E3 2013: 4 Predictions That We Expect To Be True

3. Xbox Durango

This is a fairly obvious one, but the inevitable reveal of a new Microsoft console is definitely worth mentioning. Besides its codename Durango, all we have on the new Xbox are the rumours spewed out by the internet, though if even a tenth of them are true this could very well be the last console the corporate giant put out. Many have speculated the only reason a reveal has yet to be made is that Microsoft are waiting for Sony to show its hand first, an ominous concept that could mean the always online rumour is true, with the big M only holding back in the hopes Sony has latched onto the idea too. This strategy would allow them to announce their console second and deflect all the hatred from themselves and onto their scapegoated rival, giving them an edge in the market and keeping as the more popular of the major console brands. However, if they go with the idea and, as is expected, Sony rejects it, Microsoft could be facing absolutely catastrophic sales figures. Always online has been proven to be a bad idea time-and-time again, with Sim City being the most recent example of its failings, so the only way they could possibly claw back their figures is by putting something out that€™s half the price of the PS4. Sony has a habit of learning from their mistakes though, and it€™s unlikely they€™ll price themselves out of the market again, meaning the chances are the next generation will all cost roughly the same price. Greed has been a nasty trait in Microsoft over the last few years (or at least in its console division), with things like Xbox Live charging for content everyone else gives for free, so these rumours are worryingly plausible. Hopefully I€™ll be proven wrong and Durango will come with free puppies for all, yet regardless of its specific qualities the new Xbox€™s announcement at E3 is all but a certainty.