A number of news sites have been handing out rumors that there may be a new Microsoft game console on the way, even potentially being announced at E3. Have the news sites jumped the gun however? After all, there is currently a beta going on for Xbox 360 to test a new disc type. Why would they release a new disc type only to release a new console immediately afterwards?
The rumor is that EA is in current possession of a “development kit” in the form of new console hardware from Microsoft. The hardware is currently in a PC form (how they usually hand out the original development kits, no need for the design on it and a way for it to look relatively inconspicuous). Is this really a new Microsoft console however?
With no confirmation from either EA or Microsoft, it is hard to say. A new Microsoft console would be in direct competition with Nintendo’s new console, and the 360 really hasn’t been out for too long. Not to mention, they just released the Xbox 360 S during last year’s E3 and the Kinect was just released as well.
If anything, I expect this “new” Xbox to simply be another “soft update” from the 360. It will have some improvements, however for the most part it would still have to be the Xbox 360. How else would they get past the grumblings of the new Kinect owners? Quite frankly, I hope that it isn’t an entirely new console.
If it is however, this is what I would like to see:
- Cross Platforming. The PS3 already allows for it with Portal 2 with PC.
- Blu Ray capability.
- More “computer friendly.” My friends and I like to stream videos over our Xbox, but the Xbox doesn’t allow for the majority of them.
What would you like to see in a new Microsoft console?