In the world of video games, it doesn't get any bigger than the launch of a brand new console. With Sony and its PlayStation 4 event out of the way now, the industry waits for Microsoft to reveal the Xbox 720.
Interestingly, the run-up to the Xbox 720 reveal has been flooded with anguish and fear. Rumors have circulated that the system will require an Internet connection to function and that it may block used games, causing some gamers to rethink their plan to stick with Microsoft going forward. Here are five rumored Xbox 720 features and situations that enthusiasts are worried about, even though Microsoft has confirmed none of them:
Always Online
Of all the Xbox 720 rumors, this one is probably the most widespread. Multiple media outlets have reported that Microsoft's new system will require an Internet connection in order to play games and apps. It might be able to survive an interruption of a few seconds, but any extended outage means no video games for you.
What about areas that don't quite have excellent broadband penetration or a particularly quick connection? Are they out of luck? If this rumor turns out to be true, the answer is not one people would want to hear.
Used Games
Early in the year, reports surfaced claiming that Microsoft will ban the Xbox 720 from playing used games. This particular rumor hasn't continued with the force it once had, but the always online requirement, if true, feeds into the suspicion that Microsoft will use the Internet to verify whether or not a game has been played previously, and block it from running on the system.
Backwards Compatibility
In an attempt to make life easier for developers, Microsoft is apparently drafting AMD to supply the Xbox 720's processor. That could mean more Xbox 720 games at a faster pace, which is great. The downside? The Xbox 360 runs on IBM technology, meaning that 360 games won't work on the Xbox 720. If you want to revisit your favorite titles, you're going to have to hold onto your old console.
Indie Developer Support
Indie developers are enjoying quite the moment in the sun right now. Journey won Game of the Year awards from numerous publications, beating out blockbuster franchises in the process, and setting the stage for indie titles everywhere to get more exposure. Unfortunately, early signs hint that Microsoft has alienated some indie developers with its Xbox 360 policies, and it hasn't done much to alleviate their concerns since. Meanwhile, Sony has made great efforts to court indies for the PS4. Will the Xbox 720 lose out in the end?
Windows 8
This rumor hasn't made the rounds as heavily as others have, but it looks like the Xbox 720 might be running on Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system. The news may not be much of a surprise, actually, considering Redmond's attempts to integrate Windows 8 into as many devices as possible. But considering the reception it's received so far, is that a good thing? Analysts and users have complained that its touch-centric interface isn't quite as cool on a non-touch device. Can the Xbox 720 change that perception?
Of course, we'll reiterate that none of these features has been confirmed. In fact, Microsoft won't say a darn thing about anything. It's expected that Redmond will show off the system near the end of May, but at this point even that is a rumor.
