Industry sources suggest that Microsoft could be planning to launch two gaming consoles to replace its Xbox 360. It is believed that the new Xbox gaming console will arrive in 2013, which would give its processor supplier TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) more time to test their 28-nanometer manufacturing process.
According to a report by Digital Foundry that was published by GamesIndustry.biz, Microsoft may adopt a two SKU strategy for the next Xbox version.
“It’s… believed that Microsoft will continue its successful two SKU strategy”, read the report. “And indeed take it much further with its new platform: a pared down machine is to be released as cheaply as possible, and positioned more along the lines of a set-top box (the use of 360 as a Netflix viewing platform in the US is colossal) and perhaps as a Kinect-themed gaming portal, while a more fully-featured machine with optical drive, hard disk and backward compatibility aimed at the hardcore would be released at a higher price-point.”
Microsoft plans to sell a cheap version of the new Xbox that is aimed to the entry-level market, while a more expensive model is aimed for hardcore gamers. The cheaper model will be similar to a set-top box and will serve as a “Kinect-themed gaming portal,” while the higher-end model will feature a hard drive, optical drive and maybe backwards compatibility with the Xbox 360.
The report also claims that both versions will come with a new Kinect version and will be unveiled at next year’s E3.
via: Games Industry
