Microsoft Corp. launched its Xbox 360 game console only four years after it released original Xbox, but that is not going to happen in case of the latest video game system, according to a vice president of Microsoft Game Studios. Apparently, the world’s largest maker of software expects its Xbox 360 to have a very long life-cycle.

Traditionally game console developers unveil video game consoles once in about five years and utilizing latest technologies to enable dramatic improvements of experience and quality of games. However, the success of Nintendo Wii, which features outdated graphics and does not provide very simplistic features like DVD playback, may actually force Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. to reconsider their priorities and release next-generation game consoles sooner than expected. If this happens, next-generation PlayStation and Xbox would not feature components with breakthrough features and performance, but would be substantially more consumer friendly.

“For strategic reasons, we launched the 360 four years after original… Our belief is that the Xbox 360 will have a very long life cycle. It is much different than the original Xbox,” said Microsoft studios’ corporate vice Shane Kim told New York Times reporter Seth Schiesel, reports Gamesindustry.biz web-site.

Microsoft released its Xbox 360 in November, 2005, therefore, its replacement should normally be ready by late 2010, which means that the company has to make all the design decisions this year. But by prolonging life-cycle of the Xbox 360 Microsoft shows confidence that its Xbox 360 will still be able to deliver great gaming experience even in 2010.

Ken Kutaragi, the former chief of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., said prior to the launch of the PlayStation 3 that it would have ten years lifetime.

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