Over the past year there has been rampant speculation on what Microsoft is up to with the “Next Xbox”, and more recent word suggested that the company could be gearing up to announce their next-gen console as soon as E3 this year.
In an attempt to squash all of the speculation, Microsoft came out today and confirmed that the next Xbox, reportedly codenamed ‘Durango’, will be a no-show at this year’s E3, and likely won’t be making its debut until next year.
Here’s what Microsoft had to say in a statement delivered to Kotaku :
“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.”
Shortly after Microsoft released their statement, Bloomberg ran a report that Microsoft is planning to debut the next Xbox no earlier than 2013. You can read up on more at this link.
