A patent first filed by Microsoft in early 2007 (and approved on December 27, 2011) would seem to suggest that the yet-to-be-revealed successor for the Xbox 360 will have the ability to record video content. According to the patent, the DVR feature would run "alongside a television client component", letting owners record media content on the system while playing games and even while the system is turned off. The recorded content wouldn’t be limited to television, but would allow players to record local or online gameplay, music, DVDs, and more.

IGN reached out to Microsoft for an official statement on the recently approved patent, and they came back with the following response:

"As an innovator we’re always thinking about what is next and how we can push the boundaries of technology like we did with Kinect. We believe the key to extending the lifespan of a console is not just about the console hardware, but about the games and entertainment experiences being delivered to consumers. Beyond that we don’t comment on rumors or speculation."

Given the focus Microsoft has had recently on putting TV content providers on the Xbox 360 platform, it makes sense that they would consider implementing the ability to record TV while gaming. A move like this would certainly be a big boost for Microsoft’s positioning of the Xbox brand as a key entertainment provider in living rooms.