The vice president of Epic Games has suggested that the next Xbox console could take shape as a gaming tablet.

Speaking at the announcement of Unreal Engine 3 on the iPad, Mark Rein revealed his thoughts about the future of console gaming by suggesting a tablet with Kinect technology built-in could be the way forward for Microsoft.

In his statement, Rein said, “Imagine a future Xbox 360 that is actually a tablet you carry around. It will have more power than 360 does today, with technology like Kinect built right in. Imagine walking into a bar with some friends, propping it up on the table and playing games like Dance Central or Kinect Adventures anywhere you go. Then when you get home that same device will use technology like AirPlay or wireless HDMI to connect to your big screen, you’ll pick up a wireless controller, or use your phone as controller to play games like Gears of War.”

Microsoft revealed earlier this year that a Xbox 720 was not on the way, so it's unlikely that a Xbox tablet will become a reality anytime soon.

Epic Games would be however, well placed to know what lies ahead for the gaming industry, so perhaps there is a little more substance to this seemingly speculative console talk.

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Link: GoRumours