Fans expecting Microsoft to unveil the next version of the Xbox 360 console at E3 2012 will be disappointed to note that the Redmond giant has announced that this will not be the case.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Xbox spokesman David Dennis explained just where Microsoft’s priorities lie this year:
“While we appreciate all the interest in our long-range plans for the future, we can confirm that there will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon. For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360-and it’s the best year ever for Xbox 360. The console is coming off its biggest year ever-a year in which Xbox outsold all other consoles worldwide. Xbox 360 didn’t just outsell other consoles, it also outsold all other TV-connected devices like DVD players, as well as digital media receivers and home theatre systems. And in our seventh year, we sold more consoles than in any other year-defying convention.”
“This year, we will build on that Xbox 360 momentum. With “Halo 4,” “Forza Horizon,” “Fable: The Journey,” and other great Kinect games on the way, our 2012 Xbox lineup is our strongest ever. This year, we will deliver more TV, music, and movie experiences for Xbox 360-as we’ll make it even easier to find and control your all entertainment. And this year, Xbox games, music, and video are coming to Windows 8 so people can enjoy their Xbox entertainment wherever they go.”
The Microsoft Xbox 360 has had an outstanding year, ranking as the top console in terms of total sales in NPD ratings for 14 months in a row. Industry pundits feel that this is the reason for Microsoft’s decision to delay the Xbox 720 (as it is expected to be called), so that they can capitalize on the older hardware in the face of the competition.
Nintendo will be showing off the new Wii U console at E3 2012 for sure, however, Xbox 360’s closest competitor, the Sony PlayStation 3, will definitely not be getting an upgrade anytime soon – the PS4 is in fact, expected to be launched in mid-2014.
For now, the Xbox 720 is pegged to be launched only by late 2013, after an official unveiling at next year’s E3 conference. That’s a lot of time for more rumours about just what features Microsoft’s next gaming console will boast of, such as the latest ‘no optical drive’ speculation.
