Xbox Addict

(RUMOR) Blu-Ray might hold back Next Xbox launch

As we wait for Microsoft’s highly anticipated May 21 event where we will finally see the next Xbox console unveiled on stage, a new rumor has emerged which suggests that a somewhat surprising 2014 release date may be on the cards for the next-generation Xbox. Even more surprising is that the reason for the delay could be due to an exclusive agreement that Sony has in place on the Blu-Ray disc format.

The PS3 runs Blu-Rays of course, while Microsoft opted to use DVD discs for the Xbox 360. While this was considered a victory for Sony during the current-generation storage wars, the fact that Sony utilized the Blu-Ray format first may come to pay further dividends for the company, with painful repercussions for Microsoft if this rumor is to be believed.

A report over at MondoXbox, suggests that Microsoft will have to wait until 2014 at the earliest to release their next Xbox with Blu-Ray support, due to licensing issues and the fact that Sony may have an exclusivity window in place for console releases with Blu-Ray discs.

If true, it has to be considered rather clever by Sony whilst at the same time being a massive headache for Microsoft. The next Xbox was presumably going to be released during the 2013 Holiday season in the US, but imagine a scenario where Sony ends up being the only next-gen console to release during the month.

Obviously this is just a rumor, and a thin one at this point. It’s something to bear in mind though as we approach the May 21 next-gen Xbox event. If this does happen, let us know your thoughts on waiting until 2014 for the next Xbox.