Xbox 2: Codename Xenon

Development rumblings conjure up supposed internal name for the next-generation of Xbox hardware - pinch of salt required

14:20 According to rumblings from the UK development community, early hardware for the next-generation of Microsoft's console is going by the codename of 'Xenon'. The title is a codeword used to refer to the hardware and is highly unlikely to be associated with the final product.
Hardware codenames are certainly not uncommon in the industry, with Nintendo's GameCube console originally known as Project Dolphin, while Xbox was referred to as Midway. According to one UK development source: "People have already had a demonstration of Xenon, which is what they're calling Xbox 2 internally."

It's important to take this with an enormous pinch of salt, however, and it could clearly be nothing more than idle gossip, but it's interesting nonetheless.

But one thing to bear in mind is that it's a certainty that when released, Microsoft's next console will bear the 'Xbox' branding. Current industry speculation, however, points to Microsoft not favouring 'Xbox 2', since this may lead to a basic consumer perception that it is some way 'less' that PlayStation 3.

That's all the whispers and rumours we have for now - as soon as we hear more, we'll let you know.

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