Rumors of the next Xbox console requiring an always-on internet connection simply aren’t true, according to a memo that was allegedly sent to Microsoft employees and later leaked to Ars Technica. This refutes recent and similarly unofficial reports that the next Xbox console would require an active Internet connection.
“There are a number of scenarios that our users expect to work without an Internet connection, and those should ‘just work’ regardless of their current connection status,” the memo reads, after referring earlier to the next Xbox under the codename Durango. “Those include, but are not limited to: playing a Blu-ray disc, watching live TV, and yes playing a single player game.” (emphasis ours)
This missive seems to confirm that the next Xbox will host live TV from users’ cable providers while allaying fears that the new Microsoft console will require an Internet connection to function. Microsoft had this to say in response to our request for comment: “We’re excited to share more about the new generation of games, TV and entertainment on May 21, but have nothing further to share at this time.”
The always-on Xbox rumor has popped up consistently over the past several weeks, with sources going back and forth but Microsoft refusing to offer anything concrete one way or another. That will change on May 21 when Microsoft reveals the next Xbox, as the statement above indicates. Don’t expect anything certain to come out before then.
