Next-gen Xbox will require constant net connection

The next-gen Xbox will require a constant internet connection and activation codes, ruling out reselling, Edge has reported.

Citing "sources with first-hand experience" of the Xbox 720, Edge reported that the new console will require a constant internet connection, as well as activation codes for purchased games, in order for the games to function — effectively ruling out reselling and trading.

The report also noted that although the new machine will be focused much more heavily on online, physical copies of games will still be available on 50GB Blu-ray discs, meaning that the new console will catch up to the PlayStation as a Blu-ray player.

Edge's source then confirmed the leaked specs that have been flying around the internet.

The always-online and activation code combination is one that several games publishers have been experimenting with as a means to counteract piracy, most notably Electronic Arts, to the ire of gamers. Lending, selling and trading games is an integral part of gamer culture, so we hope that, if this rumour is true, Microsoft has a solution up its sleeve — reusable codes that are keyed to specific discs, for example.

Microsoft has not commented on the next-gen Xbox to date.