While news of Microsoft’s next Xbox console has been churning around inside the rumor mill for a few years, there isn’t a doubt we are getting closer to some actual facts. It is fully expected that the Xbox 720 -if it is to be called that- to be released to by christmas 2013. If it isn’t it would definitely come as a shock. Also, with the increase in rumors and leaked reports, an official reveal can’t be too far away.
Xbox Infinite?
Could the next Xbox actually be called Xbox infinite? It’s just speculation but still possible! There is still a chance Microsoft will still just call it the Xbox 720, but they most likely will use a name a bit more exciting. There has also been rumors that it will be “far smaller”, cheaper, and very kinect-focused by the time it lands on the shelves.
New Controller?
A second version of the kinect will sit at the heart of the Xbox 720 experience, it’s a no brainer. A console built around motion detection has a lot of promise and seems likely that this is the direction Microsoft is taking. The trusty control pad though will still remain a key component for hardcore gaming, so we probably won’t see a radical change there.
Death of Second Hand Games?
Rumors are circulating that the new Xbox will present a feature aimed at preventing owners from playing used games. That would mean no trading-in of old titles to fund new ones. This would definitely not be a system to receive a warm welcome from most gamers.
Price?
A leaked document has the price set around $299, which seems a little ambitious. the price will probably be a little higher than that though. Assume the ps4 launches around the same time, we may see some competitive pricing.
I’m actually 100% supportive of killing off the second hand market. I don’t believe it’s good for gaming at all. No developer wants to see their game end up being sold for $9.99 a few months after its release where they wont see a dime of that money. Instead make you buy the game new and if it tanks they could drop the price themselves and actually get the money. It’ll be better for the future of game development, and it’s not like the PC gaming industry suffers because you can’t buy used games.
-avideogamelife.com
Very true, but not everyone can afford to buy the games immediately when they come out and so waiting a few months to buy it cheaper is a better option for many people.