While Microsoft isn't saying exactly how long it will continue to support the current Xbox after the Xbox 360's release next year, gamers can expect new games well into 2006/2007. This echoes Sony's strategy of continuing support for the original PlayStation several years after the PS2's launch.
Microsoft is touting that more than 200 Xbox titles will be released this year and "hundreds more in 2006 and beyond". It will also continue to sell Xbox consoles for the next few years, as well as support Xbox Live. In an official statement, Microsoft said: "As a business we are still dedicating budget in media and retail marketing programs to support 1st party and 3rd party publishers through 2007."