Microsoft France Speak About Next-Gen

Following on from my Article yesterday new information has emerged about Microsoft’s next generation plan; they have now gone on the record confirming the next console will definitely not launch in 2012.

Cedrick Delmas, the marketing director of Microsoft France, was asked by Lepoint.fr in a new interview, posted translated by Eurogamer: "Rumours indicate the presentation of a new Microsoft machine at E3 in June..."

He responded by saying that “We're in an industry that talks a lot, that likes telling stories. I am not convinced that things will happen this year. The Xbox 360's cycle is not over at all. The proof is that we haven't price cut this year”.

He then continued with, "what will happen at E3, it's still too early to say. What's certain is that there will be nothing new in 2012. If we wanted to counter Nintendo, we would have to be in a position to release something immediately, and that is not at all the case”.

The fact that Microsoft are not ready to counter Nintendo is a big statement that many people have already discussed in great details; some even citing that Microsoft can’t see the Wii-U as much competition. The chances are that Microsoft see Nintendo branching out into their own sort of market and that the next Playstation will be the biggest competition for the same set of fans.

The Wii-U is of course set for a further reveal at E3 2012 this June, with an expected launch in time for Christmas this year. On the other hand Microsoft is rumoured to be preparing to announce its next Xbox at E3, with a release sometime next year.

Other news has suggested that the next Xbox is expect to be released in two different formats. The first is described as a "pared down machine" to be released as cheaply as possible and is likely to be a fairly bare bones machines for gaming only. The second is a "more fully-featured machine" with optical drive, hard disk and backwards compatibility. This would be aimed at hardcore gamers and released at a higher price-point. The new Kinect style system is expected to be bundles with both versions of the new console.

Finally Sony have also spoken to Lepoint and gone on the record for saying that they will ‘probably’ be the last company to announce their next generation plans.