According to The Verge, anonymous sources suggest that the new console is "smaller and

denser" than the Xbox 360 with "newly designed controllers that are said to be 'flattened'

in appearance."

I hope they don't change the controller too much because that thing is nearly perfect.

Microsoft is also said to be prepping a new dashboard update for the Xbox 360 to prepare

for the transition to its new console. The update will reportedly enter beta in late

June or early July with a final release planned for August, and will feature a user interface

update to more closely align with smaller Live Tiles like those coming to Windows 8.1.

Microsoft is also allegedly "tweaking the look of the Xbox dashboard, with the possibility

of darker or lighter themes."

The report also suggests that Microsoft "is aiming to ensure Xbox 360 users can transition

over to the next-generation console and interact with existing 360 users using messaging, beacons,

and achievements."

Their sources also reportedly confirmed last week's rumor that Microsoft will abandon Microsoft

Points in its new console and say that the reveal event for the console will include

details about its integrated broadcast TV features.

For now, these are still rumors, but we'll find out official details in just four days

when Microsoft reveals its next-gen Xbox on May 21st.

Be sure to tune into IGN's pre-show beginning at 9:00 a.m. Pacific for our coverage, which

will also feature special guest Peter Molyneux, the creator of Fable.

Until then, stay tuned to IGN.