So is there any weight to the theory that the reason Microsoft's press conference was sooo underwhelming was because they are ramping up for their next gen console. Combine that with the fact that they aren't working on any new IP's for the 360 and they are not pushing nearly as hard as they used to for exclusive content and i think that Microsoft is going to be the first to truly jump into the next generation (sorry Nintendo your console is trying to play catch-up and will be a generation behind in a couple of years once again.)

That could be true; Kinect seems to be such a big success that they can probably just coast the rest of the console's life span with Halo, Gears, and Kinect stuff.

With third party releases that IS Microsoft's entire platform.

Underwhelming for who?
They showed Gears of War 3, MW3, announced Halo 4. Something else I may be missing. That covers the hardcore audience. Then they showed a lot of support for Kinect, that covers the other part.

Gears of War 3 is the most preordered game in the history of videogames, MW3 will probably set new records too, and you know the Xbox 360 is the console of choice for that game.

So it was really too hard to fail at this E3 for Microsoft.

But yeah, they are announcing a new console next year. (to be released in 2013?)

I love my 360, but I found the press conference pretty underwhelming. Big sequels that I was already aware of and don't really care much about, and a bunch of Kinect stuff that looked awkward and uninspired.

This is the reaction I'm getting from the 360 guys I am friends with / work with.

I think some of the Kinect stuff looks neat. Dance Central 2, Kinect Sports 2, and the Star Wars game will all be wanted items in my house.

If there is a new console on the horizon, shouldn't they hold halo 4 for that? Actually did they confirm that Halo 4 was for 360, or did everyone just assume that it was? I don't remember if the trailer had the 360 logo.

Wait, the Halo Reach console had special sound effects?

I've been wondering about Halo 4 and a new console myself. I don't think anything was specifically said about it being a 360 title. It's an easy assumption to make.

And yeah, the Reach console has sound effects.

haha, the Reach console has sound effects? Like what?

Powering it on/off and opening the disc tray. One of them is the sound effect of the shield recharge, IIRC. Can't recall what the other one is.

I'm sure it's on YouTube.

Nice, I'll have to check that out. That's the first I've heard about that.

Exactly. I downloaded the trailers for all three of those, showed them to my seven year old and he about shit a brick...especially for the Star Wars game.

He was bouncing off the walls for all three of those titles. Did they give any release dates for those three?

Yeah my daughter flipped over Star Wars. I guess playing Star Wars at recess is the in-thing on the elementary school playground. She keeps going on about some female jedi from the new series with the nickname "Snips." If that character is even hinted at in the game then she will harass me into buying it.

PS2 was around for over 10 years. Considering the Red Ring problems in the past I think MS will hold off on a new console until the tech is available that really moves things to a new level. The current console already does 1080p and is capable of 3D. What more do we really need right now? I think MS will let the cash roll in for a while at least 2 probably 3 more years before we see a new console.

My guess is Halo 4 will be the last big game for the 360 from MS in 2012 (that and another Fable). I'm thinking Halo 5 for launch of the next Xbox in 2014. They just did their console relaunch last year and we are just now seeing some 2nd gen Kinect titles. They will focus on Kinect and milk that along with price cuts over the next couple years.

We'll likely see something next E3, tech demos etc. They shouldn't rush to get something out holiday 2013, instead make sure the system is tight and they have a large supply ready for holiday 2014. Perhaps something similar to Nintendo...beefed up system, blu-ray and advanced Kinect camera and keep 360 controllers and games compatible.

It was only 6 when PS3 launched though.

Many stores still carry PS2 games and not just old ones. The point is the current gen of games from MS and Sony look really good with five year old specs. Sure you can do much better now on a PC but I think the average consumer is going to be happy for a long time with their current system.

We are coming up on six years for this generation (Fall of 2005 when 360 debuted) and the gauntlet has been thrown down by Nintendo with the announcement of the WiiU. I think it is only a short time from now that Microsoft will surprise everyone with the announcement of a new console.

I think the console manufacturers have shown that overlap from consoles is very viable. Profitability is higher on older consoles because the manufacturing process has been streamlined and parts become less expensive. We all know the hardcore techie/gamer will adopt quickly to the next generation while the casual gamers and parents will continue to buy a discounted older console.

I was having a discussion the other day with a friend who is also a gamer about the motion controls this generation as a way to introduce the next generation of gamers to consoles. One thing I think we are missing is the fact that a lot of gamers nowadays have kids and the Kinect/Move/Wii was a kid friendly way of sucking in the next bunch of future core gamers. I think Microsoft may be thinking outside the box and realize this, which is why some of those new Kinect titles are kid friendly. I t may be a brilliant move on their part to suck up market share from Nintendo.

no way the next Xbox launches in 2014, in my opinion. I think they announce it next E3 and it's a 2013 system launch.

"Snips" is Ahsoka Tano, Anakin's Padwan from the Clone Wars tv series, so I doubt she will be in it. If you have a Wii you can get Lightsaber Duels that has all the Clone Wars charcters in it, including Ahsoka.

Agree.

Same with Sony, they PS3/PSN is broken. They need to rebuild that from scratch, hence the need for the PS4.

FYI, Amazon has the LE Gears 360 system up for preorder. It looks like it comes with the new D pad controllers too, so that's a bonus.

I may have to concede that as well...I was thinking Halo at launch would be a plus, but will likely have a huge holiday in 2013 without it, then follow holiday 2014 with Halo 5.

They need to start work on the next gen and it needs to be no less than two years away. One reason is Devs like the Battlefield series are having to tone down (back down) the games' capibilites now for consoles. Several have sent word out to both MS and Sony....get the next gen consoles out soon. The advancement of graphics and realism is moving at a faster pace now. Two years for those guys is a long time....not unless you get a pc.