“There’s no new Xbox in the next year, but, man, are we hard at work on that next Xbox.” The words of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer basically knock down every rumour circulating that we would see the next generation of Microsoft’s console in 2005. However, it is somewhat unclear whether or not he was referring to the next calendar year, 2005, or simply Microsoft’s next fiscal year, which ends July 2005. The rumours regarding a 2005 release were based upon information that leaked onto the Internet only months ago, and the public mindset was almost certain that a 2005 release for XBox 2 was imminent. Microsoft has, thus far, declined any confirmation on the XBox 2’s target release date. However if Ballmer was, in fact, referring to the fiscal year, then XB2 could be en route for a holiday 2005 release, which would make sense. Otherwise, keep your fingers crossed for 2006, XBox fans.