Rumors are on that the next Xbox console will be named as Xbox 8. It has been assumed that Microsoft would call it Xbox 720, however, according to the latest speculations, it seems otherwise.
With the Xbox coming with its eight generation console, the possibility of the console been called Xbox 8 is high. Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 is also scheduled to be launched later this year, and following this pattern, Xbox 8 may also come with features similar with the Windows versions.
"Recently we reported that alpha forms of the next-generation Xbox console which could be named "XBOX 8″ - not 8 because it's the eighth Xbox, but because it's the eighth generation home console and heavily shares the same software as upcoming Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8," reports ThisisXbox.
There have been reports that have been circulated that the Xbox 720 or so it is called is already under production, however, these may just be development kits for the Xbox. With Microsoft ruling out Xbox 720, the next Xbox console may simply be the next Xbox 8. The name may be confirmed at E3, Electronic Entertainment Expo, in June and will be direct competition with Nintendo's next-gen console Wii U.
The Wii U is scheduled to make its debut at the E3 conference, showcasing the console's new hardware specs and revealing its list of video game titles targeted towards casual and hardcore gamers.
Nintendo admitted that Wii, its predecessor console, failed to attract hardcore gamers. The company will look to reverse this trend through its new Wii U and game title selections. As Wii U competes with Microsoft for hardcore gamers, the new Xbox 8 will look to attract casual gamers with its highly successful Kinect peripheral units.
The Xbox 360 has already stepped into casual gaming with its motion sensor game titles such as Star Wars Kinect, Dance Central 2, The Gunstringer, and Kinectimals.
The two companies may see their casual gamers rivalry intensify with an upcoming Avengers video game scheduled to hit Xbox 360 and Wii U. Ubisoft will be developing the game and they emphasized that " Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth" will be a family friendly title.
"For us, that obviously raises the brand itself to an even higher level, and that's good for our video game because we have an opportunity to reach a broader audience than just the guys who love comic book characters," said Ubisoft's Vice President of Sales and Marketing Tony Key.
Ubisoft is also currently working with Nintendo's Wii U game controllers for its highly anticipated game Assassin's Creed 3, which will target hardcore gamers.
Xbox 8 and the Wii U will cross paths even further with both companies expected to step on each other's toes for more market share. Nintendo will be up first with the Wii U launch. Microsoft has not yet announced an official launch for the Xbox 8.
RELATED NEWS:
Xbox 720 Being Assembled in Secret?
Xbox 360 $99 Price Cut a Stage Call for Microsoft's Next-Gen Console
Xbox 720, What Can a 16-Core CPU Do?
Nintendo Wii $300 Price Tag Stirs Up Xbox 720, PS4 Competitors
Gaming Trending to Entertainment, PlayStation and Xbox Battle for Top Spot
PlayStation 4 Orbis Strikes First, Launch Before Xbox 720 and Concept Designs
