Xbox 720 Release Date and Price Rumors: November Launch for $300 and $500 Versions Likely, According to Report

Windows blogger Paul Thurrott is reporting a few new, unconfirmed details regarding the Xbox 720.

Yesterday we got word that the system will be officially unveiled next month. However, Thurrot claims he's managed to dig up a few details ahead of that event. According to him, the next-gen console would be heading to stores in November, priced at $500.

A $300 model will also be available, although this option would be require a two year commitment to Xbox Live Gold at around $10 per month. This total would come out be about $540, but would obviously include Xbox Live membership.

Thurrott's November release date would put it right up against the PlayStation 4's launch, which would be a pretty good early barometer of how the next console battle will pan out.

Thurrott also states that this first May 21 reveal event is only the first of a series of Xbox 720 announcements. The next event will take place at E3 2013 in June, where Microsoft plans to unveil its full launch lineup. A third, developer-oriented event will take place at the Build conference in San Francisco later that month.

According to the report, the Xbox 720 platform is based on Windows 8, and "suggests a common apps platform or at least one that is similar to that used by Windows 8." The system will also utilize a Blu-ray optical drive, and an always-online connection requirement. In regards to the latter, Thurrott surprisingly states that it "isn't as Draconian as many seem to believe."

Additionally, Thurrott states that Microsoft plans to release a third generation Xbox 360 model in 2013, codenamed the Stingray, that will be "significantly less expensive."  The previously rumored "Yuma" version of the Xbox, which would not play games, has also been put on hold indefinitely.

This is all speculation however until we can get some confirmation from Microsoft. We likely won't get any definitive answers until the May 21 reveal event.