According to a report by Edge Magazine (via The Verge), the next iteration of Microsoft’s popular ‘Xbox’ games console may introduce a number of authentication requirements, which could (in turn) see the console require a persistent “always-on” connection to the internet.
This “always-on” connection will reportedly facilitate the verification of ‘activation codes,’ which the publication notes will be required going forward for games which are stored on ‘50GB-capacity Blu-ray discs.’
“Sources with first-hand experience of Microsoft’s next generation console have told us that although the next Xbox will be absolutely committed to online functionality, games will still be made available to purchase in physical form,” the magazine writes.
“Next Xbox games will be manufactured on 50GB-capacity Blu-ray discs, Microsoft having conceded defeat to Sony following its ill-fated backing of the HD-DVD format. It is believed that games purchased on disc will ship with activation codes, and will have no value beyond the initial user.”
The new measures are said to be part of Microsoft’s continued efforts to reduce both the re-sale and potential piracy of the gaming titles sold for its Xbox console. Further details on this functionality, and exactly how such an authentication system will work in the long run, though, are currently unknown.
“[The] source has also confirmed that the next Xbox’s recently rumoured specs are entirely accurate. That means an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics solution and 8GB of DDR3 RAM,” the report continues.
Microsoft is now expected to show-off its next Xbox console at this year’s E3 expo. We’ll be sure to bring you all the latest news from E3 when the expo kick-off (again), this Summer.
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