Xbox 720 Launch Confirmed for 21 May in Redmond

Microsoft's much-anticipated Xbox 720 which is predicted to be game changer in the market will finally be launched 21 May on the Redmond campus, culminating the months-long speculations surrounding the company's next generation gaming console.

Confirming the release date of the successor to the Xbox 360, Xbox spokesperson Major Nelson on his official blog stated, "On Tuesday May 21st, we'll mark the beginning of a new generation of games, TV and entertainment. On that day, we'll be holding a special press event on the Xbox campus and we invite you to join us via the live global stream that will be available on Xbox.com, Xbox LIVE and broadcast on Spike TV if you are in the US or Canada."

The Xbox 720 console is set to take the stage just a few weeks before Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the annual trade show for computer and video games which is scheduled to take place from 11-13 June at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The Xbox 720 console will also be part of E3.

"On that day, we'll share our vision for Xbox, and give you a real taste of the future. Then, 19-days later at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, we'll continue the conversation and showcase our full lineup of blockbuster games," the blog read.

The upcoming Xbox 720 has received overwhelming response even before its launch. GameStop CEO Mark Raines who had reportedly seen the upcoming gaming console, called it "a very hot, compelling device."

Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter also recently talked about Xbox 720. He said that features like Skype integration and TV service in the Xbox 720 will help the Redmond-based company have an edge over other game console manufactures.

The rumoured specifications of Xbox 720 are 8-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, 50GB Blu-ray disc drive and 800 MHz graphics card.

Xbox 720 will see strong competition from rival PlayStation 4 which will be launched later this year.