So it's a bit interesting that in one interview where no date was specified that people are running with the idea that there will be a new Xbox console in 2011.  The interview of Robbie Bach by Dean Takahashi for Venture Beat is a three part interview coving Zune, Xbox and Windows Mobile.  In the Xbox part of the interview Bach, head of the Entertainment & Devices group at Microsoft, talks about how being first out this generation really helped the Xbox 360 gain momentum but he doesn't say he wants to be out first next generation.  Still others have run with the idea that a new Xbox game console is coming and it will be too soon.

Is getting a new Xbox in 20011 a bad thing?  If this is the proposed date for the next console to launch that would mean the Xbox 360 would have six full years as the current gen console.  Does this mean that Microsoft kills off the Xbox 360 when the next Xbox is ready to roll out?  Hopefully not.  Microsoft has learned a lot by watching the life span of the PS2 and the fact the PS2 was out selling the PS3 not too long ago shows that you can have a two console strategy.  Microsoft can rely on 3rd party support of the 360 while it starts to roll out the next Xbox.

It is possible that by the time the next Xbox is released that the Xbox 360 could retail for around $149 or even $129 making it a lot more affordable for people of lower income.  It is possible for the Xbox 360 to sell fairly well at the end of it's life cycle because there will be so many games available for consumers that couldn't afford a 360 before.  It is even feasible that the Xbox 360 sales could help offset the early loses that occur when you launch a game console.  By 2011 Microsoft should be making a healthy profit on Xbox 360 hardware since the manufacturing costs should go down over time.

If a new Xbox came out in three years would that be so bad?  Would you feel cheated that that the Xbox 360 was put out to pasture too soon?  I don't think so.  By 2011 we should see the next two Gears of War games, Mass Effect's trilogy should be complete and we'll probably see the next game developed by Bungie.  Three years is a long time from now and we will see tons of great games come to the Xbox 360 over that time.  Now if you said the next Xbox was coming out in 2009 then I'd be upset because the 360 does have enough legs to last till 2011.  Coming out in 2009 would be a tragic mistake, coming out in 2011 will cap a great run by the Xbox 360.

venturebeat.com - interview-with-microsofts-robbie-bach-part-2-on-xbox-360
thegamergene.com - xbox-720-in-2011-count-me-in
sarcasticgamer.com - xbox-720-in-2011-count-me-out