May 27^th, 2004 (12:00am) - According to a recent article from CNN Money, Microsoft may be looking at creating a video game console/PC hybrid for their next foray into the console business.

According to reports, Microsoft and research firm The B/R/S Group have been performing consumer focus tests on what they call "Xbox Next PC," whic is described as a game system that features backwards compatiblity for playing Xbox games, as well as Xbox 2 games. To make the setup even more impressive, the system could even feature a hard-drive and fully functional PC architecture and technology, including a CD burner, DVD player, and built-in access to Xbox Live. Apparently, the system would sell for about $599.

"We would be remiss if we didn’t look at consumer scenarios that take advantage of our strengths," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for Microsoft’s home and entertainment division. "[But] this is one amongst many, many other consumer scenarios that we’re looking at."

"If you put two and two together, there’s no doubt there’s a great opportunity to put the two platforms together," said Moore. "Obviously with a company like Microsoft this is something we have to look into and ask about. Is it actionable today? Probably not, but it’s something we need to look at."

While none of this information actually confirms that Microsoft is indeed working on a new console, it does provide some interesting details as to what the company may be considering for their next console.