from ign

Custom hardware dev kits for the next Xbox will be shipped to leading developers and publishers by the end of the year, according to a new report.

 

Citing a "source," the generally reliable Edge Magazine reports developers like Ubisoft Montreal are working on 'target boxes' based on Microsoft's intended specifications for its new machine.

 

The target boxes, which have been sent to top publishers like EA and Ubisoft, are basically PCs featuring components that aspire to the new machine's specs. Edge says that "AMD is providing the bespoke GPU solution for Microsoft's console."

 

Microsoft is now replacing these with new dev kits. The story is fueling speculation that the new Xbox will be available at retail by the end of 2012.

 

With Wii U launching as soon as next year, and Sony fast catching Xbox's global installed base lead, Microsoft appears to be ready to once again ratchet up its decade long console war with its closest rivals.

 

I can't see xbox 720 coming out right when halo 4 comes out for 360 and they would want to show it off at E3 onlying giving them a couple months until release i can't see it happening

Unless they pulled an 'Everybody gets a free X-Box 720!' stunt like they did with the X-Box slim.

At this point, I think Microsoft needs a stunt like that.

Unless Halo 4 is going to be available for both consoles, I doubt they will release their next platform in 2012. Making a game from their leading franchise a 360 exclusive, then releasing the 720 (or whatever the accepted name becomes) is just going to piss a ton of people off.