Microsoft are gearing up for this week’s big reveal of their next console, with the full outing set to be on the 21st of May, Tuesday. The company’s Aaron Greenberg has set the hype train rolling with news that the Xbox 720 will play host to “tons of exclusives” in the latest Major Nelson podcast.
“We’re really going to tell one story across two events,” Greenberg said, referring to both next week and their pre-E3 conference. “So we’re going to start on the 21st and really that’s about revealing the next Xbox platform, really our vision for the future of games, the future of entertainment.”
“We definitely have a lot of surprises planned,” he added.
“I know everyone knows the Infinity Ward team is hard at work on world premiering the next Call of Duty: Ghosts, so we’re going to see what that looks like for the first time. People are going to get a great inside look at really the making of the new platform and the team that’s brought it to life.
“I mean, to be honest, it’s really about the team, the people here, that’s why we’re inviting people to campus, we’re going to bring them behind the scenes a little bit. We’ve never done this before and so it’s really exciting to be able to do that.”
“But I think it’s a lot of laying the foundation, probably the best way to describe it, and then just a couple of weeks later we go to E3.”
“E3 is all about the games,” Greenberg continued, suggesting that next week’s reveal will be more about the hardware and vision, with E3 to focus on the core gamer. “At E3, I mean, if you’re a gamer, it’s going to be tons of exclusives, world premieres, and obviously even beyond that we have a lot to share between then and this holiday.”
That last line also confirms that Microsoft are aiming at precisely the same release window as Sony are with the PS4.
In related news, The Verge is reporting that Microsoft are set to release dashboard updates to the current Xbox 360 platform, with a view to some kind of interactivity between current and next gen Xbox consoles. The new dashboard won’t be just about the 720, though – it’ll also be visually tweaked, to more resemble Windows 8.1.
The Verge claims that cross platform connectivity will include “messaging, beacons, and Achievements.”
honkyjesus
At what point would I believe anything from the Microsoft games division?
I have purchased three 360’s, thrown thousands at the console and I feel like a total dipshit.
Torquemada
Wasnt particularly blown away by Sonys announcement, and neither were any of my friends. We’re all of the same opinion; that being that nicer graphics arent going to cut it any more. Its a safe bet that both consoles are going to be on par in terms of processing power. My son hates Kinect with a passion, as do most of his mates. Ive got one, and loved it with Skyrim and Mass Effect 3, yet I hate some of the dross thats come out. For me, a Kinect aficionado, I wouldnt want to see too much focus in this area, if the rumours of Kinect 2.0 are true. I dont mind it, but its not the reason I’ll be buying the Xbox Infinity. Its all about the games, and more importantly the price. Sony will price themselves out, as they always do. This is why the Vita isnt selling, and why it took so long for the PS3 to start shifting any consoles. I hope Microsoft do a Playstation Plus type deal too, as this would be a definite deal maker too. Im no longer a PS+ member, as I found I had all the bloody games already, bar some of the old rubbish I wasnt the slightest bit interested in. Dont get me wrong, Id have to agree its quite the deal for anyone that doesnt buy many games, just not for me. Anyway, we’ll all find out Tuesday, so heres hoping its more revolution than evolution.
JesseDeya
That’s the thing though, the PS4 announcement has already provided a lot more that fancy graphics to get excited about. The integrated share/steaming features have a ton if potential, as does the universal Vita integration. I’m expecting a serious social environment that works across multiple devices, not so much Facebook, as having being able to run clubs/clans/gaming groups from the console.
I also like Sony’s focus and mix of games so far, it’s going to be interesting to see if MS show the same versatility or opt for times exclusive AAAs and Kinect 2.0 as their crutch.
bunimomike
We’re a very visual species and if a hardcore gamer sees that the PS4 is noticeably more powerful then it might help them decide. It’s been widely supported that the new Xbox will be lagging behind, somewhat, so it’ll be interesting to see if that pans out this week.
KeRaSh
They’re not winning me over with exclusive FPS games and DLC. I sincerely don’t expect a single thing from the event that could win me over.
Gadbury
If Microsoft have the next-gen COD as an Xbox exclusive, that’ll pull in a bit of interest. Not me, though. I’m really feeling the PS4’s going to be something special. Sony seem to have their heads screwed on and I like what I’m hearing. Time for fresh, new IP, especially for the first party exclusives.
aerobes
Plenty of filler in that one. Doesn’t exactly whet the appetite but as a lover of all things videogames, i cant wait for the reveal.
Dar-Kaus
Do you think Aaron Greenberg wrote this press release in a hurry? the over use of the word ‘Really’ in his statement reads like a kid wrote it.