So you may have read my previous article in which 1UP reported that a new XBOX console was coming next fall. Well (more than) a few people called shenanigans. Throw Microsoft and Team XBOX into that circle now. "I think part of the excitement about this announcement is that in many ways we are delivering a next generation experience this generation. With that said, I can confirm that Natal will run on Xbox 360 so no new console investment will be necessary." says Aaron Greenberg, director of product management, in an interview with Eurogamer. Another unnamed source from Microsoft says, "Don't believe nonsense on the internet is all I'll say. We'll do the right thing for Natal."

So neither of these statements flat out deny the existence of a new or reworked console and perhaps it should be noted that SCEA said the same thing about the PSP Go before its eventual confirmation. Team XBOX has a different idea as to what is going on. According to them, the truth is that there can't be a new console in 2010, because Microsoft is waiting for a certain technology to emerge. 3D. You read right: 3D.

“Today, I can tell you that I have obtained the first details on the next Xbox (info that we'll reveal in the coming weeks) and that's why we can confirm that the rumor reported by 1UP is false. Microsoft is NOT launching a new, upgraded Xbox 360 disguised as a new Xbox in 2010 (although built-in Natal technology is a possibility for a new edition of the Xbox 360, similar to the Elite or Arcade flavors). It's not our intention to tease you, but for now the only thing I'm going to say about everything I heard regarding the next Xbox is that it won't launch until a certain type of television becomes more widespread.” says Team XBOX before referring people to their twitter. “...in addition to built-in Natal tech, a key feature of the next Xbox would be full HD stereoscopic 3D visuals similar to 3D movie theatres.” is what it goes on to say.

I don't see why 3D would require a new XBOX or for that matter why that means a 2010 release date would be out of the question. I also don't see any solid sources, at least nothing more solid than 1Up's sources. That said I wouldn't be surprised to see 3D become more mainstream in the gaming industry. At CES earlier this year, Sony had an excellent 3D display with wipEout HD and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue playable in 3D on the PlayStation 3. While Microsoft didn't show anything of the sort at CES, it can be safe to assume they are very aware of their's competitors intentions with 3D. Sony has previously stated they wanted to implement stereoscopic 3D later in 2009 with a firmware update to the PS3.