Rumor Mill: Xbox 720 Comes in Two Versions, Both Kinect Powered

The latest rumors about the next home console from Microsoft suggest that gamers might see two versions of the console on launch, with different features, but both of them will offer full integration of the Kinect motion tracking system.

Digital Foundry says, based on anonymous sources, that, “Kinect is set for a significant upgrade and has a very strong likelihood of ending up bundled with the machine.”

It seems that Microsoft liked the way the two models that the Xbox 360 had at launch performed and plans to follow the same strategy with its new console.

The Digital Foundry report speculates, “A pared down machine is to be released as cheaply as possible, and positioned more along the lines of a set-top box and perhaps as a Kinect-themed gaming portal, while a more fully-featured machine with optical drive, hard disk and backward compatibility aimed at the hardcore would be released at a higher price-point.”

Apparently, a number of developers who are likely to deliver video game for the next Microsoft console were invited to an event taking place in Disneyland just after the E3 trade show this year.

They were asked for feedback about development on the Xbox 360 and were given a chance to express wishes about the next platform from the company.

This might mean that Microsoft is just now laying down the base structure of the Xbox 720 and that it might take some time for it to be fully developed and then unveiled.

Other rumors are saying that Microsoft has already managed to ship Xbox 720 units to developers and that a full unveiling will take place at E3 2012, with the launch prepared for 2013.

Meanwhile Nintendo is getting ready to release the new Wii U home console during summer 2012 while Sony has stated repeatedly that it has a 1- year life plan for the PlayStation 3.