Yesterday, an article was posted on GameDynamo. The subject of the article: the successor to the Xbox 360. Mentioned in said article was the report of the new console being given the codename "Durango."

Yes, Durango. But should one be weary of the news? I don’t think so. After all, it is common practice in the business to give codenames to new consoles or products, usually to build up hype within the video game community. Look at SEGA with the Dreamcast (codenamed "Katana") or Nintendo with the Gamecube ("Dolphin") and the Wii ("Revolution").

Even Microsoft has dabbled in this practice with Kinect. You should all remember how, before the official name was revealed, it was referred to by the name "Project Natal". So, it’s possibly for the codename to be Durango. Though it does counter rumors of the Xbox 720 (as it has also been referred to) going by the codenamed "Loop". Unless there is some credence to the rumors of the next Xbox coming in two versions.

Before I end this article, I shall make note of an observation that Kotaku inferred from the name. It would seem Microsoft has taken to basing their codenames on warmer climates. Look up the names "Natal" and "Durango" and you’ll find that those are also the names of a city in Brazil and one of Mexico’s 31 states, respectively.

Is there a reason for this, or is Microsoft just doing it for kicks. Decide for yourselves and let the world know in the comment box below.

Source: Kotaku, Digital Spy

Link: Microsoft Careers job posting hints at 3D technology for the next Xbox

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