Microsoft working on Xbox 360 replacement?

I'm not surprised they are already looking at the next generation of console. They probably have a rough estimate about the specs, but I doubt they will have decided on it at the moment as the price of components will keep falling.

They also just released Kinect so they would want more people to get it so they get more money to put into the next generation as they need to consider the costs for marketing etc.

Been posted about before and the general consensus is that it will be 'officially' announced at next year's E3 for a potential release in 2013.

I confess to always being a little surprised that people are shocked that a company is working on a new console. After all I bet they started working on the next console as soon as development on the 360 had finished.

Lets all show our best surprised face!

MS will have started working on the Xbox 360 successor before they even launched the 360.

Planning/designing new things is a continuous cycle.

Lets not forget, Microsoft will need to give developers prototype hardware, and development tools, at least a year in advance of the console release Which means they'll have likely worked out the spec 2 years before it releases.

I'd imagine with the 720 being ~2 years away, it will be a fair assumption to say it will be able to compete with todays highest end gaming hardware.

[quote user="SnailUK"]

Lets not forget, Microsoft will need to give developers prototype hardware, and development tools, at least a year in advance of the console release

[/quote]

They already have.....

No later than a 2013 4th quarter release please Microsoft. I'm getting tired of the limitations of the current Xbox.

In fact try to make it a summer 2013 release. Or sooner.

Lol.

[quote user="Baron Spamedi"]

No later than a 2013 4th quarter release please Microsoft. I'm getting tired of the limitations of the current Xbox.

In fact try to make it a summer 2013 release. Or sooner.

Lol.

[/quote]

What limitations?  I'm more than happy with how the 360 performs.

Forget about a summer release though, it's the wrong season to release a console.  Any time in the four months before Christmas is the best time to release a console.

[quote user="the better twin"]

Lets all show our best surprised face!

MS will have started working on the Xbox 360 successor before they even launched the 360.

Planning/designing new things is a continuous cycle.

[/quote]

I agree.

Hoping they don't name it a 720 as it sounds like bloody skateboard stunt.

[quote user="BrianStorm46"]

Hoping they don't name it a 720 as it sounds like bloody skateboard stunt.

[/quote] so does 360 i.e kickflip 360, heelflip 36o etc.