No new Xbox360 for E3

Although there has been a lot of speculation as to what electronics and software maker Microsoft will be showcasing at this year’s E3 (Entertainment and Electronics Expo), the company yesterday denied all rumours that a new Xbox was in the offing.

“While we appreciate all the interest in our long-range plans for the future, we can confirm that there will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon. For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360-and it’s the best year ever for Xbox 360,” Microsoft said in a statement.

The company has always stated that the current design of the Xbox360 is only halfway through its projected 10-year life cycle, with 2011 being one of its best in history in terms of sales.

“The console is coming off its biggest year ever- a year in which Xbox outsold all other consoles worldwide. Xbox 360 didn’t just outsell other consoles, it also outsold all other TV-connected devices like DVD players, as well as digital media receivers and home theatre systems. And in our seventh year, we sold more consoles than in any other year-defying convention.”

Microsoft added that instead of releasing a new console as speculated, they will be heavily focused on new titles.

“This year, we will build on that Xbox 360 momentum. With Halo 4, Forza Horizon, Fable: The Journey, and other great Kinect games on the way, our 2012 Xbox lineup is our strongest ever. This year, we will deliver more TV, music, and movie experiences for Xbox 360-as we’ll make it even easier to find and control your all entertainment. And this year, Xbox games, music and video are coming to Windows 8 so people can enjoy their Xbox entertainment wherever they go,” Microsoft concluded.

Charlie Fripp – Online editor