We may still be digesting PS4 news, but it won't be long before we see Microsoft's next-gen console, one report says. Industry sources are telling CVG the Redmond-based company will bring the launch of the Xbox 720 forward to April, instead of its planned unveiling at E3 in June.
The reason? Microsoft is shaken by Sony's PS4 event, according to the report.
Users at NeoGAF have also discovered that Microsoft's partner -- named Ustechs, which helped organise its previous press conferences -- has registered the domain xboxevent.com. Which hints an announcement is on the horizon.
Sony is reportedly chuffed to bits that it's managed to rankle Microsoft. One unnamed senior Sony exec told CVG that the PS4 event had "at first caught Microsoft off guard" and that "we definitely ruffled some feathers." Microsoft is keen to make an impression, and fast, according to the sources.
Of course, Microsoft hasn't revealed anything Xbox 720-related yet. The games were certainly impressive at the PS4 event, but I would've thought the lack of an actual physical console would have Microsoft cackling with glee. Though the timing of the event did take us all by surprise. Usually console makers keep their cards close to their chests until industry shindigs like E3 in the summer. It looks like Sony and Microsoft are taking a leaf out of HTC's book and getting the jump on the big trade shows by staging their own separate events beforehand. Cunning.
Microsoft's next-gen console could require an always-on Internet connection, according to rumours. This would mean you couldn't play second-hand games, or lend titles to a friend. The console could also have Siri-style voice controls, letting you power it up by just saying, "Xbox on", according to rumours.
Are you excited about the next Xbox? Or has Sony's PS4 already earned its place in your lounge? Let me know in the comments, or on Facebook.
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Comments 29
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anonymous 23 February, 2013 12:23
Always on Internet connections and unable to play second hand games? Could they be the end of consoles. I certainly won't be upgrading.
anonymous 23 February, 2013 15:38
In the article timeline how can there be an article saying Sony didn't unveil the PS4 as it's not ready yet, followed by an article on how the PS4's unveiling has kicked Microsoft into an early XBox 720 unveiling? Have I missed something or is that just tremendously inconsistent?
anonymous 23 February, 2013 18:09
PS4 going win. Xbox could only do little more but that about it. After what i saw from the PS4 event they already have big games awaiting and i really like watch dogs looks very good. I wont be buying the Xbox 720 does not look so good from hearing what you had to say.
anonymous 23 February, 2013 18:48
You do realize that Watch Dogs is coming out for ALL consoles right -_-
anonymous 23 February, 2013 18:51
you never know they can do updates if they get the same complaints
anonymous 23 February, 2013 18:52
I think I'll go with PS4 (so far).
360 left a really bad taste in my mouth and PS3 had all the best exclusives.
I never was a Halo fan and that was 360's only big exclusive I can think of besides a hand full of other shooters.
anonymous 23 February, 2013 18:54
after xbox 360 was the best console in 2012 it makes me think can they get better
anonymous 23 February, 2013 18:58
i've seen the xbox 720 it looks slim shiney and just bigger enough to fit the disc in the xbox mag
anonymous 23 February, 2013 19:12
If The Xbox doesn't allow you to play used games than Playstation will win that Battle. To many people with budgets for the amount of games that been coming out so fast. More and More people by used games.
anonymous 23 February, 2013 19:12
The ps4 looks good but the controller was always the issue with me. And it hasn't changed much by the look of it except a screen on it. Xbox has the better controller. All round from shape to the resistance on the sticks. I can't see Microsoft letting Sony get the upper hand. Everyone is all excited and already making decisions even though they haven't seen what the new box has. I won't be deciding until they are both out. But rest assured ill be going with the better one which ever it is. I've always been an Xbox man but if they can't compete this time I will be an ex box man. I just hope Microsoft deliver and haven't been caught sleeping.
anonymous 23 February, 2013 19:26
PS4 They're the real deal
anonymous 23 February, 2013 20:49
all speculation. impossible to disprove anything, and always have the possibility of fake news.
http://www.gamefront.com/tech-sites-fall-for-fake-xbox-720-leak/
anonymous 23 February, 2013 20:49
Along with the other comments about the PS4 winning with Xbox not supporting used games, I'd agree, and only play Xbox and PC. The DRM thing people are really picking up on now is killing the gaming industry. On top of that, places like GameStop would go out of business as used games are 90% of their revenue.
anonymous 23 February, 2013 22:09
The leaked apes of the new xbox already show that it is slightly less. Thes might be only leaked but there was a breakdown in microsoft so these are probably real. PS4 FOREVER. Xbox can go burn in hell.
anonymous 23 February, 2013 22:16
*specs not apes. I do believe playstation can do it. The ps3 has already outsold the xbox worldwide. I hope this happens for the next gen consoles too
anonymous 23 February, 2013 22:31
im also an Xbox man but if darn Microsoft corp demand that we cant use preowned games then ill be boarding the ps4 train.....
Nathan Marsh 23 February, 2013 23:04
PC > Consoles.
Deadred Fingerhead 24 February, 2013 02:02
I find it very hard to believe the rumours surrounding the next xbox, considering the same sites still call it the Xbox 720.
anonymous 24 February, 2013 10:51
So everyone is basing their opinions on hearsay.
Lets just wait until the both consoles are in hand before making a decision on anything.
People are talking about not buying one console or the other, it's quite obvious they are fan boys.
A lot of people are tied to their consoles through the social aspect, so I can't see a massive shift in console sales to one side or the other, unless one is vastly superior to the other.
anonymous 24 February, 2013 16:19
I think they should quit bringing out the same game every year fifa etc and just do the new version as an online update. I would much prefer a console that would do that instead of having to pay out £50 every year for the same game. The new console wont do much more than current versions and certainly wont do enough to get me to upgrade.
anonymous 26 February, 2013 03:38
After bearly having ANY games released for my 360 for the past 3 years, franchise's raped into oblivion, required Gold Membership to access MY netflix and 5 RROD's i think nows the time to jump ship to Sony, the main focus of Sony's show was the games, not the Kinect, not apps that are irrelevant to gamers, it was the damn GAMES!
HotDog 28 February, 2013 15:26
Not bought a new console in a few years and was thinking of buying one this year and going down the Xbox road, but now going to be sticking to the 320 after all the latest reports about the 720.
Not going to touch the 720 with a barge pole.... What are they thinking that punters are gonna put up with being dictated to as to what they can and can't do with gaming.
anonymous 5 March, 2013 15:53
Always on internet connection? No way! My gaming will not be beholden to an internet access provider. And no borrowed games? What about my wife? Will she have to buy a copy for her console? Geesh!
anonymous 5 March, 2013 16:41
why are people moaning about always on internet, who doesn't have internet???? you on here moaning right using the internet. also who the hell is going to want to play old games when there will be new ones to play. bunch of moaning quims
anonymous 5 March, 2013 16:43
dont hate cos you cant afford internet or that you have to pawn ya old xbox to get the new one
anonymous 6 March, 2013 11:55
I think it's hilarious that everyone prefers the Ps4 because it apparently has better specs. The Ps3 had better specs than the 360, doesn't mean it's a better console. Sony's Ceo even said they went under to the 360. Sure, they "sold" more consoles, but that included giving them away in Sony entertainment packages. Rumour has it that Ps players will have to pay to play online this time round (there goes their only argument, even if it was illogical). Not to mention competitions and players are far better on xbox. Poor Ps and their terribly designed controller.
anonymous 6 March, 2013 18:21
Xbox live is what I love about the 360. I gladly pay for it because psn is a joke. That said I have both systems and will probably buy both a 720 and ps4. Ill play the sony exclusives and all co-op multiplayer games on the new xbox.
anonymous 6 March, 2013 21:31
Okay, to you people saying people shouldn't complain about an always on connection being mandatory. It's about choice, not availability, and not about economic means. Needing a constant connection to play a game, unless said game requires it, is complete and utter BS.
To those of you saying negative things about people complainging about the next xbox. Fanboys, the lot of you. There is a special hell for people like you.
Regardless, if this is true and not just a rumor like I think it is then Microsoft is off its rocker. No way will people stand for not having the choice to play offline, and not having the choice to buy/sell used games for ANY reason. Again, this is probably just a rumor. No company would willingly commit the business world equivalent of suicide by serving their customers a massive turd sandwich. Nobody is that stupid.
anonymous 7 March, 2013 20:55
on the pc you cant get used games on steam and it is actually cheaper also you only use the xbox when you have internet anyway