Despite Microsoft confirming their Xbox Event for a date of May 21st, we had already heard of the event’s new date thanks to one Paul Thurrott back in April. Thurrott is back once again with more information regarding the next Xbox, including the price, launch window and more, but nothing if ever official until Microsoft says it themselves.
For starters, the next Xbox will release in early November with two versions; one at $499 and another at $299, but requires a two-year subscription to Xbox Live Gold and an additional payment of $10 a month. The next Xbox will also need to be connected to the Internet in order to be used at all; which Thurrott states ‘isn’t as Draconian as many seem to believe.’
Furthermore, the Xbox software is based on the Core version of Windows 8 and will also come equipped with a Blu-Ray player. Microsoft will go into further detail about the Xbox at E3, with their May 21st event being more of an early reveal that Microsoft will use to ‘better position the device against the PlayStation 4.’
Microsoft is also said to be releasing a third version of the current Xbox 360 hardware that will be a lot cheaper than current models. Thurrott notes that the reasoning behind this move in unclear. Is it because the next Xbox isn’t backwards compatible or does Microsoft simply want another Xbox 360 in the market?
None of this may be official, but Thurrott appears to know a thing or two about Microsoft and the next Xbox. If anything, use this information to begin making plans and we’ll continue to look forward to the Xbox Event on May 21st.