Xbox 360: choices, choices, choices
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Apr 20th 2005 at 2:35PM }
According to "inside" reports, Microsoft is
still planning to launch with two versions of the Xbox 360, with the higher-end model apparently packaged with
Microsoft's WebTV system—and have backwards compatibility courtesy of a built-in hard drive. WebTV would bring
basic Internet functionality to your home entertainment system, including a web browser, email, and IM. Some
sources speculate that 80% of the Xbox 306 launch units will be the higher-end models.
With that figure in mind, and without reliable price quotes, it's difficult to say whether or not the lower-end model will be severely crippled; or even worth buying. Without backwards compatibility—will it even be able to play all of the next-gen games?—and without many of the multimedia features, it seems like Microsoft is just throwing this model out there to attempt to compete with Sony's lower-end PS3 (yes, there will likely be multiple PS3s) and the Nintendo Revolution. It's too early to call, but Microsoft still has a lot of choices to make, as do we…
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Matt @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I'm already pretty turned off by the 360. I HATE the idea of microtransactions, and the whole "you're screwed if you don't feel like paying monthly" mentalility that seems to be coming along with this thing is a joke to me. The only thing that has made me want the system is the HD focus. Nothings worse than playing 480i and 480p games on an HDTV. The thing is, I'm sure Sony is thinking along the same terms. I have a feeling the PS3 is going to be the way to go. If nothing else, it's going to have blu-ray. That to me is a major plus.
PrettyObvious @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Your not being forced to pay microtransactions. If you dont feel like paying dont. Im sure the 360 will have some type of annual payment system much like Xbox Live does and how would the system not being backwards compatible hinder it from playing all of the next gen games, Make any sense?
David @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
To me, it just seems to early to release a new Xbox console. Seems like a Madden-esque type upgrade instead of a brand new console. Sony has Blu-ray at least as an upgrade and who knows what Nintendo has up their sleeves (even though I will probably pass on that console since I am older than 15).
Just like I waited for the PSP instead of going with the DS, I think I can hold off on Xbox until the PS3 comes along. Xbox sales have been good because they had the most powerful machine. Sony will have the more powerful machine this go around and I think MS will suffer for this.
nod @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I doubt there will be two versions of the next xbox -- there are just soooooo many reasons.
PrettyObvious @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
#3 your very wrong. Im an early adopter of the first Xbox because of the reason you want to wait for PS3. I learned that having the most powerful system does nothing for sales. PS2 had more than a years heads start against the Cube and Xbox, Microsoft realizes this which is why we are seeing the 360 this year, before competition gets out on the market.
victor torres @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
i have a funny feeling that all of these different models of xbox and playstations are the death knell for the video game industry. what happened to just making a game system an inexpensive and fun diversion? oh yeah, that's what Nintendo is for (#3). i'm not saying that i won't buy in and get all three consoles, but it just seems like Microsoft and Sony are out for cash and not for innovation and fun experiences in gaming.
Clint @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Earth to Victor...If you think Nintendo isn't in it for the money....when's the last time your Ds or kiddy Pokemon game was free? They are all in it for the stinking money...If they weren't why even start a business. The whole purpose is to make money. Sony is trying to make money by being the best. Seems like a good plan to me.
Clint @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
If Nintendo weren't in it for the money, they'd have a new character instead of Mario. Heck he's been used to death because he brings in...guess what MONEY!
Hydro @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
two versions of a console is great only if developers are forced to support both. it would be pointless to have an xbox 360 that had a hard drive if only some games that are programed for it to work. if all games support it, then i dont see a problem
nod @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Sony already made a mistake with their hard drive for the PS2. What a wank that turned out to be. Microsoft will either do it, or they won't -- there won't be two versions of their console.
Ken @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
They should make an Xbox 360 that has a 5 disc changer and looks good with other components.
I know I'll end up buying both of these sure to be kickass systems so I'm not even sweating the details.
Russell @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
How often do you guys re-read over your blog posts?
victor torres @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
sorry folks - i wasn't saying that Nintendo wasn't in it for the money. What I was trying to say is that it seems that Nintendo wants an even trade off for your money. Fun and innovation for a price - but no add ons or micro payments or monthly fees. I would rather support a company that likes their video games to be entertaining and interesting than one that makes crap hoping people will buy it and then pay more money to make it better (extra maps/game modes/items). And again, it's not like I am not going to buy all the systems anyways - I like the exclusives (Mario, Halo, Final Fantasy) on every system.
sandro @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Microsoft has to do more than that, what about creating franchisings? instead of releasing a stupid Xbox with WebTV in it!! I think PS3 will be the way to go, not only because it's Sony, but because of the PSP. I have PS2, Xbox, GameCube, GameBoy Advanced and PSP.
Clint @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Victor...if the other companies besides Nintendo weren't making fun or interesting games, do you think the PS2 would be flying off store shelves like it is? If Nintendo's games were that much fun they wouldn't be in last place.
tpp @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I understand the reasons why Microsoft wants to integrate everything and the kitchen sink into XBox, but WebTV??? Come'on! That thing was dead years ago. Not a single gamer will want to use it.
To me it feels like yet another excuse to bump up the XBL subscription fee up a few dollars. "XBox Live Next Premium accounts, only $64.99 / year, for the extra $5 you get free 10MB email, cool eXtreme MSN services, yadda yadda yadda". That would be some seriously foobared thinking on MS' part.
But we'll see in a month or so.
Vanu @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Have you ever even played all of sony's games? 99% of them get repetitive in 5 days and boring in 30 Planetside and EQ were good yes but EQ II is totally bad and PSP has more glitches then i can count, Planetside is just basically dieing now and Xbox "360" is the way to go why well 3 reasons.
1. It's xbox!! the ones who brought you Halo, Halo2, Fable, all those sweet ass games and now their trying to make RPG's like JAde Empire and the soon to come Revaosl, and some others.
2. Sony isn't trying to enlarge their gaming genres i can barely even find a new FPS ever but xbox shoots them out 24, 7. DO you want a company that is not even going to do things to improve the game play except make you pay more money.
3. WebTV is basically just a way to get you to pay more money yes, the email service might be good and the msn is great especially so you can see whos playing at any location see whos online and message them to get online its super sweet.
4. (Just because i like the number 4) PS2 SUCKED!!!! Nintendo has MPrime and i am a fan of the series and even though i won a gamecube for free and gave it away to a friend I love the nintendo and xbox series.
Im not buying NR or PS3 because i hate ps2 so far and im not liking the information i have about PS3 either i already have info about Xbox "360" but because of the non confidentiality agreement i am bound by law to not tell you till its lifted :P
Rodimus Prime @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I think most of you are expecting to much from "BlueRay" -- on what premise outside of storage capacity do you feel this is a major advantage? Nintendo has dealt with smaller capacity disks for years and has consistently produced top notch high quality games. Get off the boat or clearly lay out the advantages of the buzzwords that many of you are using. I'm all ears -- and do agree that BluRay is nice-- but let's not just throw it around like the holy grail.
ill trooper @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
"Mo' Money, Mo' Microtransactions"
Nintendo, while also 'in it for the money,' and a lot longer than Sony and Microsoft, video-game wise, has simply not notified us yet about their ways to get 'more money...'
And... Vanu? Are you wilding? If you think Microsoft wrote Halo, you are bugging. That was Bungie, Microsoft just paid to keep it exclusive. Sony amd Microsoft have gaming divisions but they are only a part of the success of the systems... PS2 is a great platform, when you mention Halo 2, I can respond by saying 'GTA, GTA Vice City, San Andreas, Socom, SSX, and the list goes on... Only with the success of the PS2 could those games even be considered to be made for the XBox... At one point2 years ago, if you weren't making a game for the PS2 you were ignoring over 80% of the market, not a good look.
And I think you meant to type 'Microsoft' when you wrote "DO you want a company that is not even going to do things to improve the game play except make you pay more money..."
Microsoft is the company that has gone on record saying they are going to have 'microtransactions.'
Relax and buy 'em all, that's what all us man-boys do.
Josh @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
#20 you said pretty much what I was thinking. I am not really sure that I am going to get any of the new consoles. Sure I like seeing improved graphics but I don't like seeing improved graphics on games that are just the same thing as before but with the so called improved graphics.
Madden, GTA, Halo, even Mario, they are all getting old to me. I guess that is just the way that the industry is going though.
Oomph @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I believe that Microsoft's intension with "microtransactions" is to create an Amazon.com for XBL gaming that sells mods, downloads and accessories. It's an innovative idea. You guys always skew your comments negative. It's adolescent.
Matt @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Well, in response to #19, I would just like to point out the fact that, unless I'm making the wrong assumption here, you would be able to watch blu-ray movies on the PS3. I think thats a major factor, because I doubt I'll want to buy a blu-ray player until prices go down.
GL @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I myself am going with Xbox 360 and probably PS3. Having played all systems, in my opinion Xbox is easily ahead of all others. Currently I play GTA:SA on PS2, and that is a great game, but playing it on the PS2 with long load times, frequent jitters and lag, makes it frustrating. Once you mod the Xbox, the possibilities are endless. I don't even know what Nintendo did with the Gamecube, my friend has one and the games on it are terrible, very good framerates, graphics and load times, but I just don't have any intent to play the games, and from sales figures, no one else does either. But I am looking forward to the new Zelda. Whenever any of my friends come over we ALWAYS play Xbox: Halo, Halo2, PGR2, Burnout 3, especially with LIVE! #19 I agree with you on Blu-Ray, why don't they come up with better compression methods, look at Apple's new format, 1/4th the size of current ones.
PrettyObvious @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Microsoft did its thing in this console race. Being that they were new to the video game industry and Sony had already established its name in households with the PS1 plus its one year head start those are basically the only reasons it won. Games? Lets see, whenever a multiplatform game is released which version is better? Xbox. The GTA series is better on Xbox, Burnout is better on Xbox, SSX better on Xbox, I dont have to continue.
People say Nintendo is the only company that will change the industry. Xbox Live has changed the way we play videogames on a console and is by far the most innovative thing done for consoles thus far. As far as Nintendo not revealing its Revolution at E3, due to the thought they expect Sony & Microsoft to steal its ideas. Im pretty sure both companies will offer some type of online service much like Xbox Live has now (they would be stupid if they dont).
Smart Guy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Gamers beware!
Before choosing a next gen. console read these fact about sony making fool out of you.
-Sony have said that cell is 10 times more powerful than any current PC processor.it will generate 256 gigaflops of processing power.actuually ATI's X850 XT Platinum edition generates 207 gigaflops of processing power,that is definitly not 10 times less than that of cell.The reason Sony have not considered GPUs is that GPU is not a general purpose processor(for graphics only).Nowadays PC games totally rely on GPU power.By the end of this year ATI are releasing R520 which will be able to generate more than 400 gigaflops of power.The most processing is required only by the graphics.Cell might look fancy now but compare it with the GPUs of the time when PlayStation 3 will release.With a single cell and Nvidia GPU(custom) ,based on this and the next generation technology,PS3 wont be able to beat xbox360(with next gen ATI card and total 1 teraflop)and up coming PCs .By the time of release,PS3 wont be any different from what PS2 was at its time of release.Sony have been calling cell "supercomputer on a chip when its not even close to the supercomputers of nowadays.
IMPORTANT:If yo have heard that PS3 will contain 4 cell,this is totally wrong.What sony have told to BBC,CNET and CNN is that PS3's cell chip will be capable of 256 gigaflops and will run faster than 4GHz.The rumer of 4 Cells was spread by Nicholas Blachford,who has no relation with SONY,PLAYSTATION or CELL. Actually Sony are even having problems putting a single full Cell because the technology is new and they have to look for keeping the price down.
-"a chain is as strong as its weakest link"
PS3's weakest link is bluray.bluray is an unmature tech and is still under development.The data transfer rate of best bluray drives avaialable is 4 to 5 times less than that of best DVD drives.BLURAY is not nice for loadinng high detailed textures of nextgen games at 60 frames per second.This means by the time of fall 2007 developers of games of that time will have to cut detail to make the game run smooth and to decrease loading time.
Smart Guy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
-:BREAKING NEWS:-
SONY IS ROLLING BACK THE BLURAY TECHNOLOGY
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/r/?page=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/news/news_story.php(que)id=117397
Smart Guy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
THIS IS WITH THE PREVIOUS ENTRY
READ SECOND NEWS ON 14 April 2005
Rodimus Prime @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
#22: Don't you think its a bit early to place bets on which next gen HD video platform will win out -- Let's not forget the age old Beta issue ... at this point, unless you want to limit yourself to sony distributed films... I wouldn't place all my chips on Sony's HD platform. However, I do think the parties will come to their senses and get this sorted... But until then, don't consider the PS3 a bargain for movie watching -- you may find yourself wanting Toshiba's platform...
EKGTI @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I don't see what the big deal is with the PS3 having a BluRay. I'm glad MS isn't jumping on the bandwagon too soon, because formats and the BR hardware will surely improve over the next few years. And when I'm buying a Bluray for my new badazz HDTV, I want to make sure I'm getting a good one and not just the one Sony bundles. There is a noticeable quality difference in DVD players...even today.
And I like having a separate component for games and for movie watching.
Also, when PS3 comes out, will a few remastered Bluray discs really be reason enough to jump on the new tech? If so, why? Just so you can tell everyone you have it?
I've rather wait for the right machine and the right reason. It's funny to think about it, but I'd bet that most people that will buy a PS3 won't even have the proper TV to take advantage of the tech.
Of course, I hope that all three systems are awesome and it's hard to choose. But make it about the quality of the gaming experience, not movies.
Matt @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I'm willing to bet that Blu-ray will be the standard, and I said that it was a plus for the PS3, not the reason I'd get it. I didn't say I wouldn't get a Blu-ray player eventually. I said I would rather wait until the prices came down. I have an HDTV and I want to watch HD movies to use my tv to its potential. I rent movies a lot, so I'm not looking for remastered movies. Blu-ray movies would look better on the PS3 than DVD's do on my current DVD player. Finally, I do think the PS3 will be a better gaming system. I always liked the PS2 more than the XBox with the exception of the slightly better graphics.
kobeesemperor @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Having two types of systems will not matter! One will be more "customized" than the other, but the games will play on both and with flash memory cards you can save your games with both. However, if you want more options than buy the bigger set up! If you want to just play games and be able to save them with the flash cards then buy that, please people stop your whining. By the way, if you are a true gamer than there will be things to like about all three new systems!
The Jeremy @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
No matter if its the Xbox 360 or the PS3, I want the console to be able to turn on/off with a remote control. I really hate having to manually turn on/off my Xbox if I want to use it as a DVD player. You shouldn't have to mod your Xbox Yoshi-style with a garage door opener device to remotely turn the thing on and off. Make it so, Microsoft and Sony.
Matt @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Jeremy, I am with you 100%. That is something that bothered me immensely about both current systems. They want to make these systems fit in with our other multimedia devices, they really should make that happen.
SlyOneil @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
Im still getting a 42in HDTV along with my 'XboxNext' this Christmas. So you Sissy's can keep crying about it's too soon for NextGen.
Truth be told I have never owned a Playstation but I've owned Nintendo, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast & Xbox. In this NextGen race I know I'll own the 'XboxNext', day one. Personally I want my Xbox to access the latest Music [Audio/Videos].
You guys can talk all u want about BlueRay Disc, but I'm done buying DVD's. My best Friend spend hundreds of dollars collecting VHS tapes, then had to spend even more switching to DVD's. I have learned HIS lesson. I'm getting hooked up to HDTV from 'DirecTv' or 'Dishnetwork'.
See you later suckas.
GGGGGGGG-UNIT.
Fat piggy. @ Dec 18th 2005 9:59PM
I am ready for the Xbox 360.
PC will always be better than any console, sure.. the consoles might hold its own pretty strongly when they first come out.. but half a year later, newer gfx cards will easily overtake the consoles no problems.
I have a 51" and a 42" plasma so im ready for HDTV.