Next Xbox Won’t Play Used Games, Will Require Internet Connection [Report]

A recent report suggests that the next Xbox console won’t play used games. Folks who flock to the new machine will also need an “always on” internet connection.

Although rumors have been swirling that the next generation of consoles wouldn’t support previously-owned games, the new report claims the new Xbox will make this a reality.

According to Kotaku, each game will ship with a unique activation code. Once this has been inputted, the game becomes associated with your machine. If you lend the title to your friend to try, then he or she may not be able to play it.

This news could also spell certain doom for the likes of GameStop, a company that makes a considerable amount of money on used software. The retailer is struggling as it is; between 500 and 600 locations will close over the course of 2013.

The inability to play used games isn’t the only deal breaker that could be on the table. Edge reports that the new Xbox will require gamers to have a dedicated internet connection. Prospective buyers without “always on” net access may need to rethink their purchase.

As for what’s under the hood, the website explained:

“Our source has also confirmed that the next Xbox’s recently rumoured specs are entirely accurate. That means an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics solution and 8GB of DDR3 RAM. As of now, the console’s hard drive capacity is said to be undecided, but Microsoft’s extended commitment to online delivery suggests that it will be the largest unit it has put inside a console to date.”

Information about Sony and Microsoft’s next generation of consoles is slowly starting to leak online. Sony is all set to unveil the PS4 at a New York City press event on February 20.

Are you looking forward to the next Xbox? Will you buy the machine if it doesn’t support used games?