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A Future Site ? GamesRadar Home Xbox 360 PS3 PC Vita Wii U 3DS Mobile ? »iPhone »iPad »Android Games Features News Previews Reviews Videos Galleries MMO Cheats & Guides More ? »Feedback »Submit News » Video Games » Features » Xbox 720 - News, rumors, and everything else we know Xbox 720 - News, rumors, and everything else we know As the rumor mill churns, we update with the latest leaks and speculation Words: GamesRadar Staff 30 minutes ago 43 Comments Email Share / Save 
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Look inside Microsoft's new console By the time 2013 comes to an end, Microsoft's next Xbox creation will be in living rooms across the globe. But what will it look like? How will it run? Will it really be here in time for the holidays? More importantly, are people actually calling it the “Kryptos”? We may not have many answers from the Big M itself, but we've been able to uncover a few details despite the console being well hidden behind the curtain.
Interested in what Microsoft has up its sleeve? Fall in line and join us as we take a tour of everything we know, including the latest rumors and predictions circling the (cringe) Xbox 720...
Note: We will be updating this article as announcements and rumors surface, and continue to keep it updated as more information is revealed.
We know The following details are the ones we are 99.99% sure are absolutely going to happen...We think.
It will be revealed in April It's always been assumed Microsoft will reveal its “next big thing” during its E3 2013 conference, and now that there have been rumors that the Xbox 720 announcement will be coming in early April. It's clear the console maker has something big to share.
It makes sense that Microsoft would want to jump out with their console reveal before summer--especially after Sony's showing of the PS4 at the NYC conference. Revealing their next-gen console off the E3 stage with a dedicated event will provide all the attention the console maker wants for their next-gen system.
It won't be called Durango
In the beginning it was the “720”. Then it was “Loop”. For a time it was called the “Durango”, and now...? We're really not sure anymore. Microsoft has bought up several domains for its next-gen console, including those that suggest names like "Xbox Infinity" and "Xbox 8," but names like the rumored "Kryptos" are still a possibility...maybe.
Code crackers and puzzle fans will recognize Kryptos as the Greek word for “hidden,” and the origin word for cryptography, the study of securing and breaking communication codes. Meanwhile, Durango can also mean an SUV brand or the Mexican state. All these names are likely codenames and nowhere near what the console will actually be called. So...we'll just have to wait and see.
Rumors The following is all of the speculation going around the internet, but these ones may actually have some merit to them.
It might cost sub-$400 and come holiday 2013 It was estimated early on that Microsoft was targeting a $299 price range for its next console. However, a report in January (via gamesindustry.biz) to investors on behalf of Baird Equity Research, showed analyst Colin Sebastian stating otherwise, saying the tag for both Microsoft and Sony's new machines would be more in the range of $350 - $400.
Colin, who spent time at CES with “a number of companies involved in video game development and distribution” also predicted Microsoft's Xbox 360 successor will launch in November 2013. Since Sony's PS4 is slated to release this holiday, a Microsoft console release in November probably isn't too far fetched.
It might be slightly less powerful than PS4 The latest Xbox 720 tech rumors come from VGLeaks and VG247 which seem to be in line with that of the PS4 specs announced at Sony's reveal. As highlighted in the image above, the former reported the next Xbox will be powered by 8 CPU cores, running at 1.6 Ghz; a x64 Architecture, 8GB DDR3 RAM, and 50GB 6x Blu-Ray Disc drive. Over at VG247, it was reported that developers at CES claimed console would be able to run at 1.23 teraflops, less than that of the PS4's run-capacity of 1.84 teraflops.
Looking back, a January 2012 report from SemiAccurate stated (with 99.9% certainty, no less) that Xbox 720's processor chips were a product of IBM and Global Foundaries, and that they were already in production under the codename “Oban.” Eventually, sources at IGN claimed the GPU will be patterned off of AMD's 6000 series, and will resemble the Radeon HD 6670, which supports DirectX11, 1080p HD output, and multi-display capabilities. That's nothing to scoff at.
It might feature Kinect 2.0 Rumors are circulating that the Xbox 720 will include the next generation of gesture-based controls. According to VGleaks, the Kinect 2.0 device will feature an upgraded 1080p camera, have a larger field of view, improve low-light object detection, and use USB 3.0, which will reduce latency.
Apparently, every new console will come with one of the new Kinect devices, suggesting that Microsoft will continue its focus on creating the ultimate media hub for the household. Will even more advanced voice recognition, gesture-based interfaces, and next-gen motion-control gameplay be a major selling point for the 720?
It might have it's own touchscreen controller Watch your back, Nintendo. Word on the street is Microsoft has its own touchscreen controller waiting in the wings for the Xbox 720, and it will be a lot more touchier and control-ier than the Wii U tablet. As detailed by CVG sources, the Xbox 720's input device will resemble a “matte-black media hub with a mission to bring games to life in your living room with augmented reality, directional sound, and a four-player, finger-tracking Kinect." The same insiders compared the controller's shape to Sony's PS Vita, adding it will double as a remote control for watching TV or browsing the internet through the console.
More recent reports have said that Xbox 360's controllers will not be compatible with the new system, because Microsoft is using a new wireless technology that will not function with the old controller. Look forward to ponying up some extra cash if you want to play with friends.
It might integrate Microsoft's Illumiroom During CES 2013, Microsoft revealed Illumiroom. The new technology expands the viewing space into your entire room, supposedly creating a more immersive, interactive experience. Microsoft described the Illumiroom technology to be using a Kinect sensor in conjunction with a projector to blend the virtual and physical environments together. Now if that doesn't sound next-gen, we're not sure what will.
If Microsoft were to add the Illumiroom feature to the Xbox 720, it would definitely differentiate the next-gen system from the competitors. Since it seems to be using peripherals that are rumored to already be included with the console, paying for a projector to make use of the immersive feature doesn't sound like it would be too much of a stretch. And if it performs the way it promises, being surrounded in a digital world could totally be worth the cost.
It might double as a DVR The story goes that Microsoft filed a patent back in 2007 describing plans for an "integrated gaming and media experience...including recording of content of a gaming console." That technology never made it into the Xbox 360--but last October's dashboard updates (detailed in Microsoft wants the Xbox 360 to be your new TV) laid the groundwork for a DVR-esque system down the road. If all of this is true, it would fall in with the Microsoft mentality of their system being the ultimate media hub.
The patent (exhumed by Kotaku) envisions DVR application working alongside a television client to record media content onto the systems hard drive, regardless of whether it is turned off or being used to play games. That sound you just heard was cable executives collectively dabbing their sweat.
It might require always-on internet and/or block used games We've paired the two most concerning Xbox 720 rumors into one handy slide because a) they're somewhat connected, and b) concentrated anger and recrimination is the lifeblood of the internet. As we first relayed in Xbox 720 will be a powerhouse, require always-on internet, insiders predict Microsoft will use the next generation to put an end to piracy and the used games market. The game company could do this by insisting users maintain a constant connection to internet, allowing Microsoft's algorithms to verify the game's authenticity.
So far, it's unclear how Microsoft will police used games, but the popular theory is that the console will tether each new copy of a game to the account belonging to the original Xbox Live owner, making it impossible to “unlock” on other systems. Pirated games will be smoked out in the same fashion, using always-on internet checks to identify illegitimate copies.
It might already have wide developer support Rumors of the new console began with a now-deleted tweet (captured at NeoGaf) by Crytek's technical designer, Sean Tracy, who posted: “Enjoying the Durango developers summit in London...So far, great swag and interesting talks.”
Adding one and one together, the internet concluded Crytek is one of the developers on board with Microsoft's next machine. So who else is game? Companies like EA have started adding "next-gen" labels to their future releases, and studios like Ubisoft, LucasArts, and Lionhead have all been casting the 'net for employees willing to work on the next generation of games. Consider that, plus the fact that we now know that Bungie's Destiny will be coming to PS3, PS4, and Xbox 360, so the Xbox 720 surely won't be left behind.
It might let you use multiple programs at once Considering that Kotaku's source for a whole swath of Xbox 720 information was subsequently raided by the FBI, we're inclined to give some weight to the info he leaked. One such tidbit involved the console's ability to handle multiple programs--be they games or apps--at the same time.
According to the source, who also accurately leaked a host of PS4 details prior to its announcement, the feature will allow players to place a game in a "suspended" or "constrained" state. From there, the player can switch to another game or app, interact with it, and then return to the original program as they see fit. Think of it a bit like the PC's Alt+Tab function.
It might have a 500GB hard drive, and require game installs Thus far, the Xbox 360 has gone through eight different configurations for the size of its HDD (nine, if you count the Core launch model that didn't include any at all). Rumor is, Microsoft won't be wrecking that much confusion with the Xbox 720. According to the same Kotaku source mentioned previously, Microsoft plans to have a single HDD size--500GB.
Seems big, but take this into consideration. The leaker also indicated that games must be installed onto the HDD the first time they're loaded up, and much like the PS4, software can be loaded up and used before this install completes. Don't want to install the game? Well, don't expect to play it, as the report indicates the Xbox 720 can't access data from a disc.
We've only just begun... It won't be long before Microsoft spills the beans on its next machine, and then we can start trading Microsoft rumors for fact. From what we've already gathered over the last year, there's good reason to get excited about Microsoft's next-gen console (and a few good reasons to be a little nervous).
We'll let you know if we hear anything else before the big reveal in April and/or at E3 2013. In the meantime, if you happen to hear something juicy about Microsoft's new game machine, or want to debunk one of the rumors we've posted, shoot us a message in the comments below.
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Topics:Durango, The Loop, Xbox 720
43 comments View as: Newest first Oldest first
Fuzunga - February 1, 2013 2:57 p.m.
I hope everybody has controllers with a screen in them. That way, it's all but guaranteed that the Wii U will have the same games as the other guys and then I won't have to buy new hardware. Reply Report
CoryRX8 - February 1, 2013 9:51 a.m.
Those TeraFLOPs numbers crack me up. I remember the 360 was advertized as being capable of 1 TeraFLOP, and the PS3 was advertized as being capable of 2 TeraFLOPs. Now we have the 720 being rumored as being capable of 1.23 TeraFLOPs and the PS4 rumored to be capable of 1.84 TeraFLOPs. Right... We used to refer to the old MIPS measurement as "Meaningless Indicator of Processor Speed," so we need to find something similar for FLOPS. Reply Report
Balaska - February 7, 2013 11:53 p.m.
Flunkies Lying Over Potential Speed? Reply Report tregaron-mulac - February 1, 2013 9:05 a.m.
Not sure why this is in any way impractical. If they went to USB games that you plug into a proprietary USB drive which actually reads faster than disks anyway, it would make perfect sense not to have a disk drive. Reply Report
Kinnolo - February 1, 2013 7 a.m.
Hopefully the name "720" is just a rumor. I hope MS is more creative than that. Reply Report
P0ck3tC1am - January 31, 2013 7:49 p.m.
Really Att gives the technology to make your xbox into a DVR. It's a disc that adds an app and there is also a remote to do so. I know because I've installed them many times. Reply Report
profile0000 - January 31, 2013 3:07 p.m.
Frankly, if it has good games, I'll buy it. Same policy I have had with every gaming device I've ever owned. All this other rumored stuff (anti-piracy, built in Kinect, cablebox, etc) I don't give a damn about. You hear me, Microsoft? If you want my money, make sure your next console has good titles. Reply Report
Sovtek - February 1, 2013 1:12 a.m.
When I first read that I saw "...make sure your next console has some good titties." I guess either would work for me. :3 Reply Report Sovtek - January 31, 2013 2:08 p.m.
Ehhhh something tells me that the new controller will be an optional peripheral, I don't think the Xbox controller we have now will be going anywhere due to the fact that it is the de facto controller for PC games that have gamepad support. Microsoft knows that and probably won't jeopardize that (remember, MS has to fight on the PC gaming front as well against Apple). Also, it has a blu-ray drive...but has no physical drive...yeah I'll wait for the reveal before I believe anything. Reply Report CUFCfan616 - August 5, 2012 7:16 p.m.
Will they also demand the games developers focus on making games fun again instead of going for realism and trying to focus on gimmicks that don't improve the playing experience beyond an initial 'look at what I can do' 5 minutes (looking at you Kinect). I'm half way through GTA 3 on my phone and it's ridiculously more fun than GTA 4 which is more realistic. I want the game (gam?) to be put back into gaming, not watch the industry turn into a real-life simulator (unless I'm playing Sim City) Reply Report
into the sound - August 3, 2012 2:21 p.m.
if MS makes a console that requires constant internet access for some kind of piracy crusade and the elimination of used games, i will not be getting one. that's all there is to it. Reply Report gopher1369 - August 3, 2012 7:02 a.m.
What worries me most about this "6x more powerful" is, well, let's do some maths, we all like maths right?Most games run at 30FPS, barely even that half the time. Games should be running at 60FPS and doubling the FPS requires twice the processing power.Most games run at 720p, in fact many below that. 1080p has approximately twice the number of pixels as 720p so to get current gen games running at 1080p would require doubling the processing power.To display a game in 3D requires doubling of the processing power as the game has to calculate every scene twice, once each for each eye.Now the maths, yay you all say: 2x2x2 = 8. So just to get the current generation of games running in 3D, 1080p at 60 frames per setting, and let's be honest, this is what games SHOULD be running at as a matter of course, requires 8x the processing power of the current generation of machines.And yet we are being told that the new consoles will only manage 6x the processing power of the current generation.Am I the only one concerned by this? Reply Report Rambo 11 - August 4, 2012 3:58 a.m.
Your maths is horrible, it isn't 2x2x2 it's 2+2+2. Your saying it needs to double it's processing power for 60fps, 3D and 1080p, but it only needs to double it's processing power once for each. Using simple maths 2x3=6. And would you look at that, they're saying the new xbox will be 6x more powerful than the current console generation. Reply Report gopher1369 - August 6, 2012 8:59 a.m.
Fair enough, the overall point still stands though, assuming that 3D, 1080p and 60fps becomes standard in the next generation, the "new 360" at those settings will only be able to show the same visuals as the current 360. Reply Report Eightboll812 - January 31, 2013 6:13 p.m.
His "maths" was actually fine, assuming he is correct that it takes double for each. And it is simple to show that your interpretation of the operator being additive rather than multiplicative is incorrect.Assume that going to 1080p and 60fps are indeed 2x each. Whether you say 2+2 or he says 2x2, either way it's 4x without any major disagreement. So from there, if you want it to be 3D, and that means processing two 1080p images for every 60fps, then that indeed is another 2x, meaning times, not plus. Unless of course, you don't mind one eye getting a 1080p image at 60 fps and the other eye gets a 720p image at 30fps, which would require 5x the processing power (4 +1) or perhaps the second eye gets a 1080p image at 30fps (or the reverse, a 720p image at 60fps) which would equate to 6x (4 +2).That said, it's not that simple to say each is twice the processing power of the former, because there are perhaps many efficiencies that can be taken advantage of. Does 3D really require a full re-rendering from a second perspective? Perhaps, all the lighting calculations and polygons don't have to be redone for each eye. Maybe just once is enough and its only incrementally more processing to build the 3D image out of a 2D image that was actually built from a 3D model in the first place. It seems there are plenty of efficiencies to be had there.In other words, his "maths" are just fine, but his underlying assumptions may be a little mistaken. Reply Report Balaska - February 7, 2013 11:57 p.m.
There is also the fact that does not include an increase in actual graphical fidelity (more polygons, higher resolution textures etc) While I love Battlefield 3 on my Xbox, it's a shoddy mess graphically compared to the PC version. The increase in power will probably just about match current mid range PCs. Still want one though, PC for single player games, Xbox to play with my mates :D Reply Report Balaska - February 8, 2013 midnight
Actually its a logarithmic scale, twice the power to run 1080, 4 times the power to run 1080 @ 60 fps, 8 times the power to run 1080, 60 fps in 3D Reply Report
NullG7 - August 2, 2012 10:26 p.m.
If they do do the DVR thing they will have to have to get an agreement from TiVo (Null pats his TiVo Siting Next to CPU) they are there ferocious in protecting their Patents that altogether state If it records TV we OWN it. I mean they already sued Microsoft onceI'm sure they could work out an agreement though Reply Report
ParagonT - August 2, 2012 1:41 p.m.
Isn't this article old? What the hell? Reply Report
fortheroflz - May 4, 2012 9:17 p.m.
well this is a good time for me to go back to older consoles that i never played before and enjoy the cult classics of gameing, build a gaming computer, and say goodbye to this generation of gameing for ruining the gameing universe. thanks you fucking money grabbers... Reply ReportShowing 1-20 of 43 comments
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