Xbox 720: Holiday 2013 release date planned

Microsoft is reportedly preparing to release its rumoured next-generation console in the holiday period of 2013, according to Bloomberg.

A source “familiar with the company’s plans” claims that Microsoft’s plan is to capitalise on the Chrismas sales period of 2013, and will launch its new console around Q4.

The actual reveal of the console is also in speculation, as Microsoft is reportedly deciding whether to show off the next Xbox at E3 2013 in June, or devote an entirely different event to the unveiling.

Last week (23 November), rumours that Microsoft will release two different consoles – a hardcore and a casual set-up box – emerged through The Verge.

Xbox dedicated magazine Xbox World also revealed that they have seen Microsoft’s upcoming console, and will introduce Kinect 2.0, Blu-ray compatibility, directional audio, and TV output and input ports.

Other details suggest that the console will feature 8GB of RAM and a CPU that has “four hardware cores, each divided into four logical cores.”