New Xbox 360 Models Scheduled for Future Release, Project Natal (Still) on Track [Steve Ballmer Hints at “New Form Factors, Pricing Points & Options”; Project Natal Coming This Christmas]

Speaking at the University of Washington about cloud computing, which basically represents the future of computing and pretty much everyone in the business is moving towards it, Steve Ballmer managed to grab everyone’s attention again. But we’re not exactly interested in cloud computing as much as we’re interested in Microsoft’s Xbox plans considering that by Christmas time Project Natal will be arriving to our doors.

Steve Ballmer talked about cloud computers but he also mentioned the Xbox 360 more than once. He did confirm that Project Natal is still coming these holidays, not that we ever doubted that Microsoft would shot itself in its gaming foot and postpone it to some time later. That’s what they did with Windows Phone 7 and their own tablet, the Courier, so we can at least count on them to deliver Project Natal on time.

Steve Ballmer also mentioned something Xbox 360 lovers were probably expecting. While there’s no need for current Xbox 360 owners to get a brand new console in order to make Project Natal-based titles work, Microsoft might launch a totally redesigned Xbox 360 in the future.

Here’s what Microsoft’s CEO said about the future Xboxes:

We may have more form factors in the future that are designed for various price points and options, but we think it’s going to important.

In other words Microsoft will pull a Sony-like move and offer us a “new” console. Such a move could prove to be quite popular with fans which will probably be more than willing to ditch the old Xbox 360 in favor of the brand new version.

The PlayStation 3 Slim became a hit not because it brought on tremendous new features but because Sony decided to redesign it and finally make it cheaper.

Steve Ballmer did not mention when those new Xbox 360 consoles will hit the stores but we have plenty of time to waste until Christmas 2010. That’s when some very special Project Natal + Xbox 360 bundles could find their ways under our trees.