Report: Next Xbox codenamed 'Loop'

MS Nerd reveals alleged specs and strategy for Microsoft's next console

Words: Matt Bradford on November 9, 2011

The Xbox 360 is coming up on its sixth North American Anniversary on November 21, making it two years older than the original 2001 Xbox was when it was replaced with something shinier and newer. Naturally, this means many are starting to openly question when and how the Xbox 360 will be replaced, and according to the reputable MS Nerd blog, Microsoft has already cemented the specs for a console it is calling the “Loop”.

"With a heady mix of rumors, tips and speculation, I am now stating that Xbox codename 'loop' (the erstwhile XboxTV) will indeed debut a modified Win9 core,” wrote the MS Nerd in a recent post, further stating, “It will use a Zune HD-like hardware platform—a 'main' processor with multiple dedicated assistive cores for graphics, AI, physics, sound, networking, encryption and sensors.”

The Nerd added the new console will be smaller and sell for less than the Xbox 360, making it ideal for “Kinect adaptation”. No launch dates were predicted, but given MS Nerd's information, odds are Microsoft won't be ready to reveal the “loop” and/or its final name anytime soon.

Xbox 720 has been the de facto nickname for Microsoft's next console, but something along the lines of “Loop” feels a little less silly than a name that essentially says: “we're going to go full circle...again [guitar riff]”. Then again, we've seen some logo mockups linking the o's in Loop together, creating an infinite pattern that essentially says the same thing. What do you think about the alleged name? Is the Xbox 360 even in need of a replacement yet?

Platforms:

Xbox 360

Topics:

720, Xbox

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PolarBearsInHeat - November 17, 2011 3:18 p.m.

With the titles I have not yet beaten from this gen, plus the games that I have purchased this fall, plus the games I intend to purchase in the coming months, I think the 360 easily has another to years left in it. Although, if the new xbox does release before i'm completely done with the 360, I will still be one of the first to purchase it.
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cart00n - November 14, 2011 12:01 p.m.

While a new console is a certainty, I still believe there is sufficient enough life left in the 360 to keep it around another couple of years...
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Spybreak8 - November 10, 2011 8:46 a.m.

Hmm, if the new Xbox will be smaller and less expensive is Microsoft heading toward cloud gaming as well?
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michael-izzo - November 9, 2011 9:21 p.m.

I have too many memories and achievements on my current 360 for a new XBox to come out!
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samsneeze - November 9, 2011 6:49 p.m.

So essentially, it's the WiiBox? Maybe? Eh, I don't know. I don't really care either. So long as it can do what my Xbox 360 does(Easily navigated menu, music/videos streaming from my computer to the T.V.) I don't care. Also, you must publish games worth caring about. I won't buy it at launch if it doesn't have games. And maybe make it backwards compatible too. That shouldn't be asking too much.
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theycallmegep - November 9, 2011 5:01 p.m.

I think that by the time the "loop" is actually released, the 360 will be ready for departure
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thelazymackenzie - November 9, 2011 3:40 p.m.

Ugh,just when I was about to buy a new xbox...
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inkyspot - November 9, 2011 1:52 p.m.

I like my machine, and won't be the first one on line for the "Loop", but I think it's about that time they are thinking about/ developing this machine. More and possible upgradable modular RAM, bigger and possibly modular hard drive. A powerful Graphics card, and some really triple a exclusive.
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Plan10FromOuterSpace - November 9, 2011 1:33 p.m.

'smaller and sell for less' that's got me worried, those words entail less power which might make it more affordable to start with, but I think MS need to look ahead with this one... especially if they're planning on giving the loop a similar life-span to the 360
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FoxdenRacing - November 10, 2011 10:08 a.m.

I see it as a side-effect of the switch to ARM. ARMs are miniaturized for things like tablets and phones, and are manufactured in much higher numbers as a result...but high-end ones have similar crunching potential to the big boys. They did a decent job future-proofing the 360, it was just a bit too cutting edge for its time, which led to hardware unreliability and a needlessly high initial price. It's certainly brave, especially with the move towards dedicated co-processors. It didn't pay off for PS3, but then again PS3 also experimented with then-one-off tech that IBM declared a failure for that kind of application.
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ithurtstopoop - November 9, 2011 1:26 p.m.

10 print "Hello World" 20 goto 10
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jackthemenace - November 9, 2011 1:26 p.m.

... I honestly just hope that that IS the actual design for it.
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MetroidPrimeRib - November 9, 2011 1:23 p.m.

Next generation will be two years behind current PC specs. And of course, console gamers will see it as some kind of second coming. Even though it still won't be able to run Crysis
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mray7 - November 9, 2011 1:40 p.m.

Don't you just love it when a person just defines the term "PC Elitist" without even trying. Nothing against PC gamers, I just don't have the time or the money. Not to mention the industry is now revolving around consoles, jus sayin
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GhostNappa2k10 - November 9, 2011 1:41 p.m.

Is all you do troll?
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PimplesInYourAsstista - November 9, 2011 4:35 p.m.

Of course it is. He's just bad at it.
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Turkeyboy094 - November 9, 2011 12:38 p.m.

Please don't design it around Kinect....
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Asmodean - November 10, 2011 9:27 a.m.

That's just wishful thinking this motion madness will never end, the people running these consoles are not gamers they're business men.
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PevMaster - November 9, 2011 12:35 p.m.

I doubt that the new Xbox will be announced at E3 next year...I'm not expecting an announce 'til 2013 at the least. Hell, it probably won't launch until 2014 or 2015. Just talking about it seems like those years are ages away... On a slightly different subject, does anyone know when Fallout: Online's coming out?
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Asmodean - November 10, 2011 9:24 a.m.

When is Fallout: Online's coming out? As soon as interplay gets resurrected.... or finally dies (which ever is fine) so Bethesda can make it.
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