The next generation is on the way, and we are taking a look at some of the most popular rumours about Microsoft's new system...
Those of you who like to keep your ear to the ground will no doubt already be aware that the first reliable looking news about Microsoft’s next generation console has finally started to come to light. Given the fact that there have been plenty of rumours over the past twelve months, we probably shouldn’t be getting our hopes up too much without some kind of official confirmation from Microsoft, but that’s easier said than done.
Instead, we’ll stoke the fires and kick the rumour mill into overdrive with a look at the topXbox 720 rumours around right now...
01) It Will Be Six Times More Powerful Than the Xbox 360
Perhaps the major story coming from the latest batch of rumours surrounds the proposed power of the new system. With the Xbox 360 quickly approaching its seventh birthday, and the likelihood that we won’t be seeing the 720 until 2013, by which time it will be eight, it’s not particularly surprising that the new system will offer a hell of a lot more bang for our bucks.
However, despite this, many people have been quick to voice their disappointment at the suggested specifications of the system, claiming that they barely hold up to most gaming PC rigs readily available right now.
The main hub of the machine looks likely to be a chip using the codename Oban. This chip is set to go into mass production towards the end of the year, with both IBM and Global Foundries handling its development.
On the graphics front, it is heavily rumoured that the GPU will be a custom chip based around the AMD Radeon 6670graphics card. This is another area where many people have been quite vocal, as the 6670 has already been superseded by the superior 7000 series of chip, already available to purchase now.
When compared to the Wii U, the 6670 is said to be around 20-25% more powerful, which will undoubtedly be a blow to Nintendo’s hopes of upping the ante on the power front, especially given that Sony’s next PlayStation is likely to be as powerful, if not more so, than the new Xbox, pushing Nintendo to the rear of the pack yet again.
02) It Will Not Be Able To Play Used Games
This is arguably the most controversial rumour around the system so far. With game publishers losing out on billions of dollars every year to the used game market, it has long been suspected that something was bound to give eventually – and this looks like it could be that thing.
If reports are to be believed, the next generation Xbox will implement some kind of system that will make used games incompatible with any system apart from the one they were originally activated on. How exactly this is going to work in practice is anyone’s guess, but our best estimate at the moment would be an extension of the popular Online Pass style system, whereby each game is shipped with a unique code that unlocks the full game – without the code the player would be left with nothing more than a demo version, or a game that only runs for a day or two before locking itself out.
Obviously the money that the likes of GameStop have been making from the second hand games market for so long has been a real bone of contention among developers and publishers, but is punishing gamers who may not be able to afford new games really the answer?
If it leads to more reasonably priced digitally distributed games, then we believe it is. You only need to walk into your local game store to see that the difference in price between brand new and pre-owned games is minimal at the best of times, with games under a year old often costing less than ten dollars more for a brand new copy.
However the system is brought in, it certainly points towards a system that is focussed on a lot more digitally distributed content than ever before, which is definitely no bad thing. If only they would get rid of that subscription fee for Xbox Live though; then we’re really be on the way to tearing down some of the barriers that exist for some people.
03) It Will Feature a Next Generation Version of Kinect
We reported a while back that a new version of Kinect was being planned for any next generation of Xbox that Microsoft were working on, and it certainly looks like that will be the case. With the Kinect system still really lacking any killer app as such, there are many who will groan with the news that the motion control fad doesn’t appear to be ending any time soon, but if it’s implemented properly this time around, and studios are given a chance to really get to grips with the technology on offer, rather than pumping out low cost, low quality titles on a monthly basis, then there’s probably some benefit for hardcore gamers.
Reports are claiming that the Kinect 2, as it is clumsily known, will feature a much higher resolution than the previous model, enabling it to track user movements far more efficiently, while also having the capability of reading users’ lips, and following their eyes as they look at the screen.
We wouldn’t imagine that there will be too many of you out there jumping for joy at the prospect of yet another space hogger under your TV set, but we’re going to remain relatively open minded for what the future may hold on this front.
04) It Will Be Released in November of 2013
As we touched upon earlier, it looks like the system is set for release in November of next year, following suit with Microsoft’s previous console releases. The original Xbox hit shelves in November of 2001, with the 360 following suit in November of 2005. With mass development of components not scheduled to start until December of this year, it’s unlikely we will be seeing a release too much earlier than the suggested dates.
05) It May Not Be Called Xbox 7207
Xbox 360 was a stupid name for a console. We said it then, and we say it now. Despite the fact that it rolls off the tongue for most people, it’s just too clunky for a console title. Xbox 720 takes things to an even higher level of awkwardness though, with a ridiculous syllable count numbering six. Fortunately, there is a chance that we might not find ourselves burdened with that as a system name. Various sources are claiming that the in-development codename for the system is Loop, which might not be a bad bet for a final moniker. Xbox Loop... it works a lot better than Xbox 720, no?
Either way, we won’t find out what the final name will be for quite some time we’re sure. E3 2013 for the official naming of the system? That’s where our money is anyway.
06) Games Have the Potential to Look Like Avatar
This is one that we don’t really believe if we’re being honest. AMD insiders have been claiming that the internal structure and power under the hood of the new system will allow for graphics of the same quality as James Cameron’s 3D blockbuster, Avatar. Given that each minute of footage in Avatar cost a cool $1,000,000 if reports are to be believed, it’s hard to see just how anyone could squeeze that kind of performance out of a consumer system that will likely launch in the $400-600 price range... but we will gladly be wrong about that.
07) It Will Use BluRay
Given the fact that the Xbox 360 needed a firmware update in order to max out data usage on their Dual Layer DVDs, it’s not surprising that Microsoft have had to look elsewhere for optical media suitable for storing the volumes of data we can expect from games in ten years time. However, what might surprise some people is that they have opted for the Sony developed BluRay as their medium. Having paid the price for backing the wrong horse in the battle for next gen optical supremacy last time around, it would appear that Microsoft have no intention of making the same mistake twice.
With single layer BluRay discs offering a storage capacity of 25GB, and double layer discs offering 50GB, as well as the 128GB potential of BDXL, it definitely looks like BluRay is the safest bet all round – even if it does involve admitting that your competitor’s technology is the best solution for your problems.
08) Gaming Will Only Play a Small Part
As is becoming more and more apparent with the current generation, it looks as though many people want more than just the
ability to play games from their consoles. Media streaming, 3D compatibility and online services like Netflix are all going to be integral to the success of any future systems. The fact that the existing consoles all feature these products in one way or another would argue that they will certainly feature in any future systems; however it’s essential that Microsoft (and Sony) ensure they do everything they can in order to stay ahead of the curve.
Obviously these are just rumours for now, but as soon as any concrete information becomes available you’ll be the first to know.