220°

Xbox 720 will cost $99 with cable TV subscription, predicts Pachter

IncGamers: Michael Pachter has made a prediction regarding the retail model of Microsoft’s next console, which most of us are calling the Xbox 720 until we know any better.

Pachter, gaming analyst at Wedbush Securities, believes that Microsoft will adopt a pricing model similar to that of a smartphone – with a low up front cost and a rolling subscription.

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incgamers.com
Catoplepas4318d ago

Pachter couldn't predict his own bowel movements, let alone future market trends.

Godmars2904318d ago (Edited 4318d ago )

I agree with you, but still, given that MS is already doing it with the 360, expanding the deal from their own store, its too obvious that they at least wont offer the option.

Unless of course your Pachter. Then you make the comment and expect people to think you're a genius.

AAACE54318d ago

I counted that prediction by saying verizon or att will do it instead!

gaffyh4317d ago

I actually thought this was a good idea when I heard about them doing it with the 360, but a rolling contract would not be wise, especially from the beginning.

Think about it this way:
1. MS would need to partner with a cable company, and therefore share any profits of the subscription service.
2. $99 would never cover the cost of the console itself, meaning MS would be taking a MASSIVE loss. And would have to rely on consumers continuing to pay their contract.
3. This would mean the minimum contract term would have to be 2 years, and for the first year or two, MS' financials would look terrible.

On the other hand, they could charge $399 at launch, and sell to the core gamers for a year or two. Then down the line offer this subscription system, which would then work.

There's also a big issue with this idea as a whole, and that is that the Xbox 720, will use an immense amount of power compared to a cable box. It will also have a PSU and fans to keep it cool, because it is a game machine, and machines like this are not terribly reliable, at least not as reliable as a simple cable box. Unless they can figure out a way to power on part of the Xbox 720, without too much load on PSU and CPU, I can't see this being very viable in the long term.

Godmars2904317d ago (Edited 4317d ago )

You're not factoring in the added charge for XBL. or that more than likely a cable company will be paying them. Especially to have it exclusively tied to them.

Nevermind that we're not talking about gamers, but the general consumer. $99 for a cable box with a social features that also plays console games will be a more appealing notion. Also pretty sure a system could be made with a low power/always on consumption mode for just for watching, and a full on mode for playing games.

The only thing that would truly ruin it for all parties would be another RROD incident. People might be stupid enough to pay $600 over two years for something that'll likely be $400 day one, but if they have to go through several while missing shows, they wont go near it no matter how much damage control is done.

Also, how about just ignoring Pacther's $99 price point. Xbox3 could be $600~$400 day one and $199~$299 with a two year $15 XBL/month deal would be appealing.

NukaCola4318d ago

Pachter doesn't have bowel movements, he is constantly full of crap.

TekoIie4318d ago

That is totally the best insult add-on.....wait for it...... EVER!!!!!!

mochachino4318d ago

Well said bubble earned.

FunAndGun4317d ago

that comment right there deserves a funny bubble.

shutUpAndTakeMyMoney4318d ago

I can't predict my bowl movement.. who can?
oh hold on I feel something.. Be right back.

LAZL0-Panaflex4318d ago

Bowel movements. Awesome. He cant predict his own. Even more awesome.

WeskerChildReborned4318d ago

Haha now that's funny. I wonder why he even predicts anything in the first place. The only ones he'll get right are the ones that are obvious.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4317d ago
wAnxTa4318d ago

This guy can't predict shit!

Hoje03084318d ago (Edited 4318d ago )

Catoplepas beat you to it.

Edit: Very good point, aviator.
It appears as though we have a silent Pachter fan in our midst.

aviator1894318d ago

Reinforcement is always good, especially with someone like Pachter. :p

LAZL0-Panaflex4318d ago (Edited 4318d ago )

I know he kept saying gears would come to ps3. It wont even come to pc,...why would a microsoft ip come to the competition's console. Maybe when the tablets take over, but not as long as there is consoles will you NEVER see gears on a sony console. Same with halo. Just like you'll never see killzone,god of war, infamous, little big planet, uncharted on nintendo or xbox.

And yes gears is a MICROSOFT ip, because only a retard would alienate pc, ps3 & nintendo. It is not an epic ip and there is no 3 game deal,...it is an every game deal.

majiebeast4318d ago

This guys job must be the easiest thing ever just say random shit and when it doesnt come out 99% of the time just spin it so it looks like you were 1% right.

JBSleek4318d ago (Edited 4318d ago )

Why are people on these forums so rude to this guy? I would be for a subsidized Xbox 720 for $99 if it came with cable or even Xbox Live.

Even if that isn't true a subsidized next generation console is smart if you are willing to spend more over time then cough up all that money at once it's an option.

I don't understand the hate over an analyst who job is to predict he doesn't need to be right.

wages of sin4318d ago

You're absolutely right.

Many of the people here have no cooth, let alone intelligence, just mindless hate and drivel. They don't understand his job at all-they just worship plastic.

bobshi4318d ago

Indeed, when MS announced the $99 Xbox 360 trial - which is now being rolled out after being successful - I thought it would be an ideal test for the potential of having a $99 Xbox 720 on a similar deal.

That puts pay to all of those people crying "economy! economy!" when people say that a console with beefy specs is going to cost a load of dosh that people don't currently have, despite splashing similar amounts on iPhones and iPads.

But why do people buy iPhones? Cos its cheap to buy then a smaller fee per month.

I doubt as many would buy if it was the outright cost only.

dcbronco4318d ago

Who are you people and why are you having an intelligent conversation on N4G?

I think Pachter is off a lot of the time but not on this. Bobshi your point about the economy is a really good reason to do this. The next generation of consoles won't be as expensive to produce as most seem to think and get money from the cable company and the consumer would be a smart way for MS to sell a ton of consoles.

Verizon sells Direct TV in my area since they couldn't sell Fios. No reason why MS couldn't do a deal with the cable company that allows the Xbox to act as the cable box. You get Live and cable and they both make money. That may be the reason for the "always on" section of the leaked 360 specs. A separate APU for the cable box features in the 720 that would be far better than what Motorola is offering now.

I'd consider dropping my Motorola stock if I had some.

Felinox4318d ago

I think $199 with subscription is more likely foe first year at least. Demand will be more than they can keep up with. So theyll definately get th extra $100 a unit.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

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twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest6d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN5d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan5d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor4d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic4d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv724d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares6d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv725d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka5d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion5d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer5d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow15d ago (Edited 5d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer5d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar5d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn5d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast5d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

5d ago
Lightning775d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole5d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

5d ago
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5d ago Replies(1)
Lightning775d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

5d ago
anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning775d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast5d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning775d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast5d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 5d ago
darthv725d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes5d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

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
darthv7210d 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.

solideagle10d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic188110d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio10d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning779d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga10d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv729d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19929d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff218310d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga10d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan9d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit9d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus239d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv729d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier9d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan9d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 9d ago
purple10110d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos10d ago

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

DOMination-9d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac10d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple10110d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic10d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead9d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 9d ago
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