Next Xbox SDKs already out, E3 reveal in the works?

Source: British game-industry site and magazine Develop.

What we heard: On April 25, Nintendo confirmed speculation that it would release a new hardware platform in 2012. This week, another report surfaced about the successor to another console--the Xbox 360.

Develop cites "a senior, trusted, well-placed source" as saying that a software development kit (SDK) for the new Xbox arrived at an unidentified Electronic Arts studio last month. As is the case with many early SDKs, the unit is housed inside a PC chassis.

The same source said that Microsoft's new device would launch by the end of 2012 and would likely be revealed at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo. Nintendo has already confirmed that its next home console will not only be unveiled at E3, but will also be playable at the event, which runs from June 7-9.

"Why let Nintendo steal the thunder in June [at E3]?" the source told Develop. "It doesn't want to lose momentum. That's why I think Microsoft is rushing to make an announcement at E3."

The official story: Though Microsoft had not commented as of press time, EA vice president of corporate communications Jeff Brown had a few choice words about the report. "This story is a total fabrication--[it's] 100 percent not true," he told GameSpot.

Bogus or not bogus?: Bogus, according to EA. However, in March, job listings surfaced that leave little doubt that Microsoft has begun work on its next-generation console.