[Globox_82]

The next Xbox console is apparently in the manufacturing stages. According to an IGN source, assembly of the next-generation Xbox hardware started recently at the Austin, Texas branch of Flextronics. This is the same electronics company currently assembling Xbox 360 hardware, and is the manufacturer of the original Xbox.

Prior to reaching the manufacturing stage, Flextronics created a new testing group separate from the rest of the company. This team was solely dedicated to comprehensive marketing, software, and hardware tests of the next Xbox. With that activity concluded, Flextronics started building the hardware -- but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll see the Durango soon.


The most likely case here is that new manufactured hardware would be development kits, consoles created specifically so game designers know what they’re working with. Microsoft said flat-out it wasn’t debuting a new console at E3, so rumors regarding new manufactured boxes probably wouldn’t stack up to a reveal.

If we’re under the assumption the Durango will release in the next couple years, potentially at a shockingly low retail price, it makes sense that game companies would be working with new development hardware now.

Microsoft provided IGN with the following statement upon inqury:

Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend its lifecycle like introducing the world to controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention. Beyond that we do not comment on rumors or speculation.

Flextronics, meanwhile, provided IGN with no comment.

The notion that the next Xbox is under assembly is certainly plausible, but without any official word we're left to continue speculating. IGN will endeavor to bring more information on the next generation as it develops. Until then, share your thoughts in the comments below.
http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/...-the-next-xbox

[derFeef]

That would be a bit early, right? (late 2013 release) Also - if true leaks of boards etc. may happen soon.

[Coal]

If they just dropped that at E3 that it'd be available fall or some shit, that'd be insane. Also awesome.

[Zeouterlimits]

I could see it being some late prototypes/dev kits.

[Rekubot]

Huh. I thought companies had had the dev kits for a while.

[Pie and Beans]

Remember to cut corners and rush as fast as possible to market. Consumers will inexplicably forgive you for entire years worth of hardware being fundamentally faulty.

[DieH@rd]

Even devkits need a lot of time for manufacture and assembly, and of course they need to finalize design of retail console. Hopefully they will make good cooling solutions this time.

Console will come out in late 2013.

[derFeef]

Huh. I thought companies had had the dev kits for a while.

Maybe not with the final specs. Hm yeah, could be "final devkits"

[DiscoJer]

Wouldn't that piss off the people who just signed a 2 year contract for a $99 Xbox? (see that other thread)

Granted, if they are just buying a 360 now, they probably weren't likely to be early adopters. But still, it is annoying to buy a product then a short time later, there is a new version released.

[Globox_82]

Remember to cut corners and rush as fast as possible to market. Consumers will inexplicably forgive you for entire years worth of hardware being fundamentally faulty.

who cares, when users will tolerate it. After all it has XBL and best controller EVA

[BrettHD]

If they just dropped that at E3 that it'd be available fall or some shit, that'd be insane. Also awesome.

They will.

[Aguirre]

the ultimate social games console! bring your friends and family closer with exclusive 1st party kinect titles!

[ashley678]

they are streaming e3 on the xbox for a reason :P

[U2NUMB]

If they just dropped that at E3 that it'd be available fall or some shit, that'd be insane. Also awesome.

The only way this happens is if big games like Halo 4 and Forza World would be 100% back compat on the new console.

[Coal]

The only way this happens is if big games like Halo 4 and Forza World would be 100% back compat on the new console.

They wouldn't miss that chance. I don't really stay up to date on the series but has halo 4 been announced for the 360? If not...

[Vinterbird]

They will.

There is no way the next Xbox is being announced this year or launched this year. Microsoft is going into their biggest revenue period this fall with Halo 4 and a potentially cheaper Xbox. Announcing a new console is not a smart move and will only create confusion, especially if they announce it 18 months before it will be available to purchase.

There will be nothing about Durango at this E3 from Microsoft.

They wouldn't miss that chance. I don't really stay up to date on the series but has halo 4 been announced for the 360? If not...

Already has a release date for this year and is 360 only.

[Coal]

There will be nothing about Durango at this E3 from Microsoft.

I never thought the PS3 would be 599 US dollars either. Just sayin'.

[dreamcastmaster]

Maybe not with the final specs. Hm yeah, could be "final devkits"

This for sure.

[ShinUltramanJ]

I wonder how much the price of XBL is going to jump after Durango releases? I think Microsoft eventually wants gamers paying a monthly bill like they do with their cell phones.

[Exterminieren]

They wouldn't miss that chance. I don't really stay up to date on the series but has halo 4 been announced for the 360? If not...

It has. Many times.

It was announced as the start of a new trilogy for 360, in fact.

[saladine1]

They will.

U KnoW fuTurz ?

[derFeef]

I wonder how much the price of XBL is going to jump after Durango releases? I think Microsoft eventually wants gamers paying a monthly bill like they do with their cell phones.

What are you talking about?

U KnoW fuTurz ?

Never not believe Juniors!

Holy misleading title batman.

Why?

[Coolwhip]

Holy misleading title batman.

[Vinterbird]

I never thought the PS3 would be 599 US dollars either. Just sayin'.

If the next Xbox was far enough along to be publicly announced, we would have had more substantial leaks by now.

[Coal]

I wonder how much the price of XBL is going to jump after Durango releases? I think Microsoft eventually wants gamers paying a monthly bill like they do with their cell phones.

I wish they'd go the Sony route. PSN seemed like a dream after paying for Xbox Live.

[BurntPork]

Maybe not with the final specs. Hm yeah, could be "final devkits"

Not even Wii U has final kits out yet. These would not be final, but they're probably using the customized chips rather than off the shelf parts.

[demigod]

Devkits, no way are they manufacturing the next Xbox in Texas when they can do it in China for cheaper.

[McHuj]

There is no way the next Xbox is being announced this year or launched this year. Microsoft is going into their biggest revenue period this fall with Halo 4 and a potentially cheaper Xbox. Announcing a new console is not a smart move and will only create confusion, especially if they announce it 18 months before it will be available to purchase. .

Actually it wouldnt surprise me if year over year revenue will be down for MS. Halo4 is going to be a huge seller no doubt, but I think they will need more. If the drop the price of the hardware, then that will definitely cut into revenue and profit margin, at this point, with the WiiU and ps3 still selling well, I don,t think they,ll make up for a drop with drastically increased volume. The 360s peak was last year imo.

[derFeef]

Not even Wii U has final kits out yet

Really? That's insane.

[WrikaWrek]

the ultimate social games console! bring your friends and family closer with exclusive 1st party kinect titles!

What the fuck does this have to do with anything?

Is trolling no longer subtle?

[RiotPelaaja]

Really? That's insane.

Not really considering final 360 kits shipped six weeks before the system launched.

[BurntPork]

Really? That's insane.

Well, they are using the final silicon, but clock speeds and perhaps even RAM are still in flux. Stuff is changed up to the last minute.

[Troll]

Sounds like GAF needs to plan a visit to Texas.

[derFeef]

Well, they are using the final silicon, but clock speeds and perhaps even RAM are still in flux. Stuff is changed up to the last minute.

That's why I said it's insane. If the specs are not final, how can you develop games for that system? I am no dev but would have to guess that changed specs can do bad things do your game, especially in a closed system.

[MikeE21286]

If they just dropped that at E3 that it'd be available fall or some shit, that'd be insane. Also awesome.

And would take the legs right out from Nintendo. It would be epic...

On man , E3...

[Delio]

Sounds like GAF needs to plan a visit to Texas.

I'll make a trip out just for Gaf. Living in Texas has one perk yay.

[WrikaWrek]

That's why I said it's insane. If the specs are not final, how can you develop games for that system? I am no dev but would have to guess that changed specs can do bad things do your game, especially in a closed system.

Specs normally get better not worse.

[snoopeasystreet]

I bet it's a new 360 slim. It's still a bit too big to feel like a set top box.

[Zeouterlimits]

What the fuck does this have to do with anything? Is trolling no longer subtle?

Nope, it's flagrant.

[derFeef]

Specs normally get better not worse.

Sure, but that does not change my point really.

Nope, it's flagrant.

Yep :-/

[Para bailar La Bomba]

who cares, when users will tolerate it. After all it has XBL and best controller EVA

And this is why gamers repeatedly get fucked in the ass by large corporations.

[B_Rik_Schitthaus]

Huh. I thought companies had had the dev kits for a while.

Those aren't mass produced to the level of retail boxes, also I think they are more powerful (could be wrong on that point).

And would take the legs right out from Nintendo. It would be epic... On man , E3...

They need to have the Japanese guy who did the shock FF13 announcement just wonder on stage out of the blue and give the Nov release date for the new Xbox.

[Globox_82]

What if MS considers Nintendo to be their main rival this time, so they want to counter WiiU? Not saying they are going to release it in fall, but what if they announce it in some fashion at this E3 just to counter Nintendo? And then release it in early/mid 2013 a few months after WiiU. It means that it would be (probably) rushed, but it hasn't stopped MS before.

[WrikaWrek]

Sure, but that does not change my point really.

It kinda does.

This scenario doesn't exist:
"So hey look, more clock speed and extra ram"
"Fuck man, you've ruined my game"

nope

[Kaako]

I want a complete system spec on this no later than 3 days from now. Get on it, detectives.

[snoopeasystreet]

What if MS considers Nintendo to be their main rival this time, so they want to counter WiiU? Not saying they are going to release it in fall, but what if they announce it in some fashion at this E3 just to counter Nintendo? And then release it in early/mid 2013 a few months after WiiU. It means that it would be (probably) rushed, but it hasn't stopped MS before.

It'd make sense. Nintendo are on the back foot at the moment and announcing a new console before they can re-unveil the Wii U would certainly take some wind of it's sail.

[Coal]

What they NEED to have is a hologram of Tupac announce the release date

[Spiffy_1st]

Microsoft E3 2012


"We are pleased to announce, the New Xbox! Due for release....tomorrow!"

It'll happen.

[AmFreak]

So essentially - Ign needed hits.

[mysteriousmage09]

Microsoft E3 2012 "We are pleased to announce, the New Xbox! Due for release....tomorrow!" It'll happen.

One way to utterly kill hype for Halo 4