GameStop CEO Paul Raines is optimistic about the still-unannounced Xbox 720. Speaking with Games Industry International, the executive said the platform will draw the attention of gamers worldwide when Microsoft decides to announce it.

"We've been spending a lot of time with Microsoft, but we have to let them take the lead on this, but it will be a very hot, compelling device," Raines said. "They are doing some really cool stuff, and I'm eager to hear them start their announcements because I think the world is going to stand up and take notice."

Raines is bullish on the vitality of consoles overall. He said negative sentiments about new platforms is not a new phenomenon for the upcoming console transition. In addition, he said internal data shows strong demand for the PlayStation 4 and noted this enthusiasm is likely to be matched for the Xbox 720.

"We don't subscribe to that. The cool thing with GameStop is, we've got a lot of gamers here and we've got a lot of people [on the team] who've seen every console cycle. And what's interesting to me - I was talking to one of our founders, Dan DeMatteo, and he was telling me every console cycle you get people who will say 'there will never be another console,' or 'what else can the consoles do?' And we just believe it's a cycle and we just haven't had a new product in so long. But we certainly don't believe that the new consoles won't be as exciting," Raines said. "There's a lot of demand for PS4, and I think there will be for the next Xbox as well, once it's announced."

GameStop shares this week climbed to a three-year high.

Microsoft is rumored to have its next-generation platform on store shelves this holiday season alongside the PS4. Though the company has yet to reveal its official plans, Microsoft is believed to hold a one-off media event this month to announce the Xbox 720.

Source: http://www.gamespot.com/news/xbox-720-a-very-hot-compelling-device-says-gamestop-6406315

So if GameStop is happy and interested in the Next Xbox does this pretty much prove that "bans used games" rumor to be false?

overheating problems confirmed?

lol, I hope not

Perfect.

I wish they could say more. If they already announced and said this it would be bittersweet. Damn, can't wait for the reveal.

Haha thinking the same thing. Not the best way to describe the next xbox.

But yup seems like Gamestop and their share holders aren't worried about a used game ban.

yep I am definitely excited and curious to actually see the design and real name

I bet most of the rumors are bloated. Maybe one negative one comes to light, but I can see a few actually being positive the way they are implemented. But I don't see it being stronger than PS4.

most likely it's going to be slightly identical

Oh, very close, but I think PS4 will have the edge if not in much power, in ease of development which will translate...mostly in the first 2 years. I still expect MS to bring on some interesting non console things.