This is an old rumor that has started making the rounds again. There’s no real founding to it other than “sources.” If blocking used games is something that’s done on the next Xbox, that would mean no more buying games a couple weeks after they come out, used. No more browsing the used bin in a few years finding some goodies for 5 or 10 bucks.

Video game retailer Gamestop thinks its a bad idea too. GameStop spokesman Matt Hodges said, “We know the desire to purchase a next-generation console would be significantly diminished if new consoles were to prohibit playing pre-owned games, limit portability or not play new physical games.” When asked to comment on the issue, Microsoft said they don’t comment on rumors.

Another interesting rumor about “Xbox 720” is that it will require an always on internet connection. This is similar to some games on the PC market such as Diablo 3. While it’s true that almost everyone has internet at home, it doesn’t mean everyone has a properly networked home. Furthermore, there are people who simply don’t want to play online and be connected, and there are instances where a parent won’t want that either. Another downside would be, what if your internet service went out? Or you just moved into a new place and haven’t gotten the utilities up yet. I guess that means no Xbox for you. We think this is also a bad idea.

Microsoft’s next Xbox is said to be announced sometime this year, likely in March. The console as of yet, doesn’t have an official name, although it is codenamed Durango internally at Microsoft. Rumored names so far include Xbox Next, Xbox 720 & Xbox 3. The rumored next gen Xbox specs are an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics solution and 8GB of DDR3 RAM.

No matter what decisions are made with the console, at the end of the day consumers will decide with their wallets. What do you think of the rumor about Microsoft forcing you to only buy new games for the next Xbox?