According to Paul Thurrott, Windows blogger, and a report from The Verge, Microsoft will formally announce the Xbox’s successor on May 21st.
In an interview with the video blog “What the Tech” on Friday, Thurrott said that Microsoft had planned to announce the new console on April 24 but then rescheduled the event for May 21. In the video clip of the show, Thurrott’s comments about the next Xbox start at the 54:44 mark. He also added that two console versions will be released. He said “Durango” is likely to be expensive — $500 for the regular console itself and $300 for a subscription-based model.
He also spoke of the “always on” connection, but didn’t have much of a voice on the subject. He did say that his previous notes on the device specifically state: “Must be Internet connected to use.” He didn’t reveal where he got this tidbit, but Thurrott has a good track record for uncovering accurate information about Microsoft’s plans.
Thurrott previously had said that Microsoft will update the Xbox 360 and sell it for $99. Such a development may suggest that the new-generation Xbox won’t be able to play 360 games, but that’s speculation on Thurrott’s part. A $99 Xbox 360 also could be positioned as a cheaper entertainment console to compete with Roku and similar devices. He closes citing an early November release for the next Xbox, “just in time to lure in holiday shoppers.”
The Verge’s sources claim the event will be a small one, offering the first details on the next Xbox, code-named Durango. Microsoft reportedly will unveil the console at the E3 event in Los Angeles in June, with the product hitting shelves later in the year.
Microsoft has yet to reveal or confirm any details about the next Xbox. A spokesperson sent CNET this statement today: “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.”
Correction at 8:50 a.m. PT: $300 is the rumored price for a subscription-based Xbox.
Updated at 10:00 a.m. PT with response from Microsoft.
I personally am extremely excited an interested in how Microsoft will be competing with the Playstation 4. How do you all feel about the report?
