Microsoft Xbox 720 to Feature Wii U-esque Touch Screen Controller

Fresh speculation suggests that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox will take a slice out of Nintendo's cake, featuring its own touch screen tablet-like controller.

According to Xbox World magazine, a number of unnamed sources have confirmed several details regarding the currently fictional Xbox 720's design.

The magazine reported that the next Xbox will be "a matt-black media hub with a mission to bring games to life in your living room with augmented reality, directional sound, and a four-player, finger-tracking Kinect."

Additionally, not letting a lack of official word get in the way, the company alleged that Microsoft was working on a tablet like controller. The controller will reportedly be similar in size to Sony's recently released PlayStation Vita handheld.

"That touchcreen will be second only to Kinect in how you operate your console," wrote Xbox World magazine. "It could be a remote control when you're watching TV, a browser when you're on the internet, extra buttons and information when you're playing a game or a portable display when you want to take your game with you."

The rumour follows on from a previous report from consumer site GameSpot UK, also suggesting the device would have a tablet controller. As well as re-hashing the previous E3 2012 unveiling rumour, in its report GameSpot alleged that the device would be "some kind of insane multicore CPU and crazy powerful graphics chipset" complete with its own Wii U-esque tablet controller.

Specifically, the site reported that the new Xbox would be the next step in Microsoft's ongoing effort to unify its Windows, mobile and Xbox platforms. The move would see the company completely overhaul the design of the Xbox so that rather than a stand alone unit, the device would include a bespoke tablet controller that wirelessly connects to a base station plugged into the TV.

According to GameSpot the tablet will likely run using the same Windows 8 Metro interface currently seen on the Xbox 360's Dashboard. Additionally, not letting a lack of formal information slow it down, GameSpot reported that the unit will probably contain the - also rumoured - high-definition Kinect Microsoft are allegedly developing.

None of this has been confirmed by Microsoft.