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Rumor: Next Xbox Requires Online Connection

As we get closer to the official unveiling of the next Xbox, more talk circulates about the console. A new round of chatter says that an online connection will be required.

Edge says that sources with good knowledge of the upcoming system say that it will require an online connection, but that physical discs for it will still be sold at retail. If this rumor is true, it would certainly jibe with what we've heard developers talk about when characterizing the next-generation of systems: a gaming environment that is "always on."

The article also mentions the system's prohibition of used games, use of Blu-ray discs, and an upgraded Kinect – stuff we've heard before.

If this always-on rumor is true, while annoying and even a barrier to entry for some consumers, it would seem to fit into Microsoft's stated ambition to make its next system streaming/downloadable media focused.

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Comments
  • All I have to say is: Screw that.
  • they wouldnt do that, it would be a terrible idea, especially for parents that dont want the kids to play online.  It would be decreasing their target audience and loosing out on sales.  if it does include bluray then i will get rid of my PS3 since I dont even play games on it.  I want to see them unveil it before PS3 does and they both better do it before E3 this year so they can focus purely on games.

  • That's not good, not good at all. I don't really buy used games, so that doesn't affect me. But my internet connection sometimes decides to just turn itself off, so I have to go and reset it. And I don't want Kinect at all.
  • I hope this is just to do certain things because we had some tornadoes here last year that took out my internet for weeks. This is almost just as bad as the Sony rumor stating that games will be tied to consoles so you can't trade them in. I hope both of these rumors are untrue as I plan on getting one of these systems, and that might change my mind. I already have a Wii U, and will be waiting about a year or so after the release of the newer consoles to get one of them, maybe longer, just to see what they have in terms of exclusives. I also know people that don't have internet just because they don't want it, and can save some money that way. Could be a BIG deal to consumers.

  • If this is true, I'm switching to Playstation.
  • Oh boy. This news will piss off many, I'm sure.

    If it's actually true...that is.
  • I really hope this is just a rumor. That would be a big problem for a lot of people. If it IS true, I wouldn't even consider buying the console.

  • Bad move if true.

  • this makes xbox a little less appealing to it customers if this happens I dont see great sales for the xbox

  • I have a hard time believing these kinds of rumors, but if they do turn out to be true I may move on to something else. Used games is a huge plus for consoles and publishers (but they don't seem to realize it for some reason).

  • Having tighter control over their product may lead to steadier profits, but some of the hallmarks of the gaming culture will be lost; specifically buying used games and playing offline. I would support this console move only if they offered offline support, used game support, and reduced prices for online subscriptions to their service. Otherwise they would lose me as a customer. I do not think the industry is ready for this move just yet, give it a few more years MS.

  • Honestly, this doesn't make a lot of sense. To always have an Internet connection present is not only unlikely, but almost impossible. Things happen, Internet goes down. To not let me play a system while my Internet is down would be stupid as heck. Like I don't understand that. The other stuff is minor overall, but this "ever present" connection thing is stupid.

  • This rumor is utterly ridiculous. There is no way in hell that Microsoft would cripple themselves like this out of the gate against Sony they'd be giving them a large part of the market as soon as it begins and would lead to the next console failing in a hurry. This rumor is absolute nonsense.

  • If this is true, it is very ugly and a very bad move by microsoft.

  • i wasn't looking too forward to the coming xbox anyway, so if this is true i defiantly wont get it. i ans i'm sure alot of other ppl can't always have net either due to money issues, location, and weather. theres a reason ppl don't like to buy forced online games and to do a whole console that was is just absurd

  • I'd personally like flash storage as an upgrade for next gen.  Off-topic, but just sayin.

  • I'm not too concerned about the "always online" aspect of the console; if it's true. Could be MS leaking the idea to see what consumer feedback would be. I'm more annoyed at the "prohibition of used games" rumor. If true, I'll be switching to a different platform

  • Bad idea is bad...

  • Bad idea is bad...

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