Ubisoft source suggests Xbox 720 will launch in 2012

NewsPublish Date 16/11/2011 - 4:44pm GMT

Montreal studio already working on 'target boxes' with delivery of actual devkits set to arrive later this year.

The next Xbox will launch late in 2012, that's according to an Edge report. The publication has heard from a source that Ubisoft Montreal is working on "target boxes" built to represent the specifications of the next Xbox.

Ubisoft's teams are working to specifications provided by Microsoft, and Edge understands that other major developers such as EA are also in possession of the so called "target boxes". It's believed that AMD is providing a bespoke GPU for the new console.

The first genuine devkits, housing custom hardware, are expected to reach Ubisoft Montreal before Christmas, with signs pointing to a platform launch late in 2012.

Ubisoft has refused to comment.

It's not only Microsoft which is transitioning to new hardware, with Sony too believed to be on the cusp of new technology. Edge adds that a major Sony-owned studio has stopped PlayStation 3 development and shifted all its focus to its successor. The studio is also believed to have been heavily involved in the development of graphics tech for the console.

VideoGamer.com Analysis

There's lots of next-gen rumours flying around at the moment, but we'd love this one to be true. With PS Vita, Wii U and the next Xbox launching in 2012, we'd have a lot of exciting new toys to play with.

Furthermore, a 2012 launch for the next Xbox would surely be a major blow for Nintendo which could have anticipated the Wii U to enjoy a longer period on the market without being challenged.

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User Comments

munkee

The EDGE report mentions a Sony owned studio being removed from PS3 development and shifted onto next-gen.

As a speculating long-shot guess, it could be Team ICO and this could explain why 'The Last Guardian' seems to have disappeared from existence. They also pushed the graphics to breaking point on the PS2 which, as mentioned in the article, would have given them a say in the PS3 development.

Posted 17:24 on 16 November 2011

Woffls

I'm trying to remember back to my E3 speculation, but I think it was along the lines of Microsoft and Nintendo both benefiting from their consoles being next year because that means Sony's only option is to make their console really powerful, and therefore expensive, again. If they do this, however, they'll be in the situation where games look about as good on PS4 as they do on XB3 and WiiU - with the exception of first party exclusives, of course.

I think Nintendo are aiming for a really good launch line up, but Xbox 3 with Halo 4 could be enough for a lot of people. [edit] I had loads more to say on this but I was at work and had to cut it short. Might continue later.

Posted 16:51 on 16 November 2011