Microsoft has driven a stake into the heart of the ravenous beast that is the collective Xbox 720 rumour-mongering community. The computing and gaming giant has released a definitive statement declaring that NO – there will absolutely be no new Xbox arriving at this year’s E3 conference in June, as well as outlining the past achievements and future program of the current model Xbox 360 console.
Following numerous speculations ranging from disc-less games distribution and an HD tablet controller akin to Nintendo’s Wii U (which is confirmed for E3) Microsoft’s statement reads:
“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.”
Consider this the Red Ring of Death to all those E3 rumours. We’ll await a similar address from Sony, who is currently reinforcing its doors from the legions of desperate gamers in a state of frenzy in anticipation for news of a Playstation 4.
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