A report from video games website Games Industry is suggesting that Microsoft have made plans to release a new version of their popular Xbox brand of consoles over the next few years, though this potential release could be unique in that the system will be launched with two separate consoles, each with differing purposes

The report suggests that while one is set to be geared almost fully towards video gaming (including backwards compatibility for Xbox and Xbox 360 games) at a slightly more expensive rate, while the other will feature a set-top box-style system aimed mainly at providing gaming experiences for the body-sensor Xbox Kinect system, as well as online video streaming options.

Kinect is planned for a ‘significant upgrade’, and while it will be compatiable with both systems, the dividing of the new console is expected to provide more specific focus to each section, meaning that people who prefer Kinect gaming are probably more likely to go for the console designed for that purpose. The online streaming option will probably take on a similar ‘specific’ customer-base, with the smaller and cheaper console being given the working title of ‘Loop’.

While the consoles are unlikely to be released in 2012 (according to the developers, who feel that they can fine-tune the product with more freedom due to no immediate ‘new console’ challengers), Microsoft are tipped to be officially announcing their new releases at the CES convention in January, or at annual gaming convention E3 in June. Some potential titles, such as Alan Wake 2 and Saints Row 4, are thought to currently be in development for the new console’s release, further validating the rumours.

It is an interesting and unique move to split a console in half, but will it affect Xbox’s ability in the market as an all-round entertainment device, or will the split do more to please customers of the separate markets?

This entry was posted on Friday, November 25th, 2011 at 12:07 pm and is filed under Games console TV, Internet TV news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.