Here at Reg Hardware, it's difficult to keep track of which rumours we see more of, forthcoming Apple products, or whispers of next-gen game consoles. Either way, here's another one of the latter.

Microsoft has allegedly signalled to its partners that plans for the Xbox 720 will indeed be details at the E3 2012 games show, MCV reports.

Meanwhile, executives at Sony have pledged to developers that it will not be left behind by its rival and will therefore follow suit.

While neither company is expected to reveal prices or launch dates for their respective consoles, the unveiling could be a competitive distraction for Nintendo, which will be disclosing final Wii U details around the same time.

If the rumours are to be believed - and that's a big 'if' - then it would mark the first time in the E3 event's 17-year history that three upcoming consoles will be available for a direct comparison.

Yesterday, the rumour mill threw up an indication that the Xbox 720 would also feature DVR capabilities. I guess we'll find out if that's the case this June... perhaps. ®