Details of an immersive video games display system that projects images of the title's environment around a player's room have been revealed in a US patent belonging to Microsoft.
The Xbox maker describes extending graphics beyond the edges of a TV to "make the experience more realistic".
A spokesman said he could not comment about when a product might be released.
Sony appears to be pursuing a different strategy. A video from the firm hints at a new augmented-reality headset.
Both firms are expected to announce details of their next-generation consoles in 2013.
Their rival, Nintendo, will provide more detail about the release of its Wii U games machine at a New York event on Thursday.
BBC News - Microsoft Xbox 3D-projected games outlined in patent
The Xbox maker describes extending graphics beyond the edges of a TV to "make the experience more realistic".
A spokesman said he could not comment about when a product might be released.
Sony appears to be pursuing a different strategy. A video from the firm hints at a new augmented-reality headset.
Both firms are expected to announce details of their next-generation consoles in 2013.
Their rival, Nintendo, will provide more detail about the release of its Wii U games machine at a New York event on Thursday.
BBC News - Microsoft Xbox 3D-projected games outlined in patent