If rumors are to be believed, the next Xbox console is already being manufactured at the Austin, Texas branch of Flextronics. This is the same company that is currently assembling the current Xbox hardware, and the original Xbox.
Prior to the manufacturing stage, Flextronix created a testing group that was separate from the company. The team’s sole purpose was a comprehensive marketing, software, and hardware test the next Xbox. When those steps were finished, the team started working on the hardware. Just because hardware is being manufactured does not mean we will be seeing the Durango soon.
The more likely scenario is that the new hardware is development kits, consoles created specifically so game designers know what they are working with. Microsoft has stated blatantly that it was not going to debut any new consoles at E3, so the rumors regarding newly manufactured boxes most likely will not lead to a reveal.
It does make sense to assume that if the Durango is to see a retail release anytime in the next few years that work on new hardware is underway now.
IGN reached out to Microsoft and Flextronics for comment. While Flextronics provided no comment, Microsoft issued the following statement:
“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.”
While it is certainly possible that the next Xbox is currently being assembled without any official word from Microsoft, everything is left to speculation. Stay with us as we report more on the subject.
(Via IGN)