Microsoft Expected to Launch Xbox 720 in April

The next-generation console ball is now in Microsoft's court. Nintendo is already moving full steam ahead with its Wii U console, which it released in November of last year, and earlier this week Sony formally introduced its upcoming PlayStation 4 console. That just leaves Microsoft as the odd man out among the three major console players. Maybe not for long.

It was previously expected that Microsoft would unveil its Xbox 720 console at the E3 convention later this summer, as Redmond's been teasing, but the PS4 announcement reportedly lit a fire under Microsoft's feet. CVG claims to have spoken with a senior Sony official, who said the PS4 event caught Microsoft off-guard.

"We definitely ruffled some feathers," he's quoted as saying.

Xbox 720

Now CVG says it's hearing from multiple sources, including a number of game developers and industry professionals, that Microsoft is planning to announce the Xbox 720 at a press event in April. Another sign that this may be the case is the fact that Ustechs recently registered the domain XboxEvent.com. Ustechs has worked with Microsoft in the past on media briefings, including last year's E3 press conference.

Microsoft would be wise to unveil the Xbox 720 sooner than later, not just because it's the only major console player sitting on the sidelines, but also to squash (or confirm) various rumors associated with Durango.