Microsoft confirms, denies new Xbox 360 in '10

Source: Tech blog TG Daily. What we heard: Earlier this month, Microsoft unveiled Project Natal at its press event at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Though eager to show off its motion and emotion-sensing capabilities, developers such as Kudo Tsunoda and Peter Molyneux carefully avoided any...

Source: Tech blog TG Daily.

What we heard: Earlier this month, Microsoft unveiled Project Natal at its press event at the Electronic Entertainment Expo. Though eager to show off its motion and emotion-sensing capabilities, developers such as Kudo Tsunoda and Peter Molyneux carefully avoided any mention of a release date. The closest thing to such an announcement was the mention that Natal dev kits are already in the hands of third-party developers, with Bungie and Epic Games being specifically named later on during the expo.

This afternoon, though, the Internet lit up with reports of a new Xbox 360 which incorporates Natal's camera. All those reports stem from a single source, an article on tech blog TG Daily. Under the banner headline "Ballmer announces 2010 Xbox 360 at The Executive Club Chicago," the site reported that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer had let slip that "a new Xbox 360 will hit the store shelves in 2010" at a presentation at the Executive's Club of Chicago.

However, the quotes above are the words of the TG Daily correspondent Wolfgang Gruener, not of Ballmer. In fact, the famously energetic executive is only directly quoted via two jumbled fragments with a grand total of five words. TG Daily's story reads as follows, with Ballmer's quotes in bold:

"The new device will be equipped with technology that is 'really, really, close' to an actuality. The console, which was described as having a 'natural interface,' will have a built-in camera with the ability to recognize movement and voice."

As further evidence, TG Daily refers to its own live blog of Ballmer's presentation--which curiously doesn't mention the Xbox 360 at all. Despite noting such critical events as a lunch break, the two bloggers (who are not credited in the byline) make absolutely zero mention of games or the word "Xbox." The closest the live blog comes to describing anything Natal-like is the following line: "Computers have cameras built in, you can interact with friends, the computer recognizes what you are doing."

Indeed, nowhere in either article are the words "Project Natal" mentioned, raising the possibility that Gruener confused the release of the peripheral--expected next year--with the launch of a new Xbox. What appears to be the sole article on TG Daily to mention Natal by name was written by a different correspondent, who cites a secondary source speaking about a widely discounted rumor of a new Xbox 360 with integrated Natal functions arriving next year.

The official story: When asked about Ballmer's response, Microsoft reps said they did not currently have immediate access to a transcript or recording of the executive's speech. They did, however, offer the following somewhat opaque comment:

"As the Xbox team stated at E3 two weeks ago, we are not even halfway through the current console generation life cycle and believe Xbox 360 will be the entertainment center in the home for long into the next decade. Project Natal will be an important part of this platform, but we have not confirmed a launch date at this time."

Bogus or not bogus?: Draw. TG Daily's lack of specifics or direct quotes raises some Soviet-era-sized red flags. But if Microsoft has nothing to hide, why can't it deny the claim outright?

[UPDATE] The director of Xbox 360 product management and Xbox Live Aaron Greenberg has since dismissed the TG Daily story, telling the gaming blog Kotaku flatly that, "We're not going to be launching a new console any time soon...I really believe [Ballmer] was speaking about Project Natal."

Greenberg went on to underline Natal's status as an optional, standalone peripheral. "We are saying that the Natal will run on the Xbox 360, so there's no new hardware to purchase," he explained. "What we're doing that's unique is, instead of asking you to invest in a new generation of hardware, a generation that's already well established, extending the experience even longer by adding this whole new category of experiences with Project Natal."

544 Comments

  • scrawya

    Posted Oct 22, 2009 9:37 am PT

    i never owned an Xbox, so now i will when this rumor turns to be true.

  • drumbreak1

    Posted Jul 5, 2009 8:54 pm PT

    wolfgang guy is full of it a little too out there for me and in 2010 that means at max it would be out in a year and a half i can't see a new genre of console(s) until atleast 2011

  • sleath_hunter33

    Posted Jul 5, 2009 4:12 pm PT

    its a motion sensor.... if u look at it its a stupid toy to go vs the wii controller i own an xbox and find plan controllers perfect Microsoft is appealing to idiots that find jumping on roofs fun plus it will be pricey and weird to use but who know it may kick off or fail like so many Microsoft products

  • muzicmadderz

    Posted Jul 5, 2009 3:38 pm PT

    @nice2400

    I am a sony fanboy, but i can admit there are plenty of issues with sony as well. Quite hating. Your just making yourself look bad with ignorant comments. If sony was perfect noone would have an Xbox. Try one sometime you might just like it.....

  • Prophet_Posse

    Posted Jul 4, 2009 10:07 pm PT

    I bet Project Natal will be a portable system

  • smash3230

    Posted Jul 4, 2009 4:20 pm PT

    @nice2400
    Typical, nowadays, you cant get any console dedicated comment page without an anti-xbox fanboy wrecking the joy

    PS. project natal will be in a league of its own unless the wii/ ps3 has something very spectacular...

  • sergeineoshadow

    Posted Jul 4, 2009 3:56 pm PT

    By the looks of most of these posts, I think this blog should have been posted in System Wars...

  • Excedra

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 11:18 pm PT

    good, cuz i just got mine last christmas

  • Jose_Rizal

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 7:48 am PT

    I'm all good for a new console. If there is enough new goodies in there to make me happy, I'll snag it. If not then I'll pass and wait for the next new thing. We are not forced to buy everything that comes out in the market unless you want to.

  • KillSwitch740

    Posted Jul 3, 2009 4:14 am PT

    I'm thinking that some people are confused on this. It wasn't a rumor on a completely new Xbox. I think the rumor was pertaining to a new hardware configuration for the existing 360, I know I'm planning on upgrading from my arcade soon and I would love a 360 with built in WiFi. I mean if both of your competitors have it why wouldn't you? And no, that rip off wireless receiver is not acceptable, just like it isn't to sell a 120Gb standalone hard drive for $200 dollars.

  • Dgalmun

    Posted Jul 1, 2009 4:02 pm PT

    Grant, it's because it's called business, they'll need more money. Or their system gets too old so they'll make a new system.

  • grant4500neo

    Posted Jul 1, 2009 2:19 pm PT

    1) Remember that E3 article about 360 is going to be have new hardware til 2015? ( http://e3.gamespot.com/story/6211650/xbox-360-to-have-10-year-lifespan-report )

    2) Why do they need a new system?

  • Dgalmun

    Posted Jul 1, 2009 11:02 am PT

    That's a load of bogus their CEO said they'll make a new xbox and then they changed their minds, can't they make up their minds? Seriously the elite is already the best model since it has it's own fan, seriously they should keep the xbox 360 alive for another 3 years at least.

  • Sins-of-Mosin

    Posted Jul 1, 2009 10:46 am PT

    You simply don't come out with a new console when you are beating your main rival badly in hardware, software, developer, and publisher.

  • ninjarat

    Posted Jul 1, 2009 3:51 am PT

    It doesn't seem that long ago that they bought out the Elite. How are people supposed to afford to regularly, upgraed/ renew their consoles?

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Jun 30, 2009 11:56 am PT

    MS have already stated that NATAL will be comparable to a Console launch, so i dont think we'll be seeing a new machine any time soon.

  • ernest-young

    Posted Jun 30, 2009 11:40 am PT

    I don't know whether to believe him or not. If Microsoft don't drop a new console next year, then they don't.

    But if they do drop one next year, then that brings-up another question: Will they still have the same problems as they had on the 360?

    Only time will tell.

  • zaiwen

    Posted Jun 30, 2009 8:03 am PT

    whether MS releases a new one or not, its up to them..as long the next xbox will have a minimum of 60GB HDD on the basic package, 120GB packages are more affordable for people, totally removing the now insignificant 20GB, & also providing end users to upgrade & not forced to settle with MS's proprietary HDD..

  • PHILRYABKIN

    Posted Jun 30, 2009 7:56 am PT

    So far the 360 is my favorite console so far.Untill New Super Mario Bros Wii comes out.

  • Isayama posted Jun 30, 2009 7:52 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Isayama

    Posted Jun 30, 2009 7:52 am PT (hide)

    360 #1!!

  • nice2400 posted Jun 30, 2009 7:20 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    nice2400

    Posted Jun 30, 2009 7:20 am PT (hide)

    sony should be in front of microsoft cause microsoft has problems and sony does not.

  • Excedra posted Jun 30, 2009 3:17 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Excedra

    Posted Jun 30, 2009 3:17 am PT (hide)

    Ps3 and 360 are TIED

  • ps3isabeast456

    Posted Jun 29, 2009 11:49 pm PT

    i really dont like fanboys saying oh the 360 is better nooooo the ps3 is better really? who the hell cares i have both although i play the 360 more i do love my ps3 and i do think the ps3 has better graphics but the 360 has better games does it matter which ones better nooooo it doesnt and besides what do u think you fanboys are gunna accomplish with this arguing over the internet it really just pisses me off. PS. Good luck MS on natal cant wait PSS.Good luck sony with your motion controller cant wait for both

  • DEATH775

    Posted Jun 29, 2009 4:30 pm PT

    Great news

  • eal-zubieri

    Posted Jun 29, 2009 12:36 pm PT

    it was a rummer from the beganing because it was so early to release a console at 2010

  • wiirkokonuts

    Posted Jun 29, 2009 11:49 am PT

    Woot, nice job Microsoft! Now I don't have to worry about my wallet having to cry for help so soon after Microsoft released the Xbox 360, because the 360 suits my needs right now, and I really don't want to buy something new so soon.

  • XenoLair

    Posted Jun 29, 2009 11:33 am PT

    At lest no new xbox, thats cool. I mean, why buy new consoles when these ones are great to serve for alot of time to come.

  • blackace

    Posted Jun 25, 2009 6:38 pm PT

    There's no new XBox just like I said previously. He was obviously talking about Natal and I still think there will be a bundle for it for the holiday 2010. I don't think MS will has a new console until 2012 at the earliest. ************************************************************************
    mpeg3s

    Unless this is a next gen system, it makes no sense to bundle with the 360 unless games are included. Otherwise, this should be coming out of Ballmer's salary.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    If it's bundle there will be a packin game. I can't wait to see what kind of games they make with this thing. Should be interesting and fun.

  • gedbyz

    Posted Jun 24, 2009 7:20 pm PT

    I would say that the 360 is a more practical console for me. Why? Because I do not need the blu ray system, we already have one. And I love the idea of online gaming. In terms of this article I am really glad that they are not going to make another xbox. i just got my Xbox and I do not want to buy another one yet.

  • cluelesspug

    Posted Jun 24, 2009 2:39 pm PT

    I agree with hellpolice, why on Earth would they launch a new console? I don't even know how the current generation could get any better.

  • haloplayer4

    Posted Jun 23, 2009 2:18 pm PT

    hey anybody no how to wear halo 3 armor?

  • Blujacker523

    Posted Jun 23, 2009 3:58 am PT

    i think bencarps41192 is right there both great consoles with up and downs Also i have had my PS3 for a year now and theres been no overhaeting problems or discs being "deformed" So fanboys MAKE A FORUM SITE OF UR OWN! AND KEEP UR BS OFF!

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 3:19 pm PT

    @Blink3r,

    Love the MK fatality idea, i never thought of that, that would be cool, except for people walking past my front window whilst im in mid flow LOL : )

    @mpeg3s,

    You can pretty much bet that there will be a sports game or even a Milo bundle, with the release of NATAL.

  • Blink3r

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 2:42 pm PT

    i want natal as an accessory for the 360 NOWWWWWWW... imagine COD played with that lol... or executing fatalities in MK xD like GRAB HIS HEAD... now PULL PULL PULLLLLL!!! FATALITY! xD

  • Blink3r

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 2:40 pm PT

    @T0012 are you high? dont try to hide your fanboyism... there's no such thing as a SMALLER ps3 so NO WAY your friend COULD POSSIBLY have one... and the fact that you mention how that "so called" smaller ps3 melt his CDS means you're just making stuff up to prove how xbox isnt at a disadvantage with the rrod thingy... fanboyism is getting old.. you just look dumb... get over it...

  • mpeg3s

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 1:19 pm PT

    Unless this is a next gen system, it makes no sense to bundle with the 360 unless games are included. Otherwise, this should be coming out of Ballmer's salary.

  • rpgnutt

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 12:33 pm PT

    its too early for a new xbox why would they bring out a new one when there just getting started to roll the wheel with the 360.MS is not done with this console by a longshot its upgrading the console everyday and with natal its going to bring fans who love the wii to there side of the fence.why would you want to just sit there all the time and play your games when you could get up and get active at what you like doing best.its like your working out and playing your favorite games at the same time you cant lose.i showed my mother natal and she was blown away at what she just saw she was amaze at what you can do.i love my 360 BUT i also want a PS3 because if your a gamer you want the best of both worlds my brother has a ps3 and i played it and its great.fanboys just need to realize that gaming is not about MS or PS3 or WII its a whole world of choice in what you as the gamer want to really enjoy.

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 12:23 pm PT

    for the people that gave my previous comment a 'Thumbs Down', i was simply highlighting how a stupid comment like that means simply nothing, and yes, i am more than well aware that both PS3 & 360 are both fantastic consoles, it simply boils down to your own personal preference.

    So thanks for that, i am eternally scared : )

  • hellpolice

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 12:13 pm PT

    It will be foolish to launch an new console now or next year. They should think about giving the current generation a longer lifespan so that third party devs could have more time experimenting with current hardware. And clean the mess of the 360, worst console in terms of reliability.

  • railley

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 11:35 am PT

    Hahaha Bang on COD2-The_Pope

    " COD2-The_Pope

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 3:45 am GMT

    everyone knows that in the next generation microsoft will realease an unfinished "prototype" console just to be first in and then over the course of the generation update the console so that after 2 or 3 years it is actually what it should've been at the start. Also Sony will release a console which will stay at a rediculas price for far to long and therefore shoot themselves in the foot in terms of sales and although their console has the most potential, it will come last and the Wii will come first again for some odd reason, even though it will be exactly the same as the current Wii with the addition of HD."

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 10:53 am PT

    @gamerkiduri,

    "PS3 IS WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY BETTER THEN 360!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1"

    Why's that then?

    As all i have to do is C & P your comment and reverse the brand names like so:
    360 IS WAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY BETTER THEN PS3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

    See! easy isnt it! under normal circumstances, i would simply flash read comments like that and move on, but i just could'nt help myself. Although your name does suggest you have the brain capacity of a lettuce, so ill let it fly.

  • Tengoles

    Posted Jun 22, 2009 8:51 am PT

    Oh man when I readed the first part of the article I got really worried about having to buy another console, it took a lot of time to convince my father of buying the 360... thank god the only thing that has to be bought is the natal camera.

  • gameking5000

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 11:13 pm PT

    Well thats cleared up

  • zero-G1080

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 10:58 pm PT

    people still cant get the best from the 360, i doubt they will bring another one out soon. and imagine the dev kit costs! the games would cost, like, $90 each (guesstimate)

  • bencarps41192

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 7:37 pm PT

    Why the heck are people even fighting about the PS3 on a Xbox article. There should be a rule on gamespot that says no fanboys permited. I mean i cant stand how people fight about this. THe xbox 360 is a great console and the PS3 is a great conosole. They both have ups and downs. So shut up. And yes T0012 i have never heard of any thing like what you are talking about melting disks i mean wtf. So really people just drop it and make educated comments on the subject.
    Now about the article i think it would be a great idea to have a Natal and 360 mixture. If they do it should have solved the RROD. Of course there iwl never be a 100% chance of the xbox never failing because i mean some PS3s and Wiis still break.

  • T0012

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 7:02 pm PT

    no, i heard a rumor about Sony developing a Smaller PS3, thats not the point, point is their console over heats too, and your DVD/game/ CD drive, what ever the hell you want to call it

  • chimpanchu

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 6:52 pm PT

    @T0012

    "smaller PS3"?????? "CD Drive"????????
    What are you talking about? Are you talking about PSOne?

  • T0012

    Posted Jun 21, 2009 6:20 pm PT

    i had a friend with one (PS3) and the CD drive had over heated and caused the edges of the disk and the center to deform or slightly melt, every body knows the PS3 has a over heating problem like the x-box did with the (rrod), thats Sony's problem with making a smaller PS3

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