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The next Xbox won’t require an always-on intenet connection for games, says an internal memo reported to be sent to all employees working on the new Xbox.
The memo, obtained by Ars Technica, could be the nail in the coffin of previous rumors suggesting the console, codenamed Durango, would require an always-on internet connection.
"Durango is designed to deliver the future of entertainment while engineered to be tolerant of today’s Internet," read the memo.
"There are a number of scenarios that our users expect to work without an Internet connection, and those should ‘just work’ regardless of their current connection status. Those include, but are not limited to: playing a Blu-ray disc, watching live TV, and yes playing a single-player game."
While this doesn’t remove the possibility that an internet connection would be necessary to install products (similar to how Valve’s Steam checks CD keys), this will go a long way to calming consumers worried their console would be useless if their internet failed.
If this memo is genuine, it not only confirms that the new Xbox will be functional for those without access to high-speed internet, but a number of other rumors as well.
It has already been reported that the console would be capable of playing both network and cable TV, which is mentioned in memo.
The letter also suggests that the device will feature a blu-ray disc drive.
Microsoft hasn’t yet responded to this report, but with the May 21st console reveal only weeks away it won’t be too long before speculation is put to rest.
