Microsoft says no new Xbox console 'anytime soon'
Page last updated at 12:34 GMT, Tuesday, 20 March 2012
- E-mail this to a friend [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Microsoft says it is not launching a new Xbox games console "anytime soon".
Video game players were hoping that Microsoft would unveil an upgrade at the E3 Expo in June, an annual video game conference in LA where producers showcase new equipment and titles.
The US company has confirmed that it will not be talking about new Xbox hardware at the event.
It says it plans to focus on games, music and other entertainment for the Xbox 360, which came out in 2005.
Keza MacDonald, UK games editor at IGN.com, says gamers will be disappointed that there is no new Xbox being released.
"Historically there have been new games consoles every four or five years," she said.
"That changed with the Xbox 360 and PS3, both of which were released (in 2005 and 2006 respectively) with the intention of a longer, 10-year life cycle.
"The technological pace of change has slowed now for games consoles. There's no change on the cards as dramatic as 2D to 3D or standard definition to HD.
"The innovation has gone elsewhere, focussed on things like motion control (Kinect, PS Move) rather than entirely new hardware."
Meanwhile, Nintendo will be showcasing its Wii U, the successor to the Wii.
Unlike the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3, the current Wii does not offer high-definition graphics.
Microsoft's stock fell 40 cents (25p) to $32.20 (£20) after the news was announced.
"Microsoft and Sony have both been putting their research and development budgets into expanding their existing console offerings rather than creating new ones," added Keza MacDonald.
"It's a bit of a blow for gamers that Microsoft has flat out denied that there'll be a new Xbox at E3, because people are getting a bit bored of the existing consoles and there's a hunger for change."
- E-mail this to a friend [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Print Sponsor
On Newsbeat today
Top stories
-
Your view: cot death bed warning
Dr Ranj Singh answers your questions and comments, as a report warns sleeping with your baby increases the risk of cot death.
-
Facebook violent content review will not be rushed
Facebook tells Newsbeat it will not rush a review of violent content after beheading videos were removed from the site.
-
Tulisa confirms leaving The X Factor
Former N-Dubz singer confirms that she will not return as as a judge for the next X Factor series.
-
Dancing on Ice to be axed next year
After eight years the ice skating TV show is coming to an end finishing with one final series in 2014.
-
Naughty Boy to release debut album
Naughty Boy is stepping out of the shadows in his role as a producer to release his debut album.
-
Kelly Rowland joins The X Factor USA
The singer will appear with Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato along with newcomer Paulina Rubio.
See also
-
Demand for new Mass Effect ending
20 March 12Technology
-
Most wanted tech gadgets of 2012
01 January 12Technology
-
Xbox users targeted in web scam
22 November 11Technology
-
PS Move loses out to Xbox Kinect
18 April 11Technology
-
Xbox Kinect sets new sales record
30 November 10Technology
-
Xbox Kinect: We put it to the test
10 August 10Technology
~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~53~RS~)




