The Hardware
So far, rumors have given us an idea of what to expect as far as the hardware contained within the next generation Xbox is concerned. Of course, the system will be decked out with the best specs around including the most powerful CPUs, processors and a massive memory, but this will be a new generation of gaming consoles that, for the first time ever, will not be all about the gaming possibilities and producing the best graphics around. A leaked document from Microsoft has already pointed to a five year plan for the company that hinted at a new Kinect that is on the way, and Microsoft is already pushing the peripheral hard at consumers with its first model. This leads me to believe that the Kinect 2 will have to be available at launch of the Xbox 720 and that it will actually come packaged built into every system the company creates for the next generation. This is likely to increase the launch price of the system, but we all know that Microsoft isn't shy about asking for a little extra money from consumers. Then for the hardcore gamers among us, Microsoft will offer an additional bundle at launch that will come packed with a special Xbox 720 HD PVR that will allow gamers to record their sessions and upload their files to a special new tab on Xbox Home where gamers can quickly upload and share their best timed runs, high scoring sessions, most headshots or any other video they choose with other Xbox LIVE members who can search for and watch in a Xbox LIVE Party together.
The Controller
Almost as important as the system itself will be the Xbox 720 controller. While we doubt Microsoft will want to change their controller very much from what is most gamers' favorite controller, the Xbox 360 made a couple of important changes with its controller when it introduced the Guide Button and two new shoulder buttons--LB and RB. Keeping this in mind, we believe the new controller is likely to feature some form of touch functionality that will be incredibly useful when navigating the Internet Explorer app that is actually coming to Xbox 360 later this year. You will also need a way to turn off and on recordings during games, so expect some sort of switch to be included on the Xbox 720 controller to make this an easily achieved task. Finally, the Xbox 720 will feature a sleek new design that won't really affect button layout or the way you play games drastically, but the controller as a whole will be slightly larger to support the new touchpad and the aesthetics will borrow some from the new Xbox 360 chrome controllers to give them a more futuristic look.
The Games
To determine the Xbox 720 launch titles, we'll look to the past to see the future. The Xbox 360 featured numerous EA Sports titles at launch, so we will expect to see an updated version of Madden NFL 13, NBA Live 13, NHL 13 and NBA 2K13 from 2K Sports. Racing titles have been available at launch for both the original Xbox and Xbox 360, but it seems more likely that we will hear from a name that has been quiet for a long time here, so look for Burnout 720 at launch for the new system. Both the Xbox and Xbox 360 featured a new Tony Hawk game at launch as well, and with the popularity of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater HD on Xbox LIVE Arcade, it would not be surprising to see Tony Hawk's Kinect available for Kinect 2 at Xbox 720 launch. Not everyone enjoys sports titles however, so you'll also find a couple of good platforming titles at launch like Kameo: Elements of Power and Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee before it. This is where game developer Rare makes their long awaited return to platform developing with Banjo Kazooie HD and SEGA surprises everyone with the all new Nights into Kinect. Of course, Xbox would have went nowhere in its quick rise to fame in the gaming world without the first-person shooter genre, and while we don't expect Halo 5 to be ready in time for launch of the Xbox 720, we did notice Call of Duty 2 actually made its way to Xbox 360 for launch. Because Activision and Treyarch are likely completely tired of hearing gamers complain that they are shipping out the same game year after year, the companies will combine forces this time to create the long awaited Call of Duty Zombies spin-off title in time for Xbox 720's launch. The game within a game has a huge following and would be a system seller all on its own. Other shooters such as Ubisoft's Tom Clancy's Kinect, Call of Juarez: The Cartel 2 and Bethesda's Prey 2 all make it to the launch party as well.
Everything Else
As for everything else related to Xbox 720 at launch, we're guessing you'll find the return of Xbox LIVE Arcade with some really cool titles that will include Geometry Wars 3, Plants vs. Zombies 2 and Feeding Frenzy 3. If those weren't enough titles to get you excited, expect to see a Universe for Keflings that will be a great title to show off the new Xbox 720 avatars, a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles arcade title based on everyone's favorite Michael Bay adaptation, Full House Poker 2 as a free to play title and Tetris 720, because no launch is complete without Tetris. Xbox 720 will feature the new achievement program that will allow players to unlock content and savings on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for unlocking plenty of achievements in new games. Netflix parties will make their long awaited return, while the collective Xbox LIVE community still asks why they took the feature away from us to begin with. The Xbox LIVE Marketplace will introduce the new ability to download custom sounds to you Xbox 720 for powering your system on and off and opening and closing the system's disc tray much like you'd find in the special edition consoles already. However, the most important new addition to the Xbox 720 that cannot be stressed enough will be a Red Rings of Death removal; they will instead be replaced with purple squares of prolonged hibernation. Hooray for advancement!
The Xbox 360 is also surprisingly coming up on its seventh birthday putting it some rare company of gaming systems to remain such a viable option for so long, but emerging technologies and the passing of time is rapidly catching up with the old system, and with the announcement of the Wii U from Nintendo, it only seems natural for Microsoft to announce their next system in the coming months.