Microsoft held its keynote address yesterday (January 6, 2010) during CES 2010, during which there were several notable game-related announcements.

The keynote starred Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO, and included a power problem and a few handoffs to other execs (esp. Robbie Bach). It featured a tree-pronged approach TV, “cloud” and NUI (natural user interface) technology.

Here’s a bullet-point list of all the gaming announcements Microsoft had to offer:..

The Xbox 360 was the first console to boast next generation graphics when it launched in 2005 and, four years later, the Xbox 360 is stronger than ever.

The original Xbox saw its successor after it spent four years on the shelves. That won’t happen this time according to Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices Division. He told the Mercury News that Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony systems will more than likely have longer life cycles than previous consoles.

Microsoft isn’t focused on introducing the most powerful and pretty console as much as it is interested in getting as…

There were rumors swirling around in 2008 about Microsoft considering adding Blu-ray functionality to the Xbox 360. There was even a supposed deal between Samsung and Toshiba to manufacture external Blu-ray drives for the Xbox 360. While we sure thought that Microsoft would have no other choice but to adapt Blu-ray after HD-DVD lost the format war, Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices Division says there’s no reason for Microsoft to consider such a plan.

In an interview with TechFlash Bach gave a few reasons why we should stop thinking Microsoft will jump on the Blu-ray bandwagon…