New rumors indicate Microsoft may not be able to release their next generation console in 2013. The news comes during the same time in which multiple other sources stated one of either Sony's or Microsoft's consoles would be pushed to 2014.

The latest report comes via SemiAccurate, who believe there is a big problem with the Xbox 720's processor chip. Though the chip, dubbed 'Oban,' appears to be fine in and of itself, SemiAccurate's sources say the yields on production wafers are "painfully low." What that means, is for every wafer, or sheet of silicon chips, created, only a tiny percentage are actually usable. Think of it like a sheet of baseball cards. If one sheet makes 30 cards, but only one card comes out without any issues or defects, that's a bit of a problem. Now imagine that same scenario for a piece of computer hardware that's costing quite a bit of money to produce.

According to these same sources, Microsoft has already spread the development of the 'Oban' chip to multiple facilities in the hopes that one factory will solve the issue. There is mention that Microsoft could sustain a six to eight week delay, and still ship in 2013. However, as the end of 2012 approaches, unless a fabricator has found a way to get more working chips from a given wafer, the likelihood of a fall 2013 launch continues to diminish.

SOURCE: CVG