We’re still waiting for Microsoft to unveil its next console, the much-rumored Xbox 720 “Durango” system, but that isn’t stopping the rumors from trickling down.
Edge Magazine has reported from sources with good knowledge of the forthcoming system that it will require a consistent online connection with Microsoft’s servers in order to play at all. Physical discs will still be sold – along with digital versions of the released games – but they will require an activation code in order to be aligned with that system. This could have a HUGE impact on the used game market, as this means that they can’t be played on other consoles once they’re activated. They also can’t be sold back to GameStop.
This “adios used game” strategy is nothing new, as Sony is considering the same thing for its PlayStation 4 console, expected to be unveiled this month, through a patent it previously filed.
Other features that were mentioned include a new Blu-Ray-formatting for discs (something the Xbox 360 was sorely missing) and an upgraded model of the Kinect.
Now, none of this is confirmed by Microsoft, so don’t go off into an angry tizzy just yet, because it could just be rumors. However, considering some business is lost on the second-hand game market, it just might consider taking this drastic measure. We’ll see when the console is officially announced during – or before – E3 this summer.
