Xbox 720... The next, Next, NEXT Generation of Entertainment!

I personally find that standing still and complacent is boring. Sure we live in a time of incredible technology and entertainment. Between the Xbox 360, Halo 3, and Transformers on HD-DVD, it has been a Geek-daydream come to fruition! However, all nerds live with the knowledge that a new generation of video game consoles is inevitable (and coming quicker than you think). November 2005 marked the launch of the Xbox 360 and if gaming history has taught us the rules of next-gen introductions (i.e. aprox . five to six year cycles), the inevitable 'Xbox 720' should arrive by November, 2010. All of this, presents me with one simple, unanswered query...

...What's Next?

[Expy]

Even though he pointed out that the article had been written before HD-DVD was dead, it's still pretty funny he even suggest standard HD-DVD.

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Remember the first Playstation and the GameCube? The GameCube had those little disc fo avoid piracy and it worked. Personaly I don't want the disc format anymore at all but I'm just saying, Blu is for movies but it's still not the only option for games.

[VigorousApathy]

He was talking about HD-DVD built in to play the games. If Blu-ray is successful they will have to put a Blu-ray reader in the 720 for movies, but they'll still not want to publish their games using Blu-ray. They'll want their games to use a modified HD-DVD format.

[Gina-get-u]

Now that HD-DVD is dead as a commercial format, it would make the ideal medium for console games. There will be no HD-DVD burners, so console games on HD-DVD will be more difficult, if not impossible, to pirate on a large scale.

[VigorousApathy]

People don't seem to realize that there will probably be a second HD DVD vs. Blu-ray war, this time entirely in the gaming industry. Where PS4's 100 and 200 Blu-ray's will go against 720's 60 GB HD-DVD's.

[Kleptic]

Jason is correct...but I don't think it would be a HD-DVD format, but more of a proprietary disc based on Blu Ray...

Sony is more or less the only company to advertise the standard media format as their 'game format'...the PS1 used standard CD-Rom, despite whatever encryption they used for licensing...Sega did the same thing I believe with the Sega CD and the Saturn...but the Dreamcast used a proprietary CD Rom based media that was basically just a denser disc...

the PS2 used and pushed standard DVD as its gaming format...but I think the original Xbox used a proprietary type of DVD that was slightly different as well (but its drive eye still had the ability to read standard DVDs)...I am not positive, but I believe that is the same format used for the Xbox 360 (DVD9, but can't remember if DVD9 is what the Xbox 1 used)...

the only advantage Sony has is to publishers...in which its the same density blank media disc before its printed...making game production hassle free and easy...the piracy prevention is built into their licensing system, instead of into their format...where as other consoles used a proprietary disc as a further measure...that increased overall printing costs, because special discs needed to be made for that system alone...instead of just using the exact same blank discs as the rest of the electronic industry...

not saying the 360 is like that...the manufacturing of 360 games was no more expensive than last generation...Sony raised the game MSRP to $60 in the US because of the increased costs of game development and the using a new, not yet established, media format...MS simply matched that price, rather than holding onto that cheaper games as an advantage...

my point is only that it would be counter productive for the next Xbox to use a form of HD DVD, which uses a totally different printing and manufacturing process than Blu Ray...If Blu Ray is turning into the standard, it would be far cheaper for MS to aquire some sort of Blu Ray format for the next Xbox...since manufacturing equipment would be tailored exactly for that...

The Blu Ray is 'not needed for gaming' mentality is totally destroyed now though...it doesn't hurt...it only hurt the PS3s launch...and as the format penetrates the electronic market more and more, the costs will fall drastically...It is much more likely for next gen systems to rely on some form of Blu Ray technology than any other format, for that reason alone...

[Silellak]

I still say the XBox Live platform is somewhat wasted until an XBox Handheld comes out.

A multi-console gamertag and multi-console achievements sounds very tempting. Also, people might find the Live Gold a fee a bit easier to swallow if it ALSO meant having the same XBox Live interface on a sleek console system - as long as it stayed at $50 a year for BOTH platforms (as it does for the PC now).

The RRoD issue has made me hesitant to look at any further Microsoft platform - at least on release - but if the next generation includes a tightly-integrated handheld with strong XBox Live support, it would go a long way towards changing that opinion.

[travelguy2k]

but its coming to a Zune near you...

[Cartesian3D]

but .. in my opinion there will be no XBOX720 .. atleast it wont be just an ordinary Console..

because MS didnt make enough money from their GAME division , and making another xbox with reliable hardware and HUGE exclusive games need more budget than before.. (buying more devs and Labour .. means Billions of dollars these days .. )

they havent enough first party studios, so making money with software sales is impossible in 2 or 3 years..

they will support 360 as long as they can.. and will make some money .. and they'll quit this business .. OR

will make sth special , Like DS or Surface or sth else.. who knows..

[Drekken]

Man if that isnt the pot calling the kettle black...

[tatotiburon]

hahaha if someone lost a lot of money, that will be Sony

[Condoleezza Rice]

its gon happen.

[kevoncox]

You do realize that Ms is making a killing in it's gaming division right now right? Between ads, software sales and selling an almost 3 year old console for 20.00 less than its luanch price.

I guess that Ms is making $100.00 off of every console sold.
$50.00 off of the 20 gig HDD
$100 off og the 120 gig

And hundreds of millions off of Software revenue...

Sony is loosing money on ever console sold and not seeling enough software. Who do you think is more in trouble?

[Black_Jack]

yeah making a killing on faulty hardware. yes the sales are high but the rep is covered with sh!t. albeit i love my xbox360 but the statement about ps3's not selling is abit outdated, they sell more than 360's now.

[Jeanne]

All signs point to Microsoft exiting the console market and turning their focus to Vista exclusive gaming.

Console hardware obviously isn't an area Microsoft is able to compete in. The vast majority of Xbox fans are the US pc gamer demographic. Most of the developers who support the Xbox are US pc developers.

It would be a win for everyone. Console gamers would be rid of the poisonous effect Microsoft has had on the console market. PC developers would have Microsoft focusing on and standardizing the PC game market. And Xbox owners wouldn't ever have to worry about Microsoft faulty hardware again and would be able to have all the Xbox services and standard controllers combined with the ability to build and upgrade your own system at will.

[Cartesian3D]

congrats to u .. for saving your last bubble..

I didnt say MS wont make anythin related to GAMING.. I say it wont be sth like 360 ..imo it will be a revolutionary console.. with some unusual features.. like DS or Surface..

anyway in gamerzone u must show some respect for other opinions.. :) grow up

[LJWooly]

The one who is in debt by god-knows-how-many millions of dollars is the one in the most trouble...

[heyheyhey]

@kevoncox

that was retarded

you do know that Sony's game division isn't just the PS3

it's also a successful handheld which they make quite a few quid on, it's also the PS2 which still nearly outsells the 360 in a lot of regions and DOES outsell it by a long shot in Japan

and BTW they don't make a loss one every console sold anymore- that was a thing of a past

M$ has still not turned a penny of profit from their Xbox division, and there problems have barely even started yet- the 3-year warranty is about to end- people who lose their console will not trust M$ again and most will move onto other consoles *cough*PS3*cough*

and who knows if M$ can regain consumer trust with their next console after two consoles with serious problems (one with no games and one with seriously unreliable hardware)

[kevoncox]

Why is MS in debt?
It has prorated a billion dollars for refurbishing consoles..

It hasn't taken a hit for a billion.
It will take proceeds of it's quarterly income. It's not a 1 time hit.
Ms is making money Sony at this point isn't.

You can't dispute that Ms' isn't in a good position.
It's sitting pretty. We are looking at consoles sold and MS is looking at dollars made.

Expect anoth huge profit for this quarter and the 1 after that.
Like I said Ms is making about 100.00 on ever console sold and with Sony barely outselling them and the Ps3 still neck and neck in the visual department, ms has no reason to cut the price.

Add to the fac tthat it's making a killing off of live and the annual fee.

10 million live accounts( lets say 4 million are paying)
50X 4 million = 200 million a year.
Just food for thought. I don't care for Ms but they are far from loosing money this gen. Their business model is s solid 1.

*********************
At heyheyhey.
I just said who is in more trouble. I never said Sony is in trouble. As of right now it's Sony. Ms is making money off of all of their videogame produscts. Sony isn't. Yes the ps2 is still selling and the psp is picking up sales. However, i asked who is in more trouble.
Just food for thought. Also, it's not cool to make fun of diabled people man. Grow up.

I just read the rest of the idiotic crap you spewed.
You think Ms's army of fanboy will abandon the 360. No they are just as diligent as you. Actually Ms's gaming division turned a 350.00 million dollar profit last quarter and will trun about a 300 million dollar profit this quarter as well. As far as not turning a profit, i don't think you should use the Sonydefenseforce as a bases for you info about MS.

[baxter]

SONY doesnt lose money on PS3 anymore.

PS3 costs even less than 400$ now to make
http://gizmodo.com/344141/p... (i am talking about December of lasy year) so it could even be 350$ by now.

M$ loses a lot on every x360. All x360s are exchanged atleast thrice in their lifetime. Most of x360s are already traded in for ps3s in europe though.

SONY's game division actually made profit of 113 million dollars last quarter. expect that to become around 300 million this quarter since ps3 is now chaepaer to produce, SONY would sell around 2 million ps3s during Jan to March and ofcourse around 5m - 10 million ps3 games would be sold at the same time with DMC4 reaching 1.2million/1.5 million on PS3.

SONY IS NOW MAKING MONEY ON PS3 and THEIR GAMING PRODUCTS .
http://www.engadget.com/200...

MS isnt. They lose perhaps 2x on RROD

[heyheyhey]

@kevon

i guess your not as dumb as i thought you were- although that doesn't change the fact that your first post was pretty effing stupid

yeah M$ are making HUGE $$$$$ with live- as for their next console it goes like this:

why did the PS3 pull through after so much criticism and flame from the media and one of the worst launches in history? strong brand recognition for Sony after the great PS1 and PS2

why did it outsell the 360 even with the lack of games? same thing

people just trust Sony to make a good console now- they see Playstation, they want Playstation

after no games for the first Xbox, people were worried about buying the next, but there was no competition at the time so they bought it anyway- then came the RROD

denial from M$ and abysmal customer services ruined a lot of consumer trust and brand recognition- which could seriously affect the next box

also there's the issue of M$ relying heavily on 3rd party exclusives to make up for their feeble 1st party support- it worked and they got games like Gears and Dead Rising, but they might not get as lucky 2nd time around which leaves them with the Xbox 1 issue- few exclusive games

who knows? anything could happen, but all we know now is that brand recognition is stronger than ever for Sony, and there is a lot of bad publicity for M$

just my bored-at-work ramblings (thank you Sillelak) agree with them if you wish and if you don't- i won't really give two squirts a piss

BTW how was i making fun of disabled people? please explain

[LJWooly]

Of course, I too am expecting Microsoft's game division to start turning profit in the next quarter of this year, if things go well for the 360, which I think they might.

I wasn't hating, by the way, it's just that Sony's Playstation division, at this moment in time, is in an arguably better position than Microsoft's Xbox division (note my use of the word 'arguably') due to huge expenses on Microsoft's part (a large portion of that can be attributed to the 'RRoD' problems).

Sony no longer make a loss on each console, because the PS3 is simply becoming cheaper to manufacture.

To be perfectly honest, I don't think either Sony or Microsoft are 'in trouble', we've got quite a while to go before either the Japanese or American giant begins to topple, and I won't hold my breath, either.

Nice to see you put a lot of thought into the second post, though :)

@ heyheyhey: He's talking about you calling him 'retarded', don't worry about it, it's just that someone who, say, knows someone with a physical or mental disability might take offence. I know you didn't mean it like that, though, so it's cool.

[sticky doja]

"It would be a win for everyone. Console gamers would be rid of the poisonous effect Microsoft has had on the console market."

Yah, the poisonous effect they have had, like basically forcing Sony to drop the price of the PS3 from $599 to $399 in less than a year. Pure poison I tell you. Great games, great online, achievements, all poison.

Competition is great in any business, especially video games. It means better games and lower prices.

[IntelligentAj]

When people say that MS Entertainment and Devices division(which includes the Xbox, Zune and PC games amongst others)in debt they mean from the time they entered the gaming market and the XBox specifically. They are including the billions of dollars they lost on the first Xbox. Granted the 360 has turned a profit in the last 2 quarters but how much money have they lost on the 360 since it's been out. That being said the division as a whole is doing fine(as the 360 just turned to profitability) and I'm 99% certain that they will stay in the gaming market seeing that they made a nice dent in the market share.

[meepmoopmeep]

you do realize that Sony also owns the PS2 and PSP and makes money off that and it's software sales and now blu-ray sales as well don't you?

[TheExecutive]

LOL @ everyone. MS will come out with another xbox. The 360 ISNT making a "killing" and the gaming division of Sony is doing just fine. The PS3 may be a little expensive and they arent making money on it right now but the ps2 is a completely different story.

From what I understand of it MS has finally gotten in the black last year. I dont know how much money they are making but it did take them 6 years to make a dime in the videogame industry. EVERYTHING is more expensive for MS because they have very little in-house manufacturing. They have little to no first party studios which means they have to go through an intermediary every time they want to do something.

[potenquatro]

its an aeticle about the next xbox.i bet most of you havn't own a single console other than playstation. ur messing with the disagrees and messing with the flow of the article by claiming stupid sh!t that is made up and doesn't make sense like always. alot of people here don't even want ms to exist. so stfu u console naziz.ms gaming division is more than the 360 and its profitable. on topic. to me 360 was such a big leap from xbox when it came to an integrated network, i don't know what to epect other than having my mind blown.

[rawg]

I think this will be the last generation of game consoles from both Microsoft and Sony.

By the time we're ready for another console, games will be digitally distributed, the Cell chip will be embedded in everything Sony and Toshiba make, and Microsoft will be licensing XBox Live and the Xbox OS to anyone who will buy it.

The next gen will be more about the peripherals, i.e. Rock Bank, Racing Wheels, GunCon, WiiMote, PSEye, etc.

[Lacarious]

no gamer in their right mind will be purchasing this console on day 1. Only way I see it being successful is if they issue a 3 year warranty on day 1.

[sak500]

I think you got it mixed up in your head. We dint have to wait 1 year for quality games. People who bought it on launch started enjoying next gen gaming from get go. I bought mine in Jan, the games like dead rising, kameo, PDZ, PGR3 + many more were all in launch window.

[craymoogy]

and all of the games you mentioned are not that good.

[BLUR111]

I don't see why people they are calling it Xbox720 when they called the second 360 cause it was ment refering as a community 360 .. a gaming system that go's like a 360 around ppl. thats what ms said ,idk ppl are simple

[potenquatro]

i got the 360 on day one and the ps3 on day one. after loosing 200 dollars and still lacking some features, so far the ps3 has been the disapointing one. how do you get agrees?

[rmedtx888]

What's Next???? Read Ring of Fire? They better fix the current console problems before trying to push for a next one.

[ruibing]

This time they need to build more tests during their design phase instead of trying to rush out their product before their competitors. And they should integrate more features, like Wifi and HDD, in all their SKUs instead of making them expensive, proprietary add-ons.

[TwissT]

As long as they test the new console frequently before they launch it. I will be happy.

[wAtdaFck]

I'll buy this console if:

-Mulitplayer is FREE (has always been since eternity, don't change it)
-WiFi is included
-RELIABLE (RROD)
-Doesn't scratch disk (Thats stupid hardware design)
-M$ doesn't dime and nickle us (i.e. overpriced HDD's, Memory Sticks, WiFi Adaptors)

[Bnet343]

You might be able to get this console, but I doubt they will make Xbox Live free. People are willing to pay for it, why the hell would they make it free.

[Silver360]

To MS Live is the product not the 360. The 360 is just a means of getting you to live where they can achieve their dream of a digital future. you think they wouldn't license it if they could to another console manufacturer? They want the 360 to succeed, but they have live in mind for the long haul.

[Jeanne]

There is zero chance of Microsoft ever making online play free.

The pay Microsoft every month like a utility model is something that is fundamental to the way Microsoft looks at markets. A paid for online service goes all the way back to the mid to late 1990s for Microsoft. They have been retrying that model in various forms ever since.

And if Microsoft no longer had the money they make from online charges the losses for the Xbox division would be gigantic.

[travelguy2k]

Its called the Playstation 3

[wAtdaFck]

I think that XBox LIVE is a quality service, its just that I want to play multiplayer without all these bells and whistles. If there's a LOT more than just in-game invites, then I could justify sacrificing a game a year just to play in LIVE. But if the full game is online multiplayer, please let me play the full game without having to pay extra...please please please.

[witchking]

Good point. Just about everything he lists is stuff that's already in the PS3.

Which means if the X1080 (that's what I think they'll call it) is gonna ship in 2010 or 2011, then it'll have to have some stuff that we don't even know about today.

MS will make Live free only if the competition can catch up. And right now the PS3 might be free to play online, but it doesn't have the same feature set as Live. Nintendo has opted for a Pay n Play option as well, for certain games. Bottom line: if Sony's online service can equal MSFT's in capability, then you may see MSFT bring the price down or make it free. But I think MSFT believes they had a head start with online, that they're far ahead of Sony on the feature list (and they are, so far) and that as long as they remain ahead of the competition, they can charge for it.

I agree that Xbox is the carrier here, that Live is the brand. That's a double-edge sword for MSFT though. Live is mostly populated by FPSs, so you get the perception that the Xbox is an FPS-only machine, even when it has a lot of other stuff going on (RPGs, action titles, racing, etc.). Essentially what people see when they look at the Xbox is the popularity of Live and what those people are playing, and other than GH3 being on the charts, it's a lot of FPS. Which means games like Too Human and Fable 2 really need to carry the torch for being non-FPS games that generate Live experiences.

Otherwise what MSFT is bringing to the table is basically another PC marketplace... one that is rich in some game formats but ultimately isn't a growth market.

How they crack that with the next generation will depend heavily on how well they do over the last half of this generation, and games that aren't FPSs will need to help carry the Live torch.

[eagle21]

yeah, he's right. And that picture looks like it will heat my parents 6,000 square foot home..lol

[Drekken]

Would you guys really considering buying a new xbox so soon? If it is out b4 360's 5 year span... dont you think they are shoving it down our throats?

I wouldn't buy a next-gen console so soon... that why I bought a console this gen, I dont feel like upgrading my computer every couple years anymore.

[Bnet343]

They aren't pointing a gun at your head and telling you to buy it. People still play PS2's, and there is a PS3. Just because a new system is out doesn't mean it will have to be bought on day one and the predecessor will no longer be supported.

[FirstknighT]

If the new xbox comes out with Gears of War 3, or Halo 4, or a game that I really want. I'll be in line Day 1.

[Drekken]

OHH I didnt think about that Kig... Like when the 360 was released and they still supported the original box? Yeah ummm they arent SONY and yes they will force the 720 down your throat.... just like they did with the 360 and they tried with Vista. But yeah, I think you still have a very valid point in some parallel universe.

[Black_Jack]

lol drekken killed you there my friend, the way ms dropped the xbox was quite dispicable. BUT i can't see ms dumping the 360 in the same way, only if they can't fix these hardware issues. then again if they can't fix these hardware issues then i can't see ms dropping a new console any time soon.

[Drekken]

I am no CEO or anything, but if I was MS CEO I would want to run as far away from the 360 as I could. I am not a hater, I just look at the cold hard facts.

[FirstknighT]

Cold hard facts? How about the facts that the 360 continuously sell games at a million pace? How about the 360 is easily on track to beat the original Xbox in sales? The 360 has seen much success compared to the original Xbox. Why would they want to run away from that? The RROD issue has already been addressed. The only ones that complain about it now are the sony fanboys.

[Bnet343]

The Xbox 1 was a 4 billion dollar loss disaster full of nothing but shooters. There is no reason for them to support that. Xbox 360 is way different then Xbox 1.

[LJWooly]

I'm pretty keen to see what the next incarnation of the Xbox will be like. I don't think MS came into this generation thinking they would win, nor did they the last one, but I think they've picked up a lot of lessons from the mistakes they've made, and if they come out next gen with an awesome console with awesome games, then I'll buy :)

Then again, it'll be equally interesting to see what Sony's response wil be.

I know the 'console wars' produce a lot of undesired elements, such as rabid fanboyism, but ultimately, competition between Sony and Microsoft only makes them push each other to do their best, which is a win for gamers.

I just wish people would realise that, even though Sony and microsoft are heatedly competing with each other, the owners of those respective consoles don't necessarily need to compete with each other as well.
If everyone realise that, then we wouldn't have the silly fanboyism.
International corporations never used to get this sort of blind loyalty from consumers, so why do they now? They sure as hell don't deserve it.

As long as you are happy with what you play, and what you play on, you, win.

[IntelligentAj]

Why did Kigmal get a disagree for saying that the Xbox is different from 360? It is different. The Xbox was never as strong as the 360 is right now. Not in exclusives or any category I can think of. There is no way that MS will cut off support for the 360. It would give the negative image of having done that twice and it just doesn't make sense financially. They can still make a very heavy profit(profit being the operative term) on the 360.

[witchking]

It'll be 2010 or 2011. I can imagine it launching with Halo 4 during the holidays.

And yes, it puts Sony in a corner, which is why they'll push it.

Nintendo will need to have Wii 2 out by then as well, because their games still look like the butt end of a dog.

[Bnet343]

I like game consoles to come out at that time. I think 5 years is good, not too long, not too short, however once the next Xbox comes out, they can still support the 360. Sort of what the PS2 is getting right now. We need to update our stuff ya know. Seriously, when Sony talks about PS3 being a 10 year investment, that's a joke. In 10 years, we will have things way past PS3's technology, Sony will have no choice but to release the PS4 near the next Xbox launch.

[Ri0tSquad]

"Seriously, when Sony talks about PS3 being a 10 year investment, that's a joke."

Just because Sony says PS3 will be a 10 year investment doesn't mean they can't release a PS4 during those 10 years. Just like the PS2, there still supporting the PS2, PS3, and PSP at the same time.

[Daver]

Hmmmm who can seriously disagree with what Riotsquad said....Some of you are pathetic... What he says is exactly the truth... Sony wont wait 10 years before releasing the new playstation... and they will still support ps3...wake up..

[Bnet343]

Yeah RiotSqaud, good job on that. But if Xbox 720 gets released in 2010, Sony has to make a move for sure.

[Ri0tSquad]

Yup, they sure would have to.

[LJWooly]

I do think Sony will release a new console a few years before the PS3's lifespan expires, so in a way you're both right.

[DJ]

Sony promised a ten year life cycle for the PS1, and the PS1 was retired exactly ten years after its release. They promised a ten year life cycle for the PS2, and it's still going strong after 8 years on the market. The PS3 will be no different.

Sony averages about 6~7 years of console support before releasing the next iteration of Playstation hardware though, which is still a very long time. But they make their hardware powerful and reliable, which helps their vision.

[ban fans]

Let me say right off the bat that I don't own a 360, I have the PS3.
I do however follow the whole industry and looked very closely at 360 before finally deciding to go with Sony.
My problem with the next generation of consoles only living for 5 years is that I always wait for the new gen to age a year to let the bugs work their way out (I've learned from experience that this is a smart thing to do) and a possible price drop. I like to buy the system with at least 3 to 5 games and an extra controller. I just got my PS3 this fall (about 6 months ago) and now have ten games; a nice game "base" to jump off of.

My point is this, with the high price of these next gen machines and the rise in game and accessory prices, I have (easily) over $1000 invested in my machine at its young age. To me, the set up I have now in past generations could have been purchased in a single paycheck or paycheck and a half. This is just a starting point! I usually like a library of 25 games at any given time! That's a $2000 - $3000 hobby!

Our hobby has become very expensive and I don't have $3000 to throw away every 4 or 5 years. It has nothing to do with sony or MS. People are still buying the currant gen of machines and to release another one in just two years seems absurd to me. Besides, are we really that desperate for next gen improvements already?

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

I would consider purchasing it if it looked the way it did in that image.

[kira989]

On reality for a change

[Palodios]

I don't think M$ should be looking that far ahead yet. Gamers know Microsoft's last console was a 4 year machine, and considering they've had major hardware issues with both the 360 and original, I know they need BIG games to sell a new system. Valve, Bungie, and Epic need to be involved to get it off the ground for sure, pretty funny considering none of those are first-party, but have been their backbone so far. But the main thing to note is that consoles don't really start selling until they are priced $200 and under, and functional at that price -- meaning with storage and cables.

[Gaara_724]

there will be the rrodr not the rrod no but the rrodr
meaning
R = red
R = ring
O = of
D = death
R = return

[MailMan]

-White UGLY console.
-Mini FIRE Extinguisher.
-3 well starched BATHROOM towels.
-5 year Insurance policy.
-APOLOGY letter from Microsoft for creating such space occupying FILTH.

Jump OUT and Play B3YOND

[SSCOOLCHEA]

When one fights for 10 years and the other quits every 4 or 5 years with no support...

[demolitionX]

little advice for M$! they shouldn't include any physical media in 720, as by then, DD will be the dominant media around! LOL!!!!! c ya 2000011110000

[ScentlessApprentice7]

before any further merchandise is produced. Microsoft needs to fix the current technological issues that plaque their current hardware before moving on to manufacturing new hardware.

Microsoft needs to learn how to create a video game console that can last longer than a new Fox sitcom, the xbox 360 certainly isn't that console.

[titntin]

Well I always buy every games machine (I even had a CD drive for the Atari Jaguar, or 'the toilet' as I liked to call it), so no doubt I'd buy a next Xbox machine too.

I'm sure it would be a very fast architecture based on the latest PC developments, as it makes sense to stick with what you know and that would provide a safe transition for developers. Don't do anything different, just do more of it faster...
I hope and trust they have learnt from the hardware issues surrounding the 360, and I'm sure they would take great pains to ensure a future system would be rock solid in terms of hardware reliability. Contrary to earlier posts in this thread about MS making money, they are not even close. Their accounts fail to include 1 billion that RROD has cost, so this generation will not turn in a profit and they will be sure to ensure the next generation can.

Games hardware has always been exciting to me since the original PONG machines and the Atari VCS. With the demise of Sega producing hardware, we have been lucky to have MS pick up the mantle and ensure there are three viable options trying to part us from our money. I can admit to having a preference for my PS3 as I find it easier to live with day to day, but I still get a great deal of joy from my 360 too and have relished some of the amazing games its delivered to me. They are not my favorite company for many non gaming related reasons, but lets hope we continue to see MS push in this market, as gamers everywhere benefit from their presence and involvement.

[Big Jim]

Good post. Well thought out and reasonable. A refreshing change from the usual posts in N4G.

[LaChance]

@drekken Why would they support a console that brings in 0 revenue ? They were being outsold by sony 10:1 or something like that.Give me a single good reason to carry on selling a console that nobody is buying ?
Sony is still supporting the PS2 ONLY because its still selling alot and because the PS3 is a financial trap (they dint expect to drop the price twice in a year , werent expecting poor sales for their exclusives (Hsword , Liar , Folklore , Warhawk etc )and the CELL cost them more than they were expecting moreover they arnt selling as much as they thought they would before launch).Do you people seriously think that if the PS2 was selling like the 1st xbox did sony wouldn't have dropped the ps2 ?Of course they would have dropped it.Stop thinking they're supporting the ps2 because Sony loves you , they love the money it brings in and not the customer.
Once again Sony DOES NOT love you , the only reason they are still suporting the ps2 is because its still selling like hotcakes.If the 1st xbox was still selling MSFT would have carried on supporting it like sony is doing.
I cant believ you people actually think sony keeps supporting the ps2 is because they like you lol , what did they do to you people ?
People are praising Sony for still supporting the PS2 like it was really kind on their behalf lol , its still selling like crazy so what do want them to do especialy when you know that if they didnt have to PS2 to buy those very same people would rather buy a wii or a 360 arcade.
@tintin "this generatin will not turn in a profit".Have you been cut from the world lately or what.MSFT games division is profitable since 2007 and of course it will be profitable in the futur years.I dont understand why you said that ? They had to pay 1 billion for RROD but they will get that back next year , its not like it was the end of the world for them...

[giovonni]

I said that time and time again, if MS's Xbox was making the same money PS2 made the xbox would still be supported. No company will continue to produce a console that cost more to make then what it will bring in in sales. thats like you having a full lot of the same car. they aren't selling enough for you to make a positive sale, but yet you keep paying your factories to produce them and paying them to ship them to you. What do you do? Keep in the negative until you go under, or try to produce something new while you still have some sort of appeal, and not bankrupt. You can disagree all you want, but the nature of business is to make money, not lose it.

[ScentlessApprentice7]

Every business on the planet has one primary objective and thats making money (exceptions do exist, such as non-profit organizations and educational institutions). But in a situation such as with Sony and the PS2 it is in the company's best interest to continue dispensing new software on a machine that continues to push sales numbers; its essentially a "I'll scratch you're back if you scratch mine" situation between Sony and the gaming public.

Microsoft didn't turn one single penny on the original xbox and with the momentous hardware and warrenty costs they have incurred up to now, from an earnings viewpoint their will be absolutely no incentive on Microsoft managements part to produce another console if a massive turnaround doesn't occur.

[Cartesian3D]

that Sony wants money .. but at the end people are happy too (including BLu-ray,third party HDD,memory reader,WiFi blah blah ) ..

how about MS ?

where is Free online-WiFi-third party HDD-reliable hardware-etc... all of them arent in 360 because MS WANTs money .. u think people love to pay extra for ALL of them? because its their CHOICE ?

I dont know why u support MS so hard.. MS didnt do anythin special for CONSOLE gamers .. u think without MS we wouldnt see a game like HALO or Gears of war ?

why u LOVE MS ? for 349$ ultimate DX10 vista ? or 3 year warranty?

[InYourMom]

killed early in it's life was patent problems with NVidia. This is well documented all over the internet. Similar as to why Sony didn't have rumble in their controller at launch.

MS started thinking about the next Xbox as soon as the 360 launched. I'm sure Sony and Nintendo are doing the same. R&D on this stuff takes a long time.

@6.3 - I support MS because they have a strong game library. I don't buy any of the extra's and I don't buy any DLC. That is my choice in the matter. You talk like MS forces you to buy this stuff but they don't. If you are using WiFi for gaming don't come around any of my friends, you can always spot them(WiFi users) with their crappy ping times. Hard wired or go back to the n00b camp. If you want to question something question everyones blind devotion to a hunk of freakin plastic! PS3, 360 or Wii.. That is a better question.

Xbox Live was a huge innovation in console gaming. Also, many of the very things Sony will be copying in the coming months on PSN you can thank MS for innovating/bringing to the console space. Do you think Sony would be so focused if it wasn't for MS and what the 360 offers on things like PSN? Competition is good. You wouldn't even know what In-game XMB is if it wasn't for the 360 offering in-game dashboard access, same with custom soundtracks, trophies, etc.

[Willio]

Sony's PS3 still supports a majority if not all PS1 games. MS also loves money as all people love money so i dont know why you believe MS is treating their consumers differently.

On a seperate note, why is xbox 360's madden 06 unplayable when you can still buy a used copy of the game?

[giovonni]

It's hard to say what the next next gen options could be this early. With the advancement of technology alone we could see the death of cd software distribution in the next 4 years. We could be looking at new systems that take advantage of more physical motion. MS could premier the first surface controller that has no d pad or analog sticks to produce motion from the character you rub your thumbs on a responsive surface like the one found on a laptop to produce the movement in games. while still keeping the bumper, and standard buttons to preform
other actions.

[eagle21]

I'll pass geeks...lol

[LJWooly]

"oh my goobers!" LOL!

[BLUR111]

yea or maybe on ps4.. umm we can play rachet a clank2 , Spyro 8 'the lost baby dragon, FIGHTING FORCE 1AND HALF, blah blah blah yea the same ol hippie cartoony sh1t to!

[Spike47]

for a comment made by somebody in the gamer zone Sony still supports the PS2 not only because it sells but because it was the plan from the start.

Ms makes consoles that are strict with the 4-5 year life cycle, sony makes consoles built for the future.

In other words sony shares a lil bit more of appreciation for their consumers because they don't leave gamers in the dust with a new console every 4-5 years.

It's the same plan that sony is using now for the PS3, "the 10 year life cycle" as said by Tretton or whatever his name is from Sony.

And that strategy has payed of with the ps1,ps2, and now the ps3 by showing massive improvement.

[eagle21]

"And it has made all the difference"...lol

[Kleptic]

Its stuff like this that makes a 'console war' so stupid...

MS has a business plan now to slowly overtake Playstation brand market share...About 2 years after Sony entered the hardware market, they ended up expanding it and nearly 100% controlling it...Nearly single handedly forcing Sega out of it...and leaving Nintendo in a situation where they needed to create platforms that brought in a totally different group of gamers...the Wii and DS are examples...

The original Xbox was exactly what the DC was supposed to be...MS was originally creating the online network for the Dreamcast...but backed out after realizing that they were creating an environment that gave a very easy and cheap alternative to PC gaming (pretty much unifying the only huge advantage PC gaming had over consoles)...The original Xbox ended up competing directly with the PS2, but offered way more in terms of connectivity...it just happened that the uptake was extremely slow...Sony, despite offering less in terms of online play and system features, still ended up absolutely wrecking the original Xbox (by over 100 million consoles and counting)...which is exactly what forced the 360 to be rushed...it had to get out the door first to change any tides in terms of brand recognition...

but what has happened could end up being ever worse for MS...Sony took notice to the success that XBL eventually created...and created their own online network, that has far more in the pipeline than XBL ever did...It used to be the only disadvantage the Xbox line had was not being well known...it wasn't getting beaten in features last generation...Now its a combination of both...the PS3 offers more multimedia value...and has a online network with way more features planned for the immediate future...and is on track to match any price cuts MS makes on the 360...not to mention it has a brand following that rivals everything in the electronic industries...It would be nearly impossible to find a person that has never heard of a 'Playstation'...they have sold nearly 300 million devices with that name worldwide...the Xbox line is pushing 40'ish right now...its an infant compared to it competition...

so the real question is...why argue about it?...I am still unclear on exactly what 360 fanboys thought was going to happen...it had better sales for a little while, which changed...it had 'better games', which is meaningless and entirely subjective (obviously your opinion of which system had better games would correlate directly with the system you decided to buy...why would someone think the PS3 had better games, then buy a 360 instead?)...

the other end though is Sony's success in this market is exactly why they support their products for such a long time...If the original Xbox ran away from the PS2, because of a larger feature set or whatever, and the PS2 was struggling to maintain anything with the GC...what would happen?...SCE would have dropped the PS2 like a brick, and launched the PS3 way sooner...Criticizing MS on the fact that they dropped support for the Xbox so soon is silly...they had to...no one was buying it...and Nintendo pretty much did the same thing with the GC...Sony supports they stuff because the stuff supports them...

The most pointless part is MS fanboys acting like the 360 itself has any chance of doing anything to the PS3...Whatever damage it did, has already been done, and its obvious that the damage was quickly remedied...the 360 isn't going to be around as long as the PS3 either, making the arguments even more pointless...MS has stated they wanted to shorten console lifespans, which is the only way they have any chance of gaining more and more of the existing market...the only thing that is going to result is MS pumping out system after system in a hurry to try and scoop up more market share...if they avoid direct competition with any single PS system, then they are not in terrible shape...but the 360 won't do it...the 360 was/is competing with the PS3 during its entrance to the market...yet the next Xbox is what will take on the brunt of what the PS3 comes into in terms of sales...Anyone remember what happened to the PS2 when it hit $199?...it was record breaking...The PS3 hasn't even begun to get moving yet, and still outsold the 360 during its prime software lineup...while its true that its holding its own in the US, there is a lot more to it than that...

If you are an American 360 owner...be happy with the fact that you will continue to get great games for the typical American audience...but stop acting like the 360 is in the process of taking down the PS3, or the Playstation brand...that isn't happening in the slightest...People told you to knock it off when the 360 pummeled the launch of the PS3...and people are telling you to knock it off even now when the PS3 is outselling the 360 in every territory (including the 360's homeland)...stop arguing about the 'console war' and leave with some dignity...just enjoy your games, it doesn't matter how bad the 360 ends up in the end, it got some great games...leave it at that...

[green]

well all i can say is that i have been in this current generation for over 2 years now,so buy 2010 i will be ready to move on to the next gen console that will blow me away once i see the spec sheets.

[EZCheez]

Even if Microsoft didn't want to make another console (I'm sure they will) they could still possibly carry Live on other consoles. I would love to have Live on my PS3 because it's a great service, and in all honesty I would be willing to pay for it.

Live is an amazing interface. I will give them that much, and I can see how other console makers would love to use Live as an interface. Whoever designed the dashboard and blades concept deserves a huge bonus.

But of course, Home could completely change my mind. Home will be a defining moment in online interfaces for consoles, one way or another.

[green]

your comment is heading towards the one console future
- sony makes the system
- nintendo makes the controller interface and
- microsoft makes the online interface

[Silver Bull3t]

1. Make the hardware reliable. The current box is a disgrace.

2. Fix the DLC DRM issues that make content useless offline on a replaced box.

3. Make it BC with ALL XBOX1 and XBOX360 titles.

4. Mandatory internal HDD.

5. ALL games 1080P native and at a locked 60fps.

[HarryEtTubMan]

PS4 is going to be released at the same time. Sony wont get behind next generation

[Pain]

It Will Be a PS3 on Steroids, more then xbox 2 compared to 1.

But PS4 wont be out anytime soon id think or at least talk about it, 360 is the one that has crappy old pc laptop hardware thats due for a overhaul.

but bye then PS3 will have Crushed M$ and all its Flacky's and they will give up and sell therr stocks in
Micro-crap and everyone will own Apple's too, so its coo~

[Mr Tretton]

I disagree Harry.

[SSCOOLCHEA]

I have to disgree with ya...10 years buddy...Theres nothing the xbot can do thats going to beat the ps3 right now or in the next 10 years...If they add anything in there crappy new system the ps3 will already have...so i disagree harry..Did you forget that this was sony ?

[u got owned]

@ SSCOOLCHEA

"Theres nothing the xbot can do thats going to beat the ps3 right now or in the next 10 years...If they add anything in there crappy new system the ps3 will already have"

better hardware, better specs, better online service to name a few. Dont be a blind fan silly rabid.

[proArchy]

I'm moving to Canada! They're like $1.99 round here! Also, i think that all this talk of the next Xbox (just over 2 years into the 360's life) just goes to show how unhappy 360 owners are with their system, but blindly still sit on their fanboy laurels - yeah, pretty weird. The hardware problems of the original Xbox were annoying, but the 360's problems are intolerable. Let me clarify that i think the 360's specs make it a capable gaming machine, but the poor craftmanship in manufacturing them renders the machine almost worthless. That's just ME speaking about MY dollars and where I spend them. I prefer to spend my hard earned money on reliable electronics that are going to work hard for me. If Microsoft wants to put out another console in 2010 they had better thoroughly test the living crap out of it to make sure there will be no problems AT ALL, and then publish the test results EVERYWHERE they can. They will have the hardcore 360 fans as 1st day purchasers, but the rest of the gaming world will need to see some proof to hand over their trust and money again.

[chaosatom333]

IF there is a xbox720 then, xbox owners would dump xbox for good because LOOK at what happened to XBOX. Microsoft dropped support for it like it did for the hd-dvd drive.

[Silver Bull3t]

That had to do with what NVIDIA was charging M$ for the GPU which they owned and produced for M$. That's why M$ decided to have ATI design the XENOS for them. M$ owns the rights to the GPU this time, so it's unlikely they'll discontinue to support the 360 like they did for the XBOX1........... hopefully. Of course we've seen how M$ can be total d!cks about things though. Only time will tell.

As long as the next xbox is 100% back compatable w/out emulation (at least for 360 games) I'll be satisfied. (Oh yeah, the thing better not be total pice of garbage either).

[PimpHandHappy]

doesnt sell 40mil 360's by the end of 09 there will be no more xbox

IMO

Sony FTW

[bigjclassic]

If they were smart. If they wanted to stay in gaming they should just streamline PC gaming. That would not be as costly as producing a console and taking in millions of dollars in debt.

Now they can get into a battle with the PSP, over a "high-tech" portible console with Live features. But another console, unlikely.

Even a battle with PSP would be costly too.

[Wicked Sick]

But I don't recall any talks about the next next gen xbox during last year.

Remember the "Perfect Storm" and how Halo 3 would be destroying Playstation?

What happened with all of that?
Suddenly we are discussing the next xbox?

[InYourMom]

does one article written by xboxlivenation turn into an industry move? Did MS announce a new 360? This is just speculating and I do not believe that this is any indication that people are already tired of the 360. Only the drama queens are the ones who take this as anything more than a wishlist by some no-named gaming site.

The 360 has a lot of fight and a lot more power in it before we even start talking about a next Xbox. People seem to hang on too much to the idea that since the Xbox1 had a short life the 360 will as well.

[Willio]

its funny how several weeks ago if not months, you constantly bashed Ps3 just about anything. And now you claim to have a Ps3 yourself? Thats just bandwagon hyprocrisy.

[Wicked Sick]

Sorry but you reasoning is flawed.

By your logic, we should have a lot of PS4 speculations and articles about the PS3 has peaked etc.

I visit n4g frequently and i can tell you that since the beginning of this year, we have had an unusual high number of xbox 720 or whatever articles/news.

The same cant be said about the PS3.

What I'm trying to say is that just a couple months ago you and many many others including a big part of the media were mocking the PS3.
Back then people were saying that the PS3 was the next Dreamcast and rumors were popping up about Sony abandoning the PS3 and releasing the next Playstation.
You see were I'm going?

What's really interesting is how the tide has changed.

[GETPWNED]

I wonder if PS3 will have some games by then...

[leon76]

2010 - I wonder if any x360 is still working.....

[BardockS30Z]

ur an idiot if u think that way.

[Big Jim]

It's been said a thousand times before, but apparently it needs to be said again--competition is good for gaming. Even the biggest sony fanboy in the world shouldn't want the xbox to completely fail, because a successful xbox just pushes sony to create an even better playstation, and now that nintendo has made the move from creating video games to creating yoga equipment, the xbox is the only competition sony has.

[Drekken]

lol... good stuff

[Ahhhh]

@Pain - What do you think is in the PS3?

[ROCCOZILLA]

buying a console every 5 years,paying for online,buying a wireless adapter an a add on hd dvd.F that sh!t,ill stay with sony and get it all and free online,HOME and it will be around for 10 year with a blu ray player.PLAY B3YOND waaaaaaaaaaay B3YOND!

[jag_stilvecchio]

Owner of both XBox and 360 & I'm done with MS. I put up with MS dropping loyal XBox owners like a hot potato for the 'next generation'. Bought a launch X360 that's been nothing but trouble - RRoD, disc read error, game freezing. I'm throwing in the towel.

[ROCCOZILLA]

they are scared of the power of the PS3 and its line up so they talk about gears and now the 720 in the same month.PLAY B3YOND!

[The Dude]

Why do they even let those with one bubble post to the gamer zone... Fanboys are Open Zone...

[Genki]

Games of today and tomorrow are increasingly becoming massive undertakings for studios. Some of the best and most highly anticipated titles are taking at least 2 years to develop, and in some cases well over 3. If we're talking 4 year life spans here, coupled with increasing development time and costs, then that doesn't exactly spell the most secure investment for publishers.

Say a team makes a game in two years, and then begins production on another. By the time it's all said and done, we've got a whopping two games before having to migrate to the next console. We may not even get two, because let's say the team wants to get a head start on the next machine? They're gonna need dev kits, and at least a year out from launch to produce a competent launch title.

Console life spans are not getting any shorter folks, whether we like it or not, that's just the reality. This isn't the SNES days when a rag-tag team of three people can churn out a Mortal Kombat.

[Atomic]

After a resolution up to 640p on the xbox 360 , experience for the first time on the xbox brand the true high definition on the xbox 720 with a resolution up to 720p "hence the name"

resolution up to 1080p to come later on the xbox 1080.

[Nomoname]

At least stick with one regardless of what they use, HD, Blu-D or VRD-D. Instead of abandoning their unit cause it wasn't up par with the others techno-gizmo. Getting tired of seeing a new console every 4 years, stretch it out like the ps2

[etownone]

i bought my 360 on launch, nov 2005.

i really hope they come out with a new console in nov 2009.
that way they have what Sony has now, the budget system, and the PS3.

and i really really hope they drop the price damn soon. what in the hell are they waiting for?

(i sure do hope alot)

[bakasora]

PS1 to PS2: big jump in graphics
PS2 to PS3: another big jump
PS3 to PS4: ???

If they want to create PS4/XBox720 they have to make sure there is a decent graphics improvement over the previous. Or something that is unique.(like Wii) Otherwise theres no point making another sequel console.
Do you think there will be new graphics technology anytime sooner?

[Slayer OP]

I couldnt help but giggle at that....

[DevastationEve]

think logical. now that ps3 is at a good price, they've stretched out the time frame for their next price cut, since i don't think anyone will object to their current skus. 360 can probably hit another price drop, maybe near the end of the year. really not necessary, but of note as consoles undergo pricecuts, their life is extended due to the slight rise in demand as people who waited to buy now have incentive. that's where you start, and then work out demand when some of the more hypedup games are released. it will continue along that pattern of stagnant/rushing sales.

it'll be hard for the 2 consoles to reach ps1/2's level of success due to initial launch price's effectively slowing the initial adoption rate. but their lifetime should actually be longer, given the extra effort to put these consoles ahead of the technological corner.

10 years for ps3 and only half for 360? a console with no rival past its first 5 years won't have much incentive to evolve during the second half, and nintendo seems content to lag in hardware prowess. what you guys out there are seemingly too blind to realize is that without 360's constant competition, ps3 would have no reason to excel. and vice versa. do you really want to see a world in which their is only black and white (meaning either REALLY powerful or REALLY underpowered)?

[Sheddi]

I hate ms, with all their money and they dont do a sh^t for the people.

[Bastard 360]

There talking about there next console because this one is a complete fuk up!

[BrotherNick]

Same old thing, faster processor, better graphics...hopefully they add wireless and backward compatibility for the next one.

[Citizen Cook]

who wants a PS3 in 10 years?

I want cutting edge power. Sony will always be behind M$ and they will always cost more. Sony can't win. With every generation M$ steel more of Sony's business.

HA HA HA HA!

[BardockS30Z]

why do ppl still have ps2s? think of the power of the ps2 compared with the ps3. i think the ps3 will go longer than 10

[feejo]

What next, our bankrupt cause you buy too many games and console. And no time to play. The only invention is PS2 with FREE online, that allow me to play over and over against people, that is technology.

[squallsoft]

"Before Live, only uber-nerds with souped-up power PC's that could perform NASA launches were able to play games online amongst buddies, enemies, and the ever elusive female of the species."

yea thats a false statement. ive been playing games online since 1996! ever hear of Starcraft?

Xbox fanboys need to stop overstating the "revolutionary" Live service...

[xhairs]

Don't you think you delayed it a little bit? Judging on the 360, M$ is always ahead of the game right? Shouldn't it be out earlier such like 2009?

I see it now -- XBOX 720!!! Fully rushed, with no-in-case accessories to help you out, WiFi is a thing of the past, we've jam packed this bad boy with 10gigs of HDD so you can fully experience your Digital Downloads to the max with only 5 seconds of video time, and you're still paying to play online even if we do screw up one month of the year. -- We no longer have warranties you are at a 50% risk that your console is probably manufactured like an old mans back and will probably break at any time.

C'moon you know they got more thinking to do atleast put a more reasonable date like 2020 or so...

[Kaz Hirai]

It looks like those sick, evil, fat, twisted MONSTERS at Nazisoft are trying to poison the gaming industry with their FILTH for a third time.
But don't worry Sony Soldiers, as long as Lord Stringer, Emperor Kutaragi and King Kaz are around, Nazisoft will continue to taste the bitter taste of FAILURE, MISERY and HUMILIATION!

MWAH-HA-HA-HA!!!

[Citizen Cook]

your fighting a LOSING War sony. You can't win. M$ own more money that you. You will lose, just like the war.

HA HA HA HA!

[AlphaNerd]

Hi folks! My name's Mike, I wrote the article. I'll be honest. I NEVER check out feedback, only because I am very busy. I decided to check out the reaction here, and WOW, I was surprised at how seriously many are treating this. It's just a fun look at what could be. I really don't understand the fan-boy reaction on both sides. Even though this was for a 360 site, I myself am just a fan of gaming. I own all the consoles, and enjoy them for what they are individually. I don't want to say that I am right or wrong, but I certainly don't let any of this stress me out. And it seems like many readers here, do. I thought games were about having fun? Healthy competition? Enjoyment? Not name calling and finger pointing. I don't want to generalize (the negative people know who they are) because there are many of us who just take of all of this at face value. Let's put the fun back in games.

:) Smile!

[gololo]

"Transformers on HD-DVD" lol at that comment...phew....that made me cry. What I have to say about this lifespan...I don't want consoles to become like a computer that has to be updated every 2-3 yrs or more to play games....

[AlphaNerd]

...and seeing good ol' Optimus Prime for real was a ton of fun! Plus I have kids and watching them watching the film was a hoot as well. We all have our guilty pleasures. :)

[u got owned]

720 is gonna be the end of Sony no doubt about it. HAHAHAHAHAHA... AAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!

This is fun ;p lol.

[silenius]

come on, now what is this? every 1 week we have the same stupid story... The next XBOX 720 its gonna be the best console ever... or ... The PS4 its gonna rule everything... well how cares? we have 2008 and we wont see a new console before 2010... so whats the point
of all this speculations of how this console will look like in 3 years?
Mark my words, in 1 week from now we will have the same story for PS
and the cycle will continue...

[AlphaNerd]

...if I steal the idea and do a PS3 one? ;) My 720 article was just for fun. Speculation. I'm a gadget geek. Basically, if it's shiny & has lights I want one!

[ps4]

people are saying xbox is getting old it is getting better halo3 was just the begain look at this

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

Dude...

It would be great to just stick with the formula.

Update the graphics...make things look shinier.

That way, we can trick the American youth into buying the same thing over and over...

It's worked for them so far.

[jinn]

what color will the ring of death be this time?

[AlphaNerd]

Probably a more calming baby-blue so we won't go ape-poop. Maybe it will suddenly play some Kenny-G as well. I've had 13 360's so it would help.

[Dragonopolis]

DLC isn't going to be mainstream for awhile - period.

Heck, not even large 1st world countries are close to making it a reality. It takes forever to download a 4 GB Linux distro at 350kb/s (real world - not the advertised bloated speed cable and telcos tell us) connection I can only imagine how long it would take to download a 26 GB. My town just got 6MB/s (real world around 500kb/s) but it is sold at the hi end and not a prices that regular people pay. The luck few lucky people that have hi speed FIOS may get be able to achieve respectable rates it would take awhile to download 20 to 50 GB game. I just grab a bit rate calculator off the net and, according the Calculator, Verizon's 15 Mega bit per second (15Mbps) roughly translates to 1.875 MB (Mega Bytes) per second. That is still a long time to download a next gen system pushing game. A need for a removable media is still required if you want a console to be considered a "World" console to everybody regardless of where they live or how fast their internet connection is.

No, I have a feeling that Flash Drive will play the next format for consoles. Its non moving so it is much quieter and from what I have read, regarding technology news, we should be seeing large 100 to 200 GB Flash drives by the end of 2008. Samsung should have a 150 GB with high rewrites they say will have a 10 year shelf life 3 quarter 2008.
IBM and Micron have Flash Technology that literally increases the speed of NAND Flash 5x what we are use to now which I believe will be ready by 2009 if you go by Micron's calender. All this technology will be out at least a year before Christmas 2010 so that should be plenty of time for Microsoft to fit it into to their next gen console. This doesn't even include eSATA connections that could make it into the Next Gen Consoles and we should have even Faster eSATA
by 2010 as well as Ultra Wide Band Bluetooth and USB 3.0 or higher so data rate on transfers never look so good. All this technology should push the 50GB to 100GB flash or Hot Swappable Hard drive prices down to a realistic level that they could be used in place of Discs

I know I will have some gamers screaming about the limits to writes on a Flash drive but hey, we can't even write on our DVD9 and Blu-ray discs now so who cares right! Battle of the bigger faster Flash Drive should push prices of those drives less than 100 GB down considerable over the next 2 years.

Point I am making is if Microsoft just relies on DLC alone they will limit their market considerable and cannot be considered a "World" console. It will still be important to support DLC but in no way can their next console survive on DLC alone. I prefer removable media myself as I always like to have a hard copy of my stuff somewhere. Sony fans can't say much either because If you look at the smaller partners in IBM/Microns Flash technology they are listed there as well so Sony knows that Flash is the true "Next Gen" format. Blu-ray is just a cushion between the ole disc and Flash or Non Movable Holographic technology.

I agree with some of the points above when it comes to GPU/CPU. Microsoft can't miss the boat here 1080p 60fps is a standard period. Physics will be the big push next time around as well as how many objects can be on the screen any given time. 1080p and 60fps won't be a huge leap over the next gen consoles so Microsoft will need more. Expect a lot more (and faster) memory with some kind of hardware physics technology being pushed. Microsoft will also push how mush easier it will be to upgrade the console and Wireless technology will be another push as well.

As far as naming the console, I hope Microsoft either finds another cool name or goes back to the smaller numbers. I really never got into the 360 part. Xbox 3 or something entirely new would be nice.

That's my predictions, until then all you Xbox gamers keep chugging along. Just a note to fanboyism on the xbox side. Don't go shooting about saying the the PS3 is toast when the next system is out. The next gen system by Xbox will be $400 minimum - period. Sony will like try to hold out at the $400 price point for awhile. When the new Microsoft Xbox comes out all Sony has to do is drop the price of the PS3 by half ($400 would be $200 and if Sony could not hold on to that price point by 2010 a $300 would be $150). 2010 would also be a good time to introduct a Slim version of the PS3. Sony could also replace the Hard Drive with Flash if they wanted to (Remember Sony is a part of the IBM/Micron group for their new Flash tech.). Heck, Sony could even up the Memory in the PS3 without changing the CPU/GPU combo and just leave it up to the developers to scale the games for the ole PS3 versus the PS3 renewed version. Sony could do all of this with out having to change to a new CPU/GPU that costs more. Sony has plenty of ammo left to counter just about anything Microsoft throws out hardware wise. Microsoft will need to even be more diverse with the type of games they will offer and need to have that machine already spec out by the end of 2008. This will give Developers at least 2 year head start for game creation. Hopefully Microsoft is in that position right now so we can see some killer game titles showing off the strengths of the new xbox.

[AGZEN]

the ps2 will still be around until 2010 according to a sony representative. which i totally agree with the ps2 packs quite a punch and if u simply take away the graphics of the 360 u begin to notice that the ps2 beats it! the ps2 still has alot to give & i dont think there are any games which have pushed its power to the max yet! THE PS3.. well its the best, developers are still learning the ins &outs of BLUE RAY 1NC they do it wil b undisput
ed!