Details of the next generation Xbox console are finally emerging, and I want one. In particular, I want the rumoured premium version, which will apparently have a decent removable hard drive and backwards compatibility with first-generation Xbox titles. If it exists.
I’m hoping that Microsoft does the smart thing with Xbox 360 and includes its Media Center software, or at least a version of it. We’ve already seen Windows Media Center Extender for Xbox, which enables you to hook an Xbox up to a Windows Media Center network (either by wires or wirelessly), but Microsoft should go further: a next-gen games console with full, TiVo-style functionality would be fantastic and a no-brainer purchase.
On a related note, discussion of the new Xbox design on various gadget sites has led to a rash of postings from some of the more excitable members of the Apple fan community, who’ve dismissed it on the grounds that as the casing is white, Microsoft is clearly ripping off Apple. Perhaps they should pop over to Comet.co.uk and damn these blatant Apple plagiarists:
OMG WTF they’ve so totally ripped off the iBook!!!!!!!!!
Then again, sometimes they have a point.
Comments
0 responses to “All I want for Christmas is an Xbox 360”
>>…I want one.
I’m not convinced I do.
>>I want the rumoured premium version…
I thought that rumour went away when they decided not to use the Xbox neXt name? Apparently the removable hard disk will be a reality but I seriously doubt the backwards compatibility thing. Sony made such a big deal out of it on the PS2 and the xbox community are continually asking about it – I seriously doubt it will happen. Too much money to pay to nvidia to make it worthwhile.
>>I’m hoping that Microsoft does the smart thing with Xbox 360 and includes its Media Center software,
Doubt it.
I’m beginning to think the whole xbox2 thing (I refuse to use the real name yet as it is too stupid) is another case of overhype. I doubt it will have any of the stuff that people are claiming. The wireless seems to be a definate though – which is crap if you happen to have 4 xbox controllers and don’t want to have to buy any more.
If I was to choose this time then I think the PS3 is a better choice. The *only* thing, so far that microsoft has on it’s side is Live! – last time they had technical superiority which sony will have this time round.
I don’t think MS have played this right.
I think the extra money for the premium version is to pay the nvidia royalties. As far as I know, it hasn’t been shelved.
> [media center] Doubt it.
You’re probably right. WebTV will likely be all you get.
> If I was to choose this time then I think the PS3 is a better choice
Anything in particular?
Xbox vs PS2
Xbox better online (no equivalent sony service although console capable)
Xbox more powerful (PS2 emotion engine pretty powerful but more difficult to program)
Xbox has hard disk, PS2 Optional
PS2 has more games- very few xbox only games worthwhile (Halo is exception) PS2 exclusives better.
Better PS2 peripherals. (eye-toy, etc)
Xbox2 Vs PS3
PS3 more powerful
Xbox live service still more developed.
No standard hard disk on either (so there will be no games utilising it)
PS3 has more existing developers so more games. Existing franchises extremely good (Gran Turismo, GTA)
Basically if Sony get their finger out and sort out the online service then they have a shot of killing the xbox this time.
After choosing the PS2 over Xbox, I think that this time, I’ll get the Xbox 2 as the whole online side seems to be so much better on the Xbox than the PlayStation. And Live seems to be a really central part of Xbox 2.
Or I might just buy a DEFAULT DAMAGER ;)
Hahaha :-D
> PS3 has more existing developers so more games. Existing franchises extremely good (Gran Turismo, GTA)
Isn’t MS running around and buying developers left, right and centre? I do agree that the PS has got the better games range, though.
> PS3 more powerful
Aren’t they based on similar processors? I haven’t researched this stuff so I’ve no idea.
> Xbox live service still more developed.
Yeah, as Gusto says it’s at the heart of MS’s plans for the 360. Mind you, Sony has the MMORPGs…
The main reason I want TiVo in the Xbox 360 rather than crappy WebTV nonsense, btw, is a simple one: I’d be able to persuade the lovely wife that it was an essential device for the living room. “Oh look! Turns it it also plays games! How handy!”
>>Aren’t they based on similar processors? I haven’t researched this stuff so I’ve no idea.
Basically similar cores but the “cell” processor is the more advanced (from what I can tell). Also the xbox is due to come out 6 months before the ps3 so it is expected that the final spec may reflect this. Especially if the ps3 isn’t finalised at e3 – they might add more bits.
You’ve got the advantage that your other half is a closet gamer rather than thinking it is a total waste of time. :-(