Microsoft has insisted that they will not be showing off any new console hardware at this year's E3 in June, all but confirming that the next generation Xbox 720 will not be out until late 2013.




Despite an ever increasing number of rumours about both its hardware and games, Microsoft has firmly stated that the next generation Xbox will not be at E3 this June.

Although rumours of the new console's unveiling have varied considerably over the months there did seem to be a good chance that Microsoft would make their big reveal at E3 this year. Especially given the fact that the Wii U is due out this year, and given how much stock Microsoft puts into being the first new console on the market.

But following a Tweet from a Bloomberg reporter, the following statement was made to website Kotaku:

'While we appreciate all the interest in our long range plans for the future, we can confirm that there will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon. For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360 - and it's the best year ever for Xbox 360. The console is coming off its biggest year ever - a year in which Xbox outsold all other consoles worldwide. Xbox 360 didn't just outsell other consoles, it also outsold all other TV-connected devices like DVD players, as well as digital media receivers and home theatre systems. And in our seventh year, we sold more consoles than in any other year - defying convention.

This year, we will build on that Xbox 360 momentum. With Halo 4, Forza Horizon, Fable: The Journey, and other great Kinect games on the way, our 2012 Xbox line-up is our strongest ever. This year, we will deliver more TV, music, and movie experiences for Xbox 360 - as we'll make it even easier to find and control your all entertainment. And this year, Xbox games, music, and video are coming to Windows 8 so people can enjoy their Xbox entertainment wherever they go.'

You'll note that that the statement says there won't even be any talk of the Xbox 720, so it's not as if they're only saying they won't be showing games or hardware.

Assuming they're not lying, and they have no real reason to, that makes an unveiling at E3 2013 the next most likely option - with a release later that year.

Of course there's nothing stopping Microsoft from bucking the trend and making an Apple style announcement just weeks before the console's announcement, but even the new iPad was an open secret for months before its official reveal and so far no two Xbox 720 rumours have ever seemed to agree.

Microsoft are definitely working on a new console, with a constant stream of rumours suggesting it's everything from a tablet to a disc drive-less set-top box.

Work on next generation games has also been underway for several months, both at Microsoft and third party publishers. No specific game has ever been confirmed but rumours cover everything from Gears Of War 4 to Alan Wake 2.

As ever with next generation rumours we'll just have to wait and see how things pan out, but if the Xbox 720 doesn't arrive till late 2013 then that gives the Wii U almost a solid year to establish itself. An advantage Microsoft could end up regretting…

Read: | No new Xbox at E3 confirms Microsoft |