Microsoft’s Next Gen Xbox Might Be Announced May 21

Microsoft’s next-generation Xbox gaming console could be announced at an event on May 21.

News of the potential Xbox reveal was scooped by Windows blogger Paul Thurrott and delivered to the team at The Verge.

Microsoft had originally planned to reveal the Xbox 720 (potential name) in April but decided to push back the big reveal.

In an video blog post on Friday’s What the Tech, Thurrott said Microsoft pushed the event from April 24 to May 21.

The Microsoft Xbox “Durango” will be first revealed at a small event before launching fully during June’s E3 event in Los Angeles.

After launching the next-gen Xbox at E3, Microsoft will then start sales of the device before the end of 2013.

Thurrott notes that the next-generation Xbox system is likely to cost upwards of $500 with a possible $300 price point with a subscription-based model.

There is still a lot of speculation over the new Xbox’s specifications. Last week, the creative director of Microsoft Studio spoke about a rumor that the system will require an “always on” internet connection. His response “just deal with it.” At this time, even Xbox analysts are not really sure what an “always on” connection will mean. Thurrott believes from his sources that “always on” means the system won’t work at all if it’s not connected to the internet.

The new Xbox system will likely arrive in November, just in time to capitalize on Christmas gift spenders looking to please their game loving family members and friends.

When CNET asked Microsoft for more details they responded:

“We do not comment on rumors or speculation. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform, but we don’t have anything further to share at this time.”

Are you ready for the next-generation Xbox to arrive on the open market? What features would you like to see from the Xbox Durango?