These rumors sound better and more realistic. Can't wait for Microsoft to unveil durango.

Please guys, calm down - the thread has chances by now to not getting locked! This leak is too good to get locked by personal hostilities!

OK, so this actually makes a bit of sense rather than the recent crop of rumours. Sounds good, although I wonder what sort of services will be available outside the US.

Makes a lot of sense and a better explanation of the entire always on as well as earlier rumor of 2nd xbox type device.

I think there are possibilities here that make a lot of sense.

Very interesting as this gets more info.

On topic: This is a great leak and very exciting if true. I had suspected some of these things, but was surprised and greatly so for some more of this explanation regarding the 2 devices and the clarification of the "always connected" rumors.

I knew it was most definitely NOT going to be a Durango requirement to play local games.

Granted this is still just another rumor. Can't wait till May! I will be on my honeymoon when the NextBox is revealed! (if may 21)

good sum up from a GAFer (BlazingDarkness):

My understanding of the devices;

XBOX360 Mini device
- No disc drive, so it's essentially useless as a standalone XBOX for gaming, but good for TV functionality alone
- Requires an internet connection to function
- Access to the XBL marketplace and whatnot (so it can play downloadable titles)
- Will share some features of the Durango TV (IPTV) functionality (to combat Apple TV)
- Required to play 360 games, when connected with the Durango, can NOT play 360 discs when not connected


Durango
- The new 'new' XBOX
- Plays Durango games etc, uses Kinect functionality
- Will not play 360 games, you must hook up the Mini device once you insert a 360 disk to play (you put the 360 disc in the Durango disc tray, but it runs only when connected with the Mini)
- Requires an internet connection for TV functionality
- Plays used games
- Plays offline games

This I can see happening. Its always online if you opt for a set top box approach. If not, it functions as any old console. Best of both worlds.

This sounds like a certain Sega console... attached to another Sega console :O! But seriously, I like the idea of an X-box mini to go against Apple T.V.s. Now if only MS would bring back Zune devices.

So the Durango is a standard console and the Mini will act as a complimentary device which, will be like a PVR and adds backwards compatibility. Sounds pretty cool.

I wonder how much money they would actually save by excluding it from Durango. It's not like the Xbox360 used any super customized parts like the CELL processor of the PS3 (at least none that I am aware of), so I think it certainly would be possible to have the BC with the rumored specs, so no additional cost for BC.

Seems like they just want to squeeze as much money out as possible (understandable from their point of view), but I wonder how many people would buy a Durango and a BC box...