(Credit:
Engadget)
A few days ago, we reported on a rumor going around that there would be a new, upgraded Xbox 360 in 2010 that would incorporate Microsoft's Project Natal technology. Well, we didn't expect Microsoft to come right out and tell us a new one was coming--and a few Microsoft execs did indeed deny that a new 360 was in the works. But a few blogs are reporting that CEO Steve Ballmer let word of new Xbox 360 slip out in a speech he gave Tuesday at the Executives' Club of Chicago.
TG Daily was the source for the original story, and I have to say the quote sounds pretty dubious.
"Rumors can be confirmed," the article declares, "as Ballmer stated openly during a speech on the recession to those in attendance at the Executives' Club in Chicago, a new Xbox 360 will hit the store shelves in 2010."
The only problem is the quote that follows this quote is rather ambiguous.
"The new device will be equipped with technology that is 'really, really close' to an actuality. The console, which was described as having a 'natural interface,' will have a built-in camera with the ability to recognize movement and voice."
Read it a couple of times and it's really pretty unclear whether Ballmer was talking about a new console or just the concept of Project Natal. We're betting he was talking more about the new technology coming to fruition in 2010 and not necessarily a whole new Xbox 360.
But that didn't stop both CrunchGear and Gizmodo from posting entries with the headline, "Ballmer confirms Project Natal Xbox 360."
Now, there's nothing wrong with a good, attention-grabbing headline (I'm a sucker for them). But we're going to proceed a little more cautiously with this one and await word on whether Ballmer really let it slip--or whether something got jumbled in the translation.
Comments?
(Source: TG Daily)
Update: While Microsoft reps are still trying to figure out just what Steve Ballmer said (they've requested a transcript of the event), Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for Xbox 360, said there would be no new XBox 360 for 2010 and he reiterated that Project Natal would be compatible with all existing XBox consoles (no new hardware except the camera will be required). However, that doesn't mean Microsoft won't continue making tweaks to the XBox 360's components, upgrading chips and other parts as it's already done.
Microsoft passed on this statement to me regarding this post:
"As the Xbox team stated at E3 two weeks ago, we are not even halfway through the current console generation lifecycle and believe Xbox 360 will be the entertainment center in the home for long into the next decade. Project Natal will be an important part of this platform, but we have not confirmed a launch date at this time."
(Credit:
Engadget)
Take this one with a grain of salt, but gaming site 1UP is reporting that it's hearing a new Xbox 360 is in the works and is set to be released next fall in conjunction with the release of Project Natal. That in itself isn't all that newsworthy since it seems pretty logical that Microsoft would put out a new console with the release of its fancy new, you-are-the-controller technology that was demonstrated at E3 this month. However, 1UP is saying that while the new Xbox 360 will carry a new name and be a "new platform," it won't necessarily be much of an upgrade over the existing 360.
Here's the full quote:
"It's not clear what sort of upgrades we might see, but some have suggested it will be a slight upgrade of the current Xbox 360 technology. Current Xbox 360 games would be playable on it, but future games would be able to take advantage of the added muscle."
The article also adds that, "Games played on the more advanced Xbox would look or perform better, but publishers will still be able to support owners of both systems."
Again, this all makes sense, and you'd expect Microsoft (and possibly Sony) to have some new hardware a year from now. But it will interesting to see how Microsoft manages gamers' expectations and the sales of its consoles as it gets closer to releasing Project Natal. It's also important to note that Microsoft has said the new technology will work with existing Xbox 360s so long as you add the new video camera accessory.
How much credence do you think this rumor has? And if Microsoft is indeed going to release a whole new Xbox 360, what do you think it should be called? Xbox 360 Natal doesn't have the greatest ring to it.
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