Next Gen Xbox Rumored to Include Tablet Component

GameSpot reports that the Xbox 360's successor will come complete with a tablet component, similar to that used by Nintendo's Wii U.

According to the report, the next-generation console will consist of a tablet PC that wirelessly connects to a base station. In theory, that means the system would support three distinct control schemes: a traditional controller, touch via the tablet, and motion courtesy of Kinect's successor. 

Though the suggestion is highly speculative, there's some solid reasoning behind the rumors. As of late, Microsoft has been implementing their touch-screen friendly Metro interface everywhere from phones to Windows 8 to the new Xbox 360 dashboard.

It's also easy to read into the way this current generation panned out as a sort of cautionary tale. Nintendo produced an innovative controller, and Microsoft and Sony both scrambled to make competing devices. If Microsoft is worried about the Wii U's success, it's reasonable that they'd want to offer a similar setup right out of the box.

These new rumors surface amid heavy speculation that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will make some announcement about their next-gen hardware during tonight's CES keynote presentation, which kicks off at 9:30 ET. Check back later tonight for a full rundown of any important announcements.