After the console-free Sony PS4 launch event, Microsoft needs to put together an impressive display for its next console. According to multiple sources, May 21st is the date, and it’s all eyes on Microsoft until it happens. It’s not even out yet, but Microsoft’s next console is in the middle of an unfortunate uphill battle. After the recent mess regarding the console being “always on,” a Microsoft employee got himself in a little trouble on Twitter for insulting part of a considerable portion of the US because they still have dial-up and capped service. Additionally, Sony snagged a huge chunk of the next-gen games that are due to come out for the PS4 during their announcement, so Microsoft won’t be able to rely on any of those titles to show off the Xbox 720 (or whatever the NeXtbox is called). MS needs something impressive, at a reasonable price, and an actual photo of the hardware would go a long way to satisfying gamers. Rumor has it we’ll get all that and more on May 21. The console that has been codenamed “Durango”, which we’ve heard whispers of for such a long time now, will reportedly be center stage just before E3 this year. Microsoft is looking to launch a console that is always connected to the internet, and will be the only new device from Microsoft’s Xbox department this year. This information counters earlier rumors that Microsoft was working on a streaming box to offer digital content and possibly behave like a sister box to the new Xbox that would allow LAN multiplayer in different rooms of the same house. The expected launch frame for this console would be early November, no doubt to make it the things ta the top of everyone’s Christmas list. A new report has surfaced claiming the new console will be $500 at launch, with the option to subsidize through an Xbox Live subscription. Similar to the system Microsoft has in place now, you can pick up a special Xbox Live subscription and get the console at a discount, provided you agree to pay for at least a year of service. The details surrounding this new offer aren’t clear, save for the cost of the console up front dropping to $300. Since it’s hard to imagine this console being replaced in two years, it would make sense for Microsoft to look at a two year agreement to offset such a significant cost difference. All will be revealed at the end of May, and it looks like there will be more to come at Microsoft’s BUILD conference in June. No doubt the BUILD talks will surround Windows 8.1 as it affects the new Xbox, offering deeper integration than already available with SmartGlass and Internet Explorer.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Jul 2013 22:44:21 +0000
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