Rumours that the next Xbox will come without a disc drive have surfaced – only to be shot down by computing giant and console maker Microsoft, who also refuse to comment on a speculated release date for the home gaming gadget.
A web-based source for gaming news revealed that its “insider” claims that Microsoft’s “Xbox 720” will deliver its games by interchangeable solid-state card storage, along the lines of MicroSD on tablets and mobile smartphones, as well as portable consoles such as the recently launched PS Vita and the Nintendo 3DS – but of course these cards will need to carry a lot bigger capacity to handle the epic games we’re expecting to emerge on the Kinect-based next Xbox. Digital downloads are also said to be the next logical step and this would obviously deal a seriously blow to high street game retailers and the trade-in market.
The idea of a disc-free console follows a similar line of rumour-mongering that surrounded Sony’s Playstation 4. Another gaming device which doesn’t exist, they’d have you believe. Both Microsoft and Sony have denied that either will be launching a console at this year’s E3 conference, contrary to popular opinion. But the website that broke this most recent news also stated that a 2013 release is on the cards and that the E3 in June would be the most opportune moment to announce the next ‘box.
The site who shared this info has now received notice from Microsoft reading: “Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend its lifecycle like introducing the world to controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention. Beyond that we do not comment on rumors or speculation.”
But still wasn’t a no, was it?
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Source: MVC