Windows Blogger Paul Thurott has revealed rumored pricing options for Microsoft’s Next Generation Xbox on his Youtube What The Tech show. He claimed the console will launch in November, and will have a subscription-based model for $300, and a buy-outright model for $500. He described the platform overall as “expensive.” Thurott also claimed that there will be another version of the Xbox 360 called “Stingray.” He offered no other details about that particular model. He also shed some light on the controversial ‘always on’ requirement of the next-gen system. He said it is a confirmed feature, and the system notes specifically states that it “must be connected to the internet to use.”
When will they finally announce the system you ask? Thurott said Microsoft is planning an event on May 21, which matches up with an analyst report. Thurott added that Microsoft will share further information about the Xbox 720 during two June events: the Electronic Entertainment Expo and the Build 2013 developer conference. Thurrott further claimed that Microsoft was working on an entertainment-focused Xbox that would not play games. He said this device was called “Yumo,” and speculated that Microsoft decided not to pursue this because it could cause market confusion.
As for who Thurott is, he is a noted Microsoft insider and runs Paul Thurott’s Super Site for Windows. All of this jives with what has been floated out there anonymously by game developers and other leaks. My hope is that the top-end Xbox will be for the hardcore and cater to them instead of trying to be everything to everyone, like the Xbox 360 has become. I think having cheaper entertainment focused SKU’s could alleviate that. What do all of you think? Let us Know in the comments!!