Microsoft responds to rumor about Project Natal being a new console

June 16, 6:06 PMDallas Video Game ExaminerAnjelica Deanda

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Microsoft received word about the speculation of Project Natal being an actual new console and have decided to put those nasty rumors to sleep by responding to their mouth-watering Project Natal fans. Aaron Greenberg, Xbox director of product management, told Eurogamer:

I think part of the excitement about this announcement is that in many ways we are delivering a next generation experience this generation. With that said, I can confirm that Natal will run on Xbox 360 so no new console investment will be necessary.

If one were to read between the lines, they'd see that he doesn't exactly state there is not going to be a new console coming out. Mr. Greenberg didn't dispell the rumor at all. He basically said "Yes, Project Natal will be functional on the current Xbox 360." We already knew that. He states that it won't be necessary to invest in a new console to experience it.

Many are suspecting that if there is a possibility of a new console, that it would be a repackaged and redesigned Xbox 360. It won't be a new system, kind of like the PS2 Slim is not technically a new system, but instead, a redesign of the current Xbox 360 with some minimal improvements made overall to the hardware. Of course, that would be great if Project Natal was packaged with it.

Another thing that caught my eye about this statement was the fact that Greenberg said this was a "next generation experience." I don't quite see how Project Natal is considered next-gen when Nintendo has already been doing this for about a year with it's Nintendo Wii. Throw in a fancy new camera and this technology is in it's own league? Now, I'm not hating on Natal. The fact is that I'm absolutely stoked for it, but Microsoft needs to give credit where credit is due.

I won't hold my breath.

As you can see, the speculation and rumors are still at an all-time high. You've got to love vague PR Speak to keep us rabid gamers wanting more. There could be no new console whatsoever or a brand spanking new one, we have no clue still.