New Xbox 720 - Overview

An Overview of the New Xbox 720

Technology is constantly improving. New processors, improved memory, massive hard disc space; we're used to hearing about these every changing elements within our PC computers, but what about our consoles? The Xbox 360 is now more than seven years old, and though the developers argue that its full potential still hasn't been realized there have obviously been technological advances since its launch.

It's unsurprising then that rumors are already starting to circulate regarding the next generation Xbox, fondly dubbed the Xbox 720 until the true name is released from Microsoft. This new console from our favorite games manufacturer will arrive packed full of technology to allow for extraordinary graphics and performance. Although the details are still sketchy given Microsoft's tendency to keep their new projects on the quiet side, this overview should give you an indication about what to expect when this new console reaches the high street.

Suspected Specs
So first things first, let's think about the specifications that we can expect to see the Xbox 720 offer to us. The very first Xbox 360s were released with triple core 3.2GHz processors, and a separate Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) from AMD. Nothing is confirmed as yet, but it looks likely that the 720 could benefit from a Fusion chip, combining the CPU and GPU into one mega-powerful space. The Xbox 360 slim already features a Vejle all-in-one processor, so it seems logical that Microsoft might continue down the same path.

We aren't sure exactly how we'll be receiving the games for our new console, be it through Blu-Ray (doubtful; Microsoft isn't exactly keen to start using a Sony technology), HD-DVD or even Flash drives. There are even some rumors that gaming could be more Cloud based, working in a similar fashion to the Steam system for PCs.

Although we don't doubt that the classic controller for Xbox will be around for many years to come, it is highly likely that the Xbox 720 will feature improvements to the Kinect technology. Will every unit come with the Kinect built in? This seems likely if the developers can make it affordable.

A New Generation of Games

We've established that the technology powering the new console is going to be intense, but what sort of games can you expect to enjoy with it? No one knows for sure, but here are a few titles we expect to see launched onto this new platform:

• Halo 5 (or 6? Or 7?) - Everyone loves a bit of Halo, with sales from Halo Reach topping $200 million on its first day! The announcement that developer Bungie was retreating from the scene left fans devastated, but with new developer 343 Industries taking hold of the reigns we can expect a lot more from this series yet.
• Gears of War 4 - Gears of War was initially announced as a trilogy, culminating in the new Gears of War 3 for Xbox 360, but we really don't believe we've seen the end of it just yet. Even the developers have hinted that the world can continue after the culmination of the last game of the original three, strongly suggesting a sequel to come.
• Assassin's Creed 3 - We've loved Altair and we've loved Ezio. Soon it will be time for Ubisoft to introduce us to a third character in Assassin's Creed 3. With the new processor for the Xbox 720 boasting the ability to vastly improve the artificial intelligence of individual subjects in a created world, we are keen to see exactly how successful this particular title could be.

These are just a few of our ideas; there will undoubtedly be many more games to hit the Xbox 720 swiftly, along with new and improved games to enjoy with the Kinect motion sensor technology.

Our Hopes for a Release Date

By now we should have whet your appetite for the new and improved Xbox 720, but unfortunately there is still a bit of a wait for its release. The Wii U from Nintendo may be headed for a 2012 launch, but we aren't expecting the 720, and rival the Sony PS4, until 2013 at the earliest. Microsoft is suggesting that there is likely to be an overlap between the 360 and the next model, the 720. As the Xbox 360 did start its life as a bit of a flop, costing the company more than $1.2 billion at its launch, Microsoft will be trying to squeeze every ounce of life from this console.

But don't worry. Our sources suggest that Microsoft has recently upped its intake of staff within its console development wing, so before you know it you'll have an all new Xbox to splash your cash on!