Microsoft confirms next Xbox will not be at E3 this year

Microsoft has moved to manage expectations ahead of its E3 show in June and announced that it will definitely not unveil an Xbox 360 successor at the event - "or anytime soon".

A statement handed to Kotaku explained that Microsoft's focus for the rest of 2012 is its current-gen machine.

Here it is in full:

"While we appreciate all the interest in our long-range plans for the future, we can confirm that there will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon.

"For us, 2012 is all about Xbox 360-and it's the best year ever for Xbox 360. The console is coming off its biggest year ever-a year in which Xbox outsold all other consoles worldwide. Xbox 360 didn't just outsell other consoles, it also outsold all other TV-connected devices like DVD players, as well as digital media receivers and home theatre systems. And in our seventh year, we sold more consoles than in any other year-defying convention.

"This year, we will build on that Xbox 360 momentum. With Halo 4, Forza Horizon, Fable: The Journey and other great Kinect games on the way, our 2012 Xbox lineup is our strongest ever.

"This year, we will deliver more TV, music, and movie experiences for Xbox 360-as we'll make it even easier to find and control your all entertainment. And this year, Xbox games, music, and video are coming to Windows 8 so people can enjoy their Xbox entertainment wherever they go."

Sony has also stated that it will not be showing off a PlayStation 4 at this year's E3. Nintendo's new home console, the Wii U, is expected on shelves before the end of 2012.