480°

Microsoft’s New Xbox 360 – Where Did it Go Right/Wrong?

To anybody who doesn’t know. This week is the biggest gaming week of the year for gamers. This week marks the time when gamers get a gander at any new and upcoming software and hardware from the “big three” in Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Monday, June 14, marked the day that Microsoft had it’s press conference for E3 2010. The biggest reveal of their press conference was most notably the announcement and reveal of the new Xbox 360 design.

Along with the reveal of Project Natal a.k.a Kinect, the Xbox 360 and it’s motion “controller” both received similar design overhauls. While the design of the new Xbox 360 is extremely slick and has great features, it doesn’t come without faults.

Read Full Story >>
mygamernation.com
dizzleK5064d ago Show
-Alpha5064d ago (Edited 5064d ago )

Well it's a great new device, much better than the original 360.

The design should have happened a long time back, but I don't really find anything wrong with it except:

-New HDDs that aren't compatible with older models, + $20 to transfer= BS.

It's a nice looking console and helps the 360 look more trendy and modern.

Edit: Holy crap, 5 USB ports? That's nice.

Nike5064d ago (Edited 5064d ago )

I think it's a good device as well (though the main body design does evoke some major Wii deja vu), but that people were disappointed because there wasn't any change in price. I do applaud them for making it available from Monday onwards to the public.

However, one thing I found incredibly shady was how they were giving free XBox 360 S consoles to those in attendance. I hope the more trust-worthy journalists refused them (you know who you are, Hsu, Takahashi and Gerstmann).

hmmmm5064d ago

Why would you hope they refused something that was given to them for free? Im sure you would have taken it, who wouldn't? its free!

blumatt5064d ago

They added Wifi and 5 usb ports. On the flip side, there's still a power brick and the damn hard drive is still not a standard SATA 2.5 like the PS3. Bad move with those last two things.

RememberThe3575064d ago

But I'm sorry to say I'd probably do it. My Mass Effect file is on there and I'm not going to do all that crap over again.

OneSneakyMofo5064d ago

They went wrong about three years ago with the red ring. They should have fixed that ASAP. I guarantee had MS gone ahead and fixed their problems or waited six months to stabilize their console, they would probably be close to the Wii in first place.

Now they are trying to play catch-up with the Kinect and now the 360 S. Too bad the Kinect failed miserably and the 360 S will be a hit-or-miss depending on the next couple of months (for reliability sakes).

commodore645064d ago

I agree they went wrong with the rrod.

Had they got that right, they indeed might be near the wii in terms of sales. That $1 billion in rrod losses didn't help either, although it is a far cry from the $5 billion that Sony has lost on the ps3 so far.

However, I gotta call you out for trolling with regard to this:
"..Too bad the Kinect failed miserably"

Kinect hasn't even released yet.
How can you say it has "failed miserably"?

That's a fail, son.
Try to think before you speak.

Christopher5063d ago

Good device, but doesn't fix my two biggest complaints:

1. Non-proprietary HDD
2. Quieter disc drive

I don't mind if it's external wi-fi, there's a way to get it. I don't mind if it only has 2 USB slots, there's a way to expand them. But those two items? I can't fix them unless Microsoft does.

rkimoto5063d ago

Looks pretty damn good I might say, so maybe Microsoft is serious on going with the 360 for the long haul too... Which makes me happy because I don't have enough money for new consoles in the short term!!!

I would want new consoles to come out at least 4 years from now.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 5063d ago
dorkyfresh115064d ago

Right with it

1 - Wi-Fi

2 - Lots of USB ports

Wrong with it

1 - No answer to the demand for growing software storage capacity (Blu-Ray)

2 - the official name (Xbox 360 S) is left up to the fans to have fun with (or make fun of)

TheAwesomessMan5064d ago

Actually, I kinda like the name but as long as you don't say the whole (Xbox 360 S) and just saying '360 S' even though though saying something something 360 is like going going stopping then going because you really can't say something and then say 360 all together fluently without stopping to say 360... yea.

IcarusOne5064d ago

Wait. You honestly for any amount of time thought that MS would incorporate blu-ray into their remodel? Um...what? Really? Why? Who are you?

I'm so confused.

dorkyfresh115064d ago

@IcarusOne

then you can blame your assumptions. i didn't say that i expect them to incorporate blu-ray (even in any of their future consoles). i simply said that they still have no answer. they're using last gen media, it would've answered a lot of their problems and propelled gaming forward if they had an answer to this problem.

IcarusOne5064d ago (Edited 5064d ago )

(I'll put this up front: this is a long reply.)

Let's just consider Red Dead Redemption - a multiplat that does more for pushing gaming forward than any other game I can think of. While the PS3 crowd might care solely for graphics, I'm looking at the gameplay and design. Sure, KZ2 and UC2 and GOW3 are beautiful, but they're fairly standard when it comes to gameplay and actual innovation.

Look at RDR and how large the world is. Now look at the AI and the way pretty much everything, from strangers on the road to the animals you hunt, behaves in such a unique and believable way. Then factor in the day night cycle and the lighting engine. I've actually sat on my horse for ten minutes just watching the sun set and rise, it's that beautiful. Then consider the weather and how ferocious the lightening storms are and the wind ripping through the trees. This to me is the definition of a next-gen game - in its gameplay, it's visuals, it's sound, and ABOVE ALL ELSE, it's storytelling, characters, writing and acting.

If ever there was a studio that 100% disputed the supposed limitations of DVD9 it's Rockstar. Of course, you can argue that on blu-ray it would've been even more spectacular, and that's probably true, but it doesn't dispute my argument that you don't need blu-ray to create a totally immersive, mind-blowing gaming experience. Nor do you need it in order to tell a good story.

Time and time again, the games that have captured my imagination the most have been on "last gen hardware", and some of them multiplats, from Arkham Asylum to Assassin's Creed, from Mass Effect to Fable. PS3 exclusives sure do make my eyeballs bleed, but so does every Michael Bay movie.

Red Dead Redemption is like a movie written by the Coen brothers, directed by Clint Eastwood, and shot by Roger Deacons. The talent and craft of the narrative is rivaled only by the massive expanse of a truly cohesive world.

And they made it all happen on that oh-so-last-gen, oh-so-antiquated Digital Versatile Disc.

I go where the true artists go. And true artists don't give a shit about the format. So neither do I.

dorkyfresh115063d ago

.
.
...so don't give me this crap about how artists don't care about format. you made some really good points and i agree with some of them, however, ideas aren't the only things that propel games forward. if you have a truly epic vision and run into space problems (like several gaming companies are complaining about), then you obviously need more space.

theXfactor5064d ago

It does look better than the original 360 and 2 extra USB ports + built in wifi and a bigger HDD are all nice touches, but I don't think that justifies keeping it at a $300 price tag ($320 if you want to keep your old game saves.)

TheAwesomessMan5064d ago

I think keeping it at $300 is fine seeing as how they added something worth buying it for 2 extra USB ports, wifi 802.11n kinect ready where as buying the original 360 at $300 then buying a wifi adaptor of wireless adaptor plus the dungle for kinect and then kinect would probably run $600-$700.

theXfactor5064d ago

It is an absolute bargain, but imo the original 360 was overpriced as it is...adding 2 USB ports ad wifi couldn't have costed much and when you compare it to the competion rather than to its predecessor it is not a good price at all. Also, aren't all 360 "kinect ready" (as in compatible with kinect?)
Again, this is just my opinion.

On another note. That was a good reply. How do the "bubbles" work. I'm new lol.

gamingisnotacrime5064d ago

i like it, if gamestop does a promo for trading the elite for the "S" i will upgrade

etownone5064d ago

I think they are goin to try and clear out the stock of elites out now, and then probably drop the price of this new console to $249 either in sept for that holiday rush or alongside the release of Kinect.

If they would have dropped the price now, then existing elites would have had to be dropped even more like down to $200.

Show all comments (48)
100°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7211h ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

purple1011h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos43m ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

300°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

As part of its plans to cut 1,900 jobs, Microsoft has reportedly shut down operations at Bethesda France, letting go roughly 15 people

Read Full Story >>
insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere1d 8h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 5h ago

If they are let go, they can be whatever they want. They ARE 3rd party now... 🤦

Barlos1d 3h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN20h ago

They can form a company if they want, they are just as jobless as if "Microsoft had left them as 3rd party".

peppeaccardo22h ago

"MIcrosoft leaves Bethesda do what they know how to do best" ... close! Oh the irony ....
(Citation from a week old article)

ChasterMies18h ago

I think Microsoft and other game publishers are letting people go because they think ai will replace them. Doesn’t matter how much profit they make. They were always going to be let go.

PassNextquestion1d 8h ago (Edited 1d 8h ago )

Bethesda France was made up of roughly 15 people... they couldn't of being doing much

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger1d 5h ago

that's a shame for you to say that, i'm sure Elite loves hearing what you just said.

Mr Logic16h ago

What a stupid thing to say. The elites give 0 fucks what we say on an obscure website in the comments section.

Crows9015h ago

You can always reach out and give them jobs at your company man. Don't wait

Profchaos1d 8h ago (Edited 1d 8h ago )

Bethesda France focused on publishing and marketing in the region. And 15 people lost their jobs as part of the closure.

I wonder if this is part of Microsoft's strategy to abandoned physical media or possibly gamepass advertising makes their roles redundant you don't need to market a game as hard when the majority of players get the game as part of a sub which already promoted upcoming games

Tacoboto1d 7h ago

It's France too, there's a high likelihood only 1-2 people on the team even had an Xbox.

Profchaos1d 7h ago

Possibly guven all the leaks we know the Xbox brand is really struggling in the region.

Yi-Long1d 4h ago

Well, if your consoles and games are barely found in any stores any more, of course you're gonna struggle finding consumers ...

XiNatsuDragnel1d 6h ago

Tbh Microsoft I think Bethesda being 3rd party same with Activision would probably more competitive than thus scenario imo

Profchaos1d 5h ago (Edited 1d 5h ago )

I think it would have been better for all parties really especially gamers

TheColbertinator1d 5h ago

The recently purchased Activision French offices might take over all the licensing and marketing for Microsoft in France from now on.

Show all comments (21)
280°

Xbox's Preservation Step Sets A Much-Needed Example, Especially For Nintendo

Hanzla from eXputer inquires: "If Xbox can care about preserving its games and legacy, what exactly is wrong with Nintendo, trying to kill game preservation single-handedly?"

purple10112d ago

Ahh yes the good old game preservation of saving all your games to a removable hhd on the Xbox 360, taking it round your mates house, setting up multiple tvs to
Be met with “save data corrupted, please re download”

Or how about removing 360 games
From the store
, download them now or else, and, better hope to god that save data doesn’t corrupt, or it’s lost for ever

Nice one ☝️

Zeref11d ago

It's better than what Nintendo and Playstation is doing. It might not be perfect but at least they are TRYING. Unlike the others.

DarXyde11d ago

Trying? Take off the blinders for a moment, mate.

1. A failure to preserve games is just that: a failure to preserve games. Don't try to sugarcoat it: NO ONE is doing it properly. Better than awful is nothing to write home about.

2. At the time of this comment, isn't it the case that you need an internet connection to play Xbox games even if you buy physical discs that are hardly in circulation anymore? I don't have a Series X and I can't verify, but I think that is correct. I'm fairly certain you can at least play PS5 games at version 1.0 (not much of a win really when many games require day one patches). I think Microsoft's all digital, licensing approach is by far more aggressive than anyone else's. They really try to push you to game pass where you lose your entire library by umm.... Skipping a month of payments.

I don't think anyone is doing it right whatsoever. Don't get me started on Nintendo, who goes after anyone looking to preserve their games better than they ever would with extreme litigation.

Don't be a simp for any of these companies. Get it together.

PhillyDonJawn11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

@DarX never speak on Xbox again. You lost all credibility with your internet connection comment. Smh you have 0 clue and misinformed yet speaking on something you don't no squat about.

Einhander197211d ago

What has Sony done exactly? You guys keep deflecting to Sony but I am not actually seeing any results, and ai am certain nothing that you can come up with even comes close to what Microsoft has done and what they have tried and failed to do, like tie all your disks to your account on xbone.

Microsoft removed their whole indie section when they moved to the xbone because they were going to only allow games on the service that came from a publisher, id@xbox started after xbone launched and it only exists because Sony embraced indie and Microsoft was forced to cancel their plans and reverse course.

And every single game that was part of games for windows live including disk games (I have gta 4 on disk that won't work) so hundreds of games that use that DRM no longer work unless the company themselves patched it out which of course very few did.

MrBaskerville11d ago

Not trying. Tried. they killed of the backcomp program years ago. They set something up again, but sounds like it's more of an attempt to save the current library on whatever they are planning next. With luck they save everything and more, but let's see. I could see them killing off parts of the OG xbox and 360 libraries. Can't imagine that they would allow us to play Forza 5-7 in the future.

With that said, I do like what they've done and really wish they could have done more.

shinoff218311d ago

Zeref

So killing off physical media is trying what exactly. Ms don't really give a fk if you think they do your kidding yourself.

Profchaos11d ago

They are not trying this team is established for forward compatability the team is. It interested in preserving Xbox or 360 games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
isarai12d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref11d ago

Just because it's digital only doesn't mean you can't preserve it. Just put it on an external and you have the exact same functionality of what a disc does.

MrNinosan11d ago

Guess you're trolling, but if you actually think that's how it works, I'd recommend buying some braincells.

mkis00711d ago (Edited 11d ago )

Volitile vs nonvolitile data. A disc will not corrupt either. A drive can be corrupted.

Einhander197212d ago

This is just a scammy PR move to distract from the fact they are going digital only and trying to push streaming and subscriptions only.

No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft.

Without discs there is no preservation, preservation can't be done by the rights holders it can only be done by the consumers, anything else is a lie.

12d ago Replies(3)
Einhander197212d ago

Anyone remember xblig which Microsoft removed their whole 360 indie section removing hundreds of games from people?

12d ago
12d ago
Zeref11d ago

Do you know you can put your games on an external and preserve them that way? There are no benefits to discs. ZERO. Idk why some of you are still obsessed with them.

DarXyde11d ago

Because games like Persona 5 exist. It's STILL V1.00. On Playstation, that's a win because 1.00 is installed on the disc—no need to download anything.

If a game does not require any updates, it's all on the disc.

Extremely low bar in the modern era, of course. It's not much of a win by any stretch.

But for now, physical media does have a purpose, at least on Playstation.

Einhander197211d ago

That is factually not how game licensing works, try plugging your hard drive into someone else xbox, It's not going to work, and it won't work if the licensing servers ever go down.

Einhander197211d ago

Anyone remember games for windows live.

I have around a dozen games, some on Steam itself that will not work because Microsoft shut off the licensing servers.

BehindTheRows11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

I do. I STILL have games (Gears of War being the big one) I cannot access because Games for Windows LIVE is total garbage and no one has held Microsoft accountable.

Zeref11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership.

Chevalier11d ago

"You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership."

Damn how many times do people got to explain your idiocy to you? You can take a copy of Persona 5 like someone used as an example and play that game on ANY console WITHOUT logging in which means I can lend the game to a friend without internet and they can play my game. Can you lend your hard drive to anyone without logging in for them to play? NOPE. That is a huge difference and if you think otherwise then sorry you're an idiot.

Tacoboto11d ago

"No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft."

Ubisoft is literally erasing games people bought from their libraries... My PS1-3 discs are useless on modern hardware. Nintendo's re-published and resold almost their entire Wii U library, and the eShop is completely dead with no BC mechanism in the Switch software. Microsoft publishes everything they make today day one on Steam and Xbox/Windows. Sony only brings to PC the titles they think you might want some years later and Nintendo won't even design a functional long-lasting joystick.

You're absolutely trolling and not serious if you think Microsoft today is the worst offender.

shinoff218311d ago

Yay steam

Not everyone fks with computers though. The disc is still the best way as a console player. Period.

Tacoboto11d ago

How do Sony and Nintendo feel about these discs from 2001-2013?

Don't be stupid, you know Xbox is the best at this today.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
Hofstaderman11d ago

Nobody wants this. Sales or the lack of it in the case of XBOX is very telling. I wonder how the adorably all digital series X will fare. Adorably dismal perhaps?

crazyCoconuts11d ago

Only time will tell, but for from someone like me suspecting that Xbox is trying to gracefully exit the console market, that "forward compatibility" team is trying to get Xbox games playing on Windows PCs. I mean, it's nice that they're not planning on exiting with a "enjoy your games while the hardware still works" message, so that's nice. They still have a brand to protect via Microsoft so probably feel obligated to have a better exit strategy.

Xeofate11d ago (Edited 11d ago )

That is not their plan, their plan is to transfer users accounts to the cloud.

Phil Spencer himself said as much a few months back, plans could have changed but I think people are reading way too much into one statement where Phil said he would allow Epic on xbox because he wants to be able to sell xbox games directly on other platforms. Aka, instead of selling Sea of Thives through PSN he wants to have an xbox store to sell his games on PlayStation without giving PlayStation any money.

Again, it's extremely unlikely that Phil plans to put PC on xbox and licensing would prevent them from just giving out other publishers games purchased on xbox copies of thier games on PC, Microsoft does not own their games.

crazyCoconuts10d ago

The thing that doesn't align with the cloud strategy is the giving up on exclusives. You'd still need strong exclusives for cloud streaming - it's still a "platform" , just with a lower upfront hardware investment. I feel like they've learned what PS learned with PSNow long ago. We're not ready to stream games and it's only gonna lose them money to try at this point

FinalFantasyFanatic11d ago

I would love that, I'd buy up some of the Xbox games if they could run on PC, like the Rare Replay, Lost Odyssey and Dead or Alive Ultimate, probably a pipe dream though.

Show all comments (43)