It’s not every day that the head of a multi-billion dollar corporation apologizes to you, so excuse us if we drink deeply of Steve Ballmer’s statement to IGN, in which he apologized for referencing a new 360 console to launch in 2010 last week.

Specifically, he said “I confused the issue with my poorly chosen words. There is no news in my comments. Things are as reported after E3. Sorry.” Tell you what, Steve, you give us one of your patented “World’s Greatest Back Rubs,” and all is forgiven. (Also, we’re sure you meant a new Xbox 360 bundle, right?)

Ballmer sorry about confusing Natal 2010 statement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

While there’s no official release window for Microsoft’s motion-sensing camera interface, Project Natal – heck, there’s not even an official name of the thing yet! – comments made by Microsoft CEO (and professional stretcher) Steve Ballmer indicate a 2010 launch. TGDaily reports that “Ballmer stated openly during a speech on the recession to those in attendance at the Executives Club in Chicago, a new Xbox 360 will hit the store shelves in 2010.”

The report never mentions “Natal” and refers instead to a “console” featuring a built-in camera. An example of a writer not familiar with the beat, or an allusion to a new Xbox-branded console, as rumored? Maybe a little bit of both: a console-level launch for the Natal, as mentioned by Shane Kim? The complete lack of reference to “Project Natal” in the report makes us question the specifics regarding a “new Xbox 360.” However, a new Xbox 360 SKU featuring Natal could be one alternative possibility – but forget about all that! What’s important is the 2010 comment. Regardless of how Natal is packaged, Microsoft’s top dog says you’ll be flailing your arms next year.

We’ve asked Microsoft to clarify Mr. Ballmer’s statements or provide a transcript. We’ll let you know what they say!

[Update: Unsurprisingly, Microsoft didn't have much to say on the matter. They tell us, "As the Xbox team stated at E3 two weeks ago, we are not even halfway through the current console generation lifecycle and believe Xbox 360 will be the entertainment center in the home for long into the next decade. Project Natal will be an important part of this platform, but we have not confirmed a launch date at this time." So, there you are.]

Ballmer references Project Natal launch in 2010 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Remember when Shane Kim acknowledged that the Project Natal launch would be more like a console launch than a simple peripheral launch, saying, “Conceptually, the launch of Natal will be like the launch of Xbox 360″? Well, 1UP is reporting that, if its sources are correct, the Natal launch will be a new console launch! “Microsoft will not only release Natal as an add-on for the Xbox 360, it will come standard with the next Xbox console,” 1UP writes. “Yes, there will be a new Xbox console next fall.”

Lest you think this is going to be a simple bundle, Natal camera included, 1UP “heard it will be considered a new platform and carry a new name (Xbox Natal?).” Suddenly, we’re reminded of the rumored Valhalla chipset, which would combine the 65nm CPU and 65nm GPU into one superchip, with reduced cooling and power demands. With that, Microsoft could make a smaller – more Wii-esque if you will – Xbox console, perfect for the mainstream consumer.

Incidentally, that chipset is expected sometime around 2010 which is precisely when 1UP pegs the new console’s launch: “sources point to next year’s Game Developer’s Conference as the target for its unveiling and Fall 2010 as the target for release.” So, a slightly upgraded Xbox 360 coupled with the Natal camera, targeted towards your parents? Just because we’re leaving the speculation there, doesn’t mean you have to. Sound off in the comments!

Rumor: Natal part of new Xbox console, due Fall 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments