Microsoft introduced its latest weapon in the console wars by unveiling the new Xbox®. What can we expect from what many had codenamed the Xbox 720®, but which turned out to be the Xbox One®? Lots. The new machine promises to be a gamer’s paradise and turn the heat up in living rooms across the globe.

The Xbox 360® has had a great life (total sales = 77.2 million units-and still going), but its days are numbered with the release of the “Xbox One®,” seen here in an artist’s computer rendering.

Microsoft’s next Xbox® will be the newest player in the $70-plus billion video-game industry and the latest soldier in the fabled console wars. The new Xbox will square off primary against the PlayStation 4 from rival Sony. Why? Nintendo’s cutesy graphics were only recently updated with the Wii U, and while its family-friendly model offers legendary game franchises like “Super Mario,” “Pokemon” and “Zelda,” the PlayStation® more closely delivers the variety and mature type of content that today’s gamers crave. The PS4™ is scheduled for release this fall.

You can follow Microsoft’s new Xbox® announcement here.

As three technology and entertainment titans fight for control of your living room, let’s ponder the fate of CDs as we move permanently to downloadable content and the possibilites of an always-on console experience. Here’s what we could expect from Microsoft’s new Xbox®:

Xbox Essentials

The Next Evolution of Xbox?
The new Xbox® even comes with its own controversy: Will you still be able to play games on it if it’s not connected to the Internet? We’d definitely like the option. In the end, though, here at DMA the only thing more fun than playing video games is making video games.

The evolution of Xbox®.

This summer at Digital Media Academy learn to make Xbox® Kinect games using Microsoft’s XNA® Game Studio.

Or explore professional game design techniques, like learning to build polygon character models or trying out high-res sculpting with Mudbox®. Plus use the Unreal™ Development Kit (UDK) and learn how to use Autodesk® Maya® 2013 in DMA’s game design camp featuring Character Design & Modding with Unreal™.

Want to learn the same character-creation techniques as professional video game designers? Don’t just play video games, create them.

The next generation of video-game consoles promises to offer a universe of content and the new Xbox® is going to be a great way to experience it. Apps, games, movies and more are all part of a successful strategy. Now let’s see if they can execute it.