Microsoft confirms no Xbox 720 at this year's E3 or anytime soon

by Alistair Lowe on 16 March 2012, 09:33

Tags: Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

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Chiming in with Sony's official stance on the PlayStation 4, Microsoft has revealed to gaming site, Kotaku, that it has no plans to demonstrate the Xbox 720 at this year's E3 or, in fact, any-time soon.

Again, as with Sony and its decision to focus on its new Vita portable, Xbox 360 sales are strong and Microsoft doesn't feel the need to confuse the market with the introduction of a new console this year. The announcement doesn't, of course, mean that any of the rumours relating to specifications and release dates are incorrect, only that the successors to our current-gen consoles are likely to be revealed closer to their respective release dates, which is suggested to be the first-half of next 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."

It appears as though the only next-gen console we will have to look forward to this year is Nintendo's Wii U and so, owners of Xbox 360s and PlayStation 3s should make the most of their consoles this year and perhaps, consider splashing out on a PlayStation Vita if they're looking for a new portable as, despite its somewhat expensive titles, it has received strong initial sales and generally positive feedback, with some interesting new titles on the horizon.

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Posted by shaithis - Fri 16 Mar 2012 09:35
Another year of sub-standard console ports then :(
Posted by crossy - Fri 16 Mar 2012 09:41
If the ‘360 is “riding high” in the sales figures then I can appreciate Microsoft’s point - launching the replacement this year would seem a little premature. Not that I'm in any particular hurry to replace my ‘360 and presumably games developers are going to need some time to get any launch titles for the new console honed and polished - don’t really want any barely-warmed over versions of '360 titles for launch day.
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
:( Kinect is good (I bought one at launch) but because it uses way too much space, mine's been relegated to “family party entertainment” - I got three titles at launch and aren't really intending to buy any more for it.
shaithis
Another year of sub-standard console ports then :(
Not convinced that a ‘720 announcement would have stopped this happening, but agree that this is probably what’s going to happen. Along with: this year's Call Of Duty title; whatever yearly “updates” of NFL, FIFA, (insert other pointless sport-related EA title) from EA; flood of barely different “London Olympics” themed tat.
Posted by cheesemp - Fri 16 Mar 2012 09:57
I've actually switched 90% of my gaming back to the PC as I'm so disappointed in my xbox. Its not just the poor graphics or the kinect not working (I wish I could use my kinect without rearrange the front room of my average size three bed but honest answer is I can't and its ended up unplugged and covered in dust. When I did rearrange the front room the detection was poor.) its the cost of live. I'd just rather pay a little more upfront for the PC and know I don't have a recurring monthly fee.
Posted by edvinasm - Fri 16 Mar 2012 10:07
cheesemp
I've actually switched 90% of my gaming back to the PC as I'm so disappointed in my xbox. Its not just the poor graphics or the kinect not working (I wish I could use my kinect without rearrange the front room of my average size three bed but honest answer is I can't and its ended up unplugged and covered in dust. When I did rearrange the front room the detection was poor.) its the cost of live. I'd just rather pay a little more upfront for the PC and know I don't have a recurring monthly fee.

Agreed. Game and Live costs are too much, especially when mid range PC with XBox or better graphics can be had for around 500 (US/EUR). 720 won't show on the market until ATI 8 and NVidia 7 series are out. Consoles used to come out with same GPU and PC and did quite well. However, now PCs are better coded and more stable. Less and less reasons to buy console. Heck, you can cramp decent PC with ASUS Maximus Gene in a small form factor and it'll use less power than XBox and generate less noise (if done properly) + warranty on PC components are usually 2-3 years.
Posted by Scribe - Fri 16 Mar 2012 10:16
cheesemp
I've actually switched 90% of my gaming back to the PC as I'm so disappointed in my xbox. Its not just the poor graphics or the kinect not working (I wish I could use my kinect without rearrange the front room of my average size three bed but honest answer is I can't and its ended up unplugged and covered in dust. When I did rearrange the front room the detection was poor.) its the cost of live. I'd just rather pay a little more upfront for the PC and know I don't have a recurring monthly fee.

Ditto, actually, I purchased a release day Xbox 360 but sold it when the Playstation 3 came out, during that one year period it broke two times and suffered from overheating related crashes. I still use my PlayStation 3 but only tend to purchase exclusive titles or games with a strong story element, it's paid its living working as a great media player however.

Everything else is on the PC for me, Crysis 2 in 3D on a 50" Plasma with ultra-settings vs console quality is something pretty amazing. 3D at 60fps on televisions is 720p and frankly consoles don't have the anti-aliasing performance to make it look good.

I don't want Microsoft or Sony to rush the new consoles and they should wait until the tech that they want is there. If they're going AMD I'd like to see some heterogeneous components to simplify and maximise game design, if they end up going NVIDIA then they should wait for Kepler as oppose to leaping ahead.

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