New Xbox rumours increase...

The first real suggestions of a new Xbox console this year have come out today from a somewhat surprising source.

During an interview with Videogamer.com, the president of US retailer Gamestop hinted that he had some information relating to a new console from Microsoft being released prior to next year.

Tony Bartlet was being interviewed about the company’s revenue expectations for the coming year when he let the information ‘slip’.

“The problem is that we just – we have one console, and we have some knowledge that we can share, more knowledge that we can’t.

"We also have knowledge of the second console, but I’d rather that be out in the public before we discuss our digital goals for 2014.”

The first console mentioned is obviously the PS4, which will be a big earner for retailers, and the second is presumably a planned Microsoft console.

Microsoft has given little away when it comes to their next-gen plans, and many are eagerly awaiting an announcement to mirror that made by Sony earlier in the year.

Although it’s clear Bartlet can’t wait to spread the information he has, Gamestop’s financial officer Robert Lloyd attempted to dampen the rumours with his own interview.

“As of now, there’s been one console announced for a fourth quarter launch. Guidance at the low end of the ranges reflects that one console coming to market," he said.

"Guidance at the high end of the ranges reflects the launch of a second console, should one be announced.

“We are making broad assumptions about launches within the guidance, as we do not have launch date information for quantities, prices or available software.”

Other rumours have suggested an Xbox event will be held on April 26 and this will be the platform upon which the next-generation of Xbox is launched.