The Xbox Xenon it is? -- Joystiq

The Xbox Xenon it is?

by Peter Rojas { Jul 30th 2004 at 11:36AM }

Speculation about what Microsoft is going to call the next-generation of the Xbox has become something of pasttime around these parts, and we still can't get over the part about how Microsoft supposedly doesn't want to call it the "Xbox 2" because they're worried the "2" in the name will make it seem more antequated than the "PlayStation 3". We've heard of a few different possibilities, like that it might be called the Xbox 360, the Xbox Next, or even the Xbox EV (among others), but the current fave seems to be the Xbox Xenon, which may or may not be merely an official codename for the console. Anyway, not that this confirms anything beyond the fact that they really are using "Xenon" as a codename, but Microsoft has a listing up on its jobs board for an "Xbox Marketing Manager" who would manage the "Xenon Global Marketing Plan".

[Thanks, Stuart]

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Laguna @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

Isn't the name "Xenon" trademarked to Disney for their Disney Channel show "Xenon"? I didn't look it up though, but who knows... If it is, maybe Microsoft will have to buy out another name like they did with "Xbox".

Matt @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

Many products carry the Xenon name, including intel's dual cpu for workstations. Perhaps microsoft is looking in to a deal with intel to put these chips in the next xbox... would certainly be interesting to see a dual processor console. Since all the games are designed to run specifically on the platform its not inconceivable to have dual cpus in the design.

gutter @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

XENON is a cool name...but how will it be used? Will it replace the current name xbox? And be called XENON, or will it be the XBOX XENON console?

Whatever it is, I hope that freaking Disney company doesnt ruin for us...

Chad @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

Please don't insult my intelligence by calling Intel CPU's Xenons. Its Xeon. Get it right.

ben @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

I sorta and and can't see them dropping the XBox name and just going with Xenon.
Most of their marketing/sponsorship revolves around the big green X, so it wouldn't be too hard to just change the tagline from XBox to Xenon.
Having said that, they would definitely not want to lose out on the cred that the XBox name has gained. Even the most hardened PS2 fanboys will reluctantly admit that the XBox has better graphics.

CousCous @ Dec 18th 2005 9:50PM

I thought I would add this.. On page 56 of the November 2004 issue (issue #37) of the Official Xbox Magazine, Xenon was mentioned. In one of their famous footnotes it reads, "ON THE HORIZON: You can be sure that from what we've heard about the launch of Xenon, there will be at least one massive RPG ready for release. Which one? We aren't saying." After I read that I Googled "Xbox Xenon" this page I'm posting to was the first result on the list..