THQ, fresh off winning a whole bunch of dollars at the expense of toy maker Jakks Pacific re: WWE video games, said yesterday that Microsoft’s Project Natal will launch “late next year.” And if you believe that…

Two weeks ago, Steve Balmer said that Natal would launch next year. Microsoft then came out and said, “Whoa, whoa, slow down. We don’t have any release date just yet, so hold your horses.” To that effect, at least.

Then there was the rumor that, yes, Natal would launch next year, but as part of a new Xbox revision.

Your best bet is to pretend Natal doesn’t exist, then when Microsoft announces its actual release date, you can pretend to be happy and surprised.