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

35 comments

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ultimatepunchrod - November 9, 2011 10:21 a.m.

I'm not quite ready for a new generation. But at the same I wouldn't completely reject it.
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Kuroken - November 9, 2011 10:41 a.m.

smaller and cheaper?! hmmmmm
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playswithsquirrels - November 9, 2011 10:49 a.m.

Why not just NextBox? :) Also, I agree with ultimatepunchrod. I'm not quite ready for this.
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sleepyMexican45 - November 9, 2011 11:03 a.m.

"Nextbox"? Seriously? LOL. I think they should drop the xbox branding altogether, boosting sales through curiosity and novelty. That said, Xbox is a massively established name. I fucking hate the generic Playstation 1,2 & 3 names!!!
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FoxdenRacing - November 9, 2011 11:14 a.m.

Way to make me feel old, GR. :p The DirectX Box is really coming up on 10 years? Where did the time go... Sad as my wallet is to hear me say this, it's time. PC hardware has come a LONG way in 6 years, and what was boutique back then is bargain-bin now...and I'm still thinking they're covering up for a Winter '12 release. They have the 'chump' to launch first [historically, the NES is the only console to have ever launched first and come out on top], they'd have their killer app in Halo 4...I'm watching for a surprise Winter '12 release. If the 'helper core' rumor is true, don't expect 360 backwards-compatibility; the hardware will be too different.
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FoxdenRacing - November 9, 2011 11:16 a.m.

If the analysts are right, we're looking at another year and a half to two...'not quite ready' is the time to start the run-up, as by the time it hits we will be. That said, I'm betting on a surprise winter '12 launch. Winter '13 is too soon to make Halo 5, and they'd be smart to have a name that big on hand as their killer app on launch day.
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CancerMan - November 9, 2011 11:33 a.m.

The new Xbox needs to come out relatively soon. If only to overcome the data constraints of DVD.
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Asmodean - November 9, 2011 11:45 a.m.

well if they are smart they'll add in a BD Drive, but to honest aside from that there's no reason for a new console. It not like graphics/sound/connectivity are in need of upgrading, even the Wii brick will only match current standards so whats the point?
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ObliqueZombie - November 9, 2011 12:04 p.m.

I'll only be ready for one if they incorporate my old profile. I'm not willing to part with 48647 gamerscore, not do I want to rid myself of my gamertag. BUT, I don't want this dashboard and setup to just translate directly to the new hard- and software. They'll need to be creative with this one. As for the alleged "cheaper than the Xbox 360," I'm hoping they mean NOW, because it it's cheaper than the launch price, forget it. My Xbox 360 Slim is perfect. Makes you wonder how "great" the graphics are going to be in comparison... sometimes, I find it hard to believe our graphics can co beyond what we already see. Hell, it's already so BEAUTIFUL. And "Loop?" I can dig it. Better than "Xbox 720" or "NextBox."
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badgraphix1 - November 9, 2011 12:04 p.m.

What makes you think they'll wait for the chump to launch first? They didn't last time.
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badgraphix1 - November 9, 2011 12:05 p.m.

Oh wait, you mean the Wii U? We know it will come out after that, otherwise they would have announced it already.
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PevMaster - November 9, 2011 12:11 p.m.

I bet they'll call it the NeXtBox, which most gamers will hate.
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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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Turkeyboy094 - November 9, 2011 12:38 p.m.

Please don't design it around Kinect....
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playswithsquirrels - November 9, 2011 1:13 p.m.

Lol. No, not seriously. That would be awful. I don't have much of a problem with Playstation 1, 2, & 3, but the idea of XBox720 is less than exciting. I'd be okay with dropping that branding as well, but that's probably more risk than they'll take. Regardless, I'm still too content with this gen to feel very compelled to buy expensive next gen stuff right now. Of course, given a couple of years that could all change.
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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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jackthemenace - November 9, 2011 1:26 p.m.

... I honestly just hope that that IS the actual design for it.
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ithurtstopoop - November 9, 2011 1:26 p.m.

10 print "Hello World" 20 goto 10
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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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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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