MICROSOFT Set to Release Two Versions of the XBOX Next Year

So we all have been hearing about the new Xbox that is supposedly due out next year. Many people have been calling it the "Xbox 720" or rather "Project Durango". But we haven't received some concrete evidence of exactly what Microsoft will do when this new console hits the market next year. But all of that may change as of now.

The Verge has confirmed with many sources who are close to the gaming company that there will be two consoles released by Microsoft next year. One will be a low-cost version that delivers access to all of Xbox's entertainment services, pretty much like a Roku or AppleTV. While the other version of the system will be the full offering of the next generation system for the core gamers out there.

This is an excellent play for Microsoft if you ask me, as they strive to get into more households with their product lines similar to how Apple has been doing it in recent years. With the recently released Windows 8 platform, along with Surface tablets and Windows Phones, Microsoft could possibly take a chunk of Apple's revenue away in coming years.

The cool thing about "Mini Xbox" (yeah, that's just what I will call it for now) is that not only will it allow users access to things like Netflix, ESPN, Bing and all the other Xbox apps, it will also allow users to play select Arcade titles as well. So even though you may not be able to play the big titles like Call of Duty or Halo on this version, at least you will still be able to play many of the very good Xbox Live Arcade titles.

Hardware Specs are not fully locked down as of this time, but it's said that Microsoft will use a chipset that allows it to always be on in a way. Meaning that the device will boot up quickly and resume where you left off, so that you can quickly access your TV and entertainment services on the console.

When Microsoft was asked to comment on the news, this is what they had to say:

Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend the console lifecycle by introducing 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.

Next year will be an exciting time for all gamers as we start to enter a new generation of gaming. Some say that has already started now, with the recent release of Nintendo's WiiU. Either way, we have a lot to look forward to.