to function.

A new Xbox Live will also play a huge role in the console's services, and improved Kinect

hardware will launch alongside the system. Edge's sources also explain that the Xbox

720 will use Blu-ray discs for physical media. Furthermore, the report claims that the recent

Xbox spec rumors are largely accurate, including Microsoft's use of an AMD eight-core x64 1.6

GHz CPU, 8GB of DDR3 RAM, and a robust hard drive.

While the Xbox 720 and PlayStation 4 apparently resemble PC architecture, other development

sources claim that Sony's upcoming next-gen equipment is a preferable platform to work

on, and its OS is less "oppressive" than Microsoft's next-gen solution.

These rumors come on the heels of Sony's tease of the future of PlayStation, which will be

revealed at an industry event in New York City on February 20th. IGN suspects that the

PlayStation 4 will be officially announced at that time, along with the possibility that

next-gen games will be unveiled.

The possibility that the next Xbox would require an internet connection will prove controversial

if true. Broadband penetration is at 90% in the US as of last September, but still -- if

your internet goes down for whatever reason you won’t be able to play Xbox?

Here’s hoping the rumor isn’t true.

For more on the future of video games, stay tuned to IGN.