Leaked internal Microsoft memo for next-gen platform states system will be "tolerant of today's Internet."

Numerous reports have claimed Microsoft's next Xbox will require an Internet connection to function, but these assertions are false, according to an internal Microsoft memo obtained by Ars Technica.

"Durango is designed to deliver the future of entertainment while engineered to be tolerant of today's Internet," reads a line from the memo, reportedly sent to all full-time staffers working on the next Xbox.

"There are a number of scenarios that our users expect to work without an Internet connection, and those should 'just work' regardless of their current connection status," it goes on. "Those include, but are not limited to: playing a Blu-ray disc, watching live TV, and yes playing a single-player game."

It is not clear when the memo was sent to developers. A Microsoft representative told GameSpot, "We're excited to share more about the new generation of games, TV, and entertainment on May 21, but have nothing further to share at this time."

Most recently, noted Windows blogger Paul Thurrott claimed the Xbox 720 will require an Internet connection to function, but suggested that the feature "isn't as Draconian as many seem to believe."

Microsoft is widely believed to formally unveil its next Xbox during an intimate event at the company's headquarters in Redmond, Washington on May 21.

This announcement will "mark the beginning of a new generation of games, TV, and entertainment." The event will be streamed through Xbox.com, Xbox Live, and Spike TV in the United States and Canada.

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