Chiming in with Sony's official stance on the PlayStation 4, Microsoft has revealed to gaming site, Kotaku, that it has no plans to demonstrate the Xbox 720 at this year's E3 or, in fact, any-time soon.
Again, as with Sony and its decision to focus on its new Vita portable, Xbox 360 sales are strong and Microsoft doesn't feel the need to confuse the market with the introduction of a new console this year. The announcement doesn't, of course, mean that any of the rumours relating to specifications and release dates are incorrect, only that the successors to our current-gen consoles are likely to be revealed closer to their respective release dates, which is suggested to be the first-half of next year.
"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. 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.
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."
It appears as though the only next-gen console we will have to look forward to this year is Nintendo's Wii U and so, owners of Xbox 360s and PlayStation 3s should make the most of their consoles this year and perhaps, consider splashing out on a PlayStation Vita if they're looking for a new portable as, despite its somewhat expensive titles, it has received strong initial sales and generally positive feedback, with some interesting new titles on the horizon.
