Microsoft: No new Xbox in 2012

Microsoft France's director of marketing has made it clear that we will not see a new Xbox console in 2012, despite rumours to the contrary.

"We're in an industry that talks a lot, that likes to tell stories. I am not convinced things will happen this year," he told LePoint.fr

"Xbox 360′s cycle is not at all finished. The proof is that we don't see the logic in cutting the price this year. E3 is still premature. What's certain is that there'll be nothing new in 2012."

He also dismissed suggestions that the company would try to compete with the Wii U.

"We're not here to counter Nintendo and they're not here to fight the other manufacturers. Nintendo has put itself in a different cycle, they're advancing at their own pace."

In an interview on the same site Philippe Cardone, CEO of Playstation France, also made it clear Sony wouldn't be rushing its next console release.

"Wii is pressed for time because it's in decline. In our case, we have a lot less pressure. We were the last to release PS3, and we will probably be the last to announce something."

Rumours earlier this year had suggested both companies would reveal new technology at E3 in June.