Hollenshead: Microsoft in "best position" to launch next-gen hardware

id Software CEO Todd Hollenshead has told VG247 that Microsoft is in the "best position" to be the first platform holder out the gate with next-gen hardware.

"Somebody’s going to do it, and – to me – probably the player who’s in the best position to do so is Microsoft, because I do think they’ve recouped a lot of the costs of their console," said the exec, speaking at QuakeCon earlier this month.

"Maybe they’ll push the [Xbox 360] to year six – maybe seven – but I’ve got to believe that they’re already planning the transition now, and they have their eye on the ball as to what it is, because I think they see that there are some weaknesses that they can exploit with what’s going on at Sony."

Don't crap your pants just yet, sports fans. We've got a long way to go with the current machines, Todd added.

"I think that how the industry handles this next console transition is crucial. Because the PS3 install base is still a problem for Sony and for PS3 developers; the 360 and PS3 are still at price points that are well above what you’d consider to be mainstream or mass market. We still have very large titles that sell a lot of units across the different platforms. So, as we see that unfold, I think that is going to be the key thing to watch," he said.

To say we had a massive interview with Todd Hollenshead is an understatement. How big is it? Check for yourself. Loads of s**t on Rage, DOOM 4 and that canceled id project, Darkness.