 though I will not buy one :P 360 was bad enough, even damn toothbrushes were called 360 lol. It's like prefixing things with the letter i. Also in 2014 a lot more people should have fibre and progress may be made on telecomms providers' infrastructures to cope with the colossal bandwidth increases - microsoft will probably be part of that push forwards too, in the states anyway.

[PS360PCROCKS]

A console with the graphics from Epic's video? Haha yeah microsoft will show it off, it's called a ridiculous PC! 3 GTX 580's are not going in a console lmao. Microsoft blew up millions of them with ONE GPU, that thing would melt if it had THREE!

[bviperz]

Reminds me of the best buy commercial, "But I just bought this one!"

[ufo8mycat]

I honestly doubt it this year BUT that would be 1 explanation to the 360's lack of exclusives. Concentration is being directed to exclusives for the next xbox?

[Moentjers]

They dropped it once (XBOX), they'll do it again (360) and again...

[sak500]

Maybe it's a handheld they are planning to showcase since their phones are now out in the open and have to fight with Xperia play and NGP coming out later this year.

[CherryLu-Chan]

With the brilliant Game Dev Story nomnomnom-ing through my time and mind in huge swathes, reading an announcement like that just triggers off thoughts of "to develop your own console you must have a member of staff trained to be a hardware engineer" ^-^

If anyone has iphone/ipod or android and likes ace, classic gaming, I'd highly recommend it.

And back on the actual topic at hand .. I'd hope there isn't an Xbox720 on the cards, or any next gen for a long time to come. It seems to me that the consoles still have potential, great games continue to be produced and both are coming into their own more and more. There's life in dem old dogs yet!

[caperjim]

I expect them to announce this E3. Its 2011 and we are still playing games at 720p with jaggys everywhere. They should have announced it last year if you ask me. No need to make us wait so long between consoles.

[gedapeleda]

I hope they anounce it before ps4 cuz then sony could make a more poverful machine and again be teh graphikz king

[Ninjamonkey82]

You don't want them to call 720 they will completey drop support for the 360 Gears 3 will be the last big game for the system then thats it. Remember xboxv1 i do i remember being droped on my ass like i meant nothing till them i spent shit loads on that thing. Thats how they roll im afraid.

[FinalomegaS]

just all speculation...

"we would like to see it revealed this year"

I just like new toys seriously ( so shiny... haha)

[AlienFodder]

I call bull*hit on this. If Microsoft had intended to announce a new console this year, they wouldn't have released an improved version of it last year and they would have waited to release Kinect as well, IMO.