This is absolutely huge if it can be believed. Develop, who are usually very reliable, are quoting an anonymous source as saying that EA have a new Microsoft console on some desks and are preparing first wave software for the machine already.
The suggestion is that Microsoft might be preparing an announcement at E3, just in time to steal Nintendo’s thunder on their Project Café (Wii 2) announcement. According to Develop’s source, the new console is so early in its development that it doesn’t even have proper housing yet – it’s been delivered inside PC casing. We assume that this is indeed normal procedure for the development stages of any new hardware of this type.
This new rumour, coupled with the Microsoft job advertisements for hardware engineers from earlier in the year, would seem to indicate that new hardware development is well and truly underway. Just how early in that development we are is another matter but large publishing partners would presumably get access only when the final specification and build blueprints are locked and there’s only testing and refinement to go.
E3, then… That’ll be worth keeping an eye on.
Source: Develop
nofi
Awesome. Do want.
hol
Wonder if they’ll make the same mistake as when they launched the 360 & kill it as soon as they launch?
Juelz345
The 360 diead at launch? Oh…another RROD joke. Can’t get enough of those. Quick, do one about the YLOD!
Radiitz
Of course, it all links up now. Though Microsoft have stated the 5 year plan for Kinect, that doesn’t mean no new hardware until after those 5 years are up (was it 5 years or 3? Correct if I’m wrong). Microsoft release a new console, and the 360 (along with Kinect) becomes a more casual orientated console that shall continue to be supported with a lot of Kinect content, whilst the new console is back to a strictly hardcore fanbase.
Much like the rumours circulating around Nintendo. They might be releasing this console in hopes of grabbing the hardcore audience back, so that console will be mostly a hardcore gamers console, and the Wii shall still be supported with games most casual fans like.
The PS3, well, that’s still covering ground it has yet to cover. Only thing is, consumers may find the PS3 outdated if Microsoft release this new console aswell as the new Nintendo console. This generation felt really short, and its an odd one. But just remember, the 360 released back in November – December of 2005. By the time this next one releases, probably in the next year or 2, the 360 will be atleast 6 years old. Sounds about right to me.
Foxhound_Solid
Interesting to see what they come up with.
DeathlyCrane
hmmm iv long decided not to get an xbox 360 due to the fact of charged online and most of their consoles don’t have built in wi-fi. I just didn’t see the point in getting one when I have a ps3 but if MS bring out a console with nice specs then I may consider, but knowing MS they will just announce something that will barely set us in a new direction.
All I want is a console with higher specs, more CPU power, more ram etc you know where I’m getting with this. so that there are less boundaries for game creators.
I believe that everyone has had their fill of motion gameplay and its time for some good old open world games like elder scrolls, and yes I’m pumped for Skyrim!
GTRsannin
Well it could be true on disc capacity alone they would need a new media cause few games have gone over the DVDs capacity already like the new L.A Noire and i read somewhere that the new Nintendo device (Wii 2) will have a 25GB disc and the game sizes just keep getting bigger although didn’t MS say at some point that their next console will be a download only???
tonycawley
Try using fullstops instead of the word “and” sometimes… just saying ;-)
GTRsannin
Well English isn’t my primary language so sorry if you don’t like my writing but you get the idea don’t you?
Raider197
“Although didn’t MS say at some point that their next console will be a download only?”
And then Sony introduced the PSP Go.
GTRsannin
I think the download only is a really bad idea but then again it doesn’t really matter to me since i’m waiting for the PS4 my self
tonycawley
Looks like ms are trying the same game plan as this gen, release your next gen console first and build an early lead in the market. Thing is, would a new ms console be that much more powerful than what the ps3 is capable of?
OneShotWook
Was thinking the same Tony.If they used Pc tech as has been the case previously then they could possibly incorporate dx11 hardware.Which because Devs actually want to make games for consoles would also speed up the incorporation of fully fledged Dx11 gaming.
But still evolution over revolution but it would also be another kick to the balls of multi platform ps3 gaming.Seems aimed short term for a console though.
Watchful
Yes, if that’s the direction they go in. And they will. Of course it depends how you define ‘power’ but for most, if not all definitions, they would have no trouble putting together a significantly more ‘powerful’ console.
Gadbury
Will be an interesting E3. Seems a tad early for the next generation. Shall be intrigued to hear / see what Microsoft will do but I feel the PS4 will take teeth.
Juelz345
I’d be interested in a new console from each of the BIG three next year or 2013.
I’m pretty excited about the new Nintendo console. I was a little dissapointed by the Wii and love the idea of Nintendo’s IP’d in HD. Zelda and Metriod in 720/1080…yes pls.
As far as the PS3 goes, I’d settle for a more robust PSN, but if it takes a new console to get that, then i’m all in. And the 360 really needs a media type with more storage, so bring on the Xbox 540 with blu-ray!
hazelam
whatever the truth is, i know one thing, i won’t be buying any consoles at launch next gen.