Rumors are flying that Microsoft is getting ready for their new entry into the next generation of video game consoles for release in 2015. Since the XBox 360 was released in 2005, it has sold over 50 million consoles, with over half with XBox Live memberships and 20% of users with a new Kinect accessory. With success like that, I can see why Microsoft has decided on a 10 year lifespan for the 360. Now, I am sure between now and the new machine there will be MANY different rumors on specifications, designs, etc., and I can’t wait for the speculation.

Ben Peterson, a graphics designer, posted his online web portfolio recently. Peterson details several projects he is working on, including one for Microsoft. “Collaboration with Microsoft’s IEB design group investigating future user experiences and hardware for 2015,” states Peterson’s entry earlier this month. ZDNet spotted the web portfolio and believes that Peterson has been drafted in by Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business (IEB) to create concept designs for a new Xbox. Peterson also posted an image alongside his portfolio that is difficult to judge. The image appears to show a black device with sharp edges (see below).