he next Xbox console is apparently in the manufacturing stages. According to an IGN source, assembly of the next-generation Xbox hardware started recently at the Austin, Texas branch of Flextronics. This is the same electronics company currently assembling Xbox 360 hardware, and is the manufacturer of the original Xbox.

Prior to reaching the manufacturing stage, Flextronics created a new testing group separate from the rest of the company. This team was solely dedicated to comprehensive marketing, software, and hardware tests of the next Xbox. With that activity concluded, Flextronics started building the hardware -- but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll see the Durango soon.

The most likely case here is that new manufactured hardware would be development kits, consoles created specifically so game designers know what they’re working with. Microsoft said flat-out it wasn’t debuting a new console at E3, so rumors regarding new manufactured boxes probably wouldn’t stack up to a reveal.

If we’re under the assumption the Durango will release in the next couple years, potentially at a shockingly low retail price, it makes sense that game companies would be working with new development hardware now.

Microsoft provided IGN with the following statement upon inqury:

Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend its lifecycle like introducing the world to controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention. Beyond that we do not comment on rumors or speculation.

Flextronics, meanwhile, provided IGN with no comment.

The notion that the next Xbox is under assembly is certainly plausible, but without any official word we're left to continue speculating. IGN will endeavor to bring more information on the next generation as it develops. Until then, share your thoughts in the comments below.

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/03/is-microsoft-already-manufacturing-the-next-xbox

I don't think this has been posted

Interesting. I love all the next gen news and rumors :D so exciting

Yay, make it happen! =)

THIS :D

If we don't at least see a teaser for the next-box Ill be a little bummed out. At least just openly confirm its coming that way we have some idea of a time frame for it. Don't get me wrong this year is more than stacked enough for me to enjoy my 360 and PS3 but I'm beginning to really want a next-gen box..........

Halo 4 + Nextbox = Heaven

I would go to the midnight opening and the whole shabang for this shit!

Few things.

Last Dec/Jan we had rumors stating xbox dev kits were finalized. If true there is no reason to be building it, again, now.

Previously we also had rumors that MS intends to launch this holiday along with Wii U. (reason for my bet with Jay520)

MS didn't say they would NOT be showing neXtBox at E3, just that they had no intention of discussing it yet.... yet was a couple months ago, no mention of E3. Their E3 quote also was not firm but more of a maybe. People just take it too literally. Plus, if they want the surprise factor on Sony and Nintendo.... why the hell would they say anything different.

I think this is as a very plausible rumor with final hardware being produced for launch this holiday. Considering my bet... I'm going to run with it. :)

Side note, MS and Sony are definitely showing next gen at this E3... just accept that as fact. Too many MS rumors of Durango and Sony specifically stating they plan on beating MS to market. Its going to happen.

I agree with this, the next generation's planning stages are a lot further along than people think and certainly beyond what the manufacturers themselves would have you believe.

I'm sorry but no, if they are making consoles in Texas, they are probably dev kits to be sent to 3rd parties.

What rumors said last year was that some developers (EA) had PCs with the intended hardware specs of the nextbox. But those where PCs with of the shelf hardware. What they can be making now are the dev kits with near final specs to be sent to as many 3rd parties as possible to prepare games for the console's launch in 2013.

Let's face it, there's no chance that Microsoft (neither Sony nor Nintendo) will mass produce an electronic device outside of China. It would be too expensive.

Arthur Gies mentioned on Rebel FM podcast that he knew for sure that MS had planned on releasing the Next Box this year, but has heard that they decided to push it back. He was not sure why they decide to push it back.