Gamers can breathe a sigh of relief today. A leaked Microsoft memo hints at some important aspects of the 3rd Xbox. Most importantly, the new system will NOT require a constant internet connection – an unpopular rumored feature of the upcoming next-gen box. According to Ars Technica, the memo was sent to all full-time employees working on the next Xbox and contained this statement:
“Durango [the codename for the next Xbox] is designed to deliver the future of entertainment while engineered to be tolerant of today’s Internet.” The memo goes on to say, “There are a number of scenarios that our users expect to work without an Internet connection, and those should ‘just work’ regardless of their current connection status. Those include, but are not limited to: playing a Blu-ray disc, watching live TV, and yes playing a single player game.”
While it’s very likely that this stance on offline usage is a response to all the bad press the “always on” rumors brought down on Microsoft, it’s a good sign for gamers who don’t have steady connections, or just want to be able to play offline. The memo also mentions live TV, which squares with the rumors that the newest Xbox will double as a set-top TV box as well. However, there’s no mention of the rumored HDMI in for recording.
It’s great news that the “always on” requirement is n0 more (if it ever existed to begin with), but there’s still no word on whether or not the new Xbox will play used games. We’ll probably be waiting until Microsoft’s big Xbox reveal on the 21st to find out the verdict on that one. I’m excited to see what the new Xbox has in store for us, but no used games is kind of a deal breaker for me. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
[Via: Ars Technica]