Xbox World investigates: The 14 game-changing features of Xbox 720

Mag uses penultimate issue to 'tell you everything we know'

[Npugz7]

Holy crap the next Xbox is gonna be a beast!!

[1Victor]

@npug27 agreed but that's on paper only all consoles change before release and to be honest I don't think it will have all the features described in this article other wise get ready to pay one and a half to twice the price of a launch PS3,the ditch of disk isn't going to happen Sony proved it wrong to switch to digital only mid console life with the PSP GO all tho it was a market test for the vita/PS3 day one digital market.

[JBSleek]

I am very excited for the possibilites of the Xbox. Microsoft is hungry and I have a feeling that it will be the most powerful machine as well.

[Ben_Grimm]

Tetsujin,

When you are a BILLION dollar company you better have a 5 to 10 year plan or you don't stay a BILLION dollar company for long. Every tech company (every successful company) on earth is thinking 5 years ahead all the time.

It’s how they stay relevant and not die out.

More than likely the slim model will be released at a time when the next gen consoles are declining in sales or the tech inside them has gone down in price for manufacturing. All about marketing and knowing when to release to the consumers.

Edit:
I meant to reply to you.... *sad face*

[Tetsujin]

I understand that completely; I'm not knocking Microsoft for that, what my concern is how they already have a preplanned console dated for 2015 before even releasing the first console. Thinking ahead isn't a bad thing, but at least either keep quiet and prevent leaks, or at least have a redesign where it fixes whatever current hardware issues are there to prevent future accidents. If this was Sony or Nintendo I'd still feel the same way because it's almost like your buying something that's almost guaranteed to either fail, or segregate the current player base.

With the PS3 the slim came out with some sort of hardware revisions; better cooling, more updated blu ray drive, yes some things (backwards compatibility) were sacrificed, however it was to better the system overall. With the 360 it was to help fix the E74, RRoD, and the open disc try issues; however it's too far in the future to know what hardware issues will be there and know what to fix, that's where I wonder what they (Microsoft) is already planning.

[nukeitall]

So you are saying the Xbox 360 S isn't an improved version over the old one?

It has far better air circulation, lower power requirements, quieter fans, quieter DVD drive, added Wi-Fi, touch buttons, slimmer and smaller console.

I don't know anyone that claims the Xbox 360 S isn't better than the old one. Also, guess what?

The Xbox 360 S retains everything the old Xbox 360 had or have a replacement that is better. In every way, it was and IS the better and upgraded console.

If you think otherwise, let me know in what way specifically?

Also, there is nothing wrong with planning a slim version. Everyone else does it, so why pick on one company especially when that is based on a freaken rumor!

[Tetsujin]

I never said it wasn't a better version, I pointed out some of the fixes that were implemented; its in the second paragraph and not edited at all.

I know most of this is rumor and theory, in my initial post I noted that from the quote in the article; I'm not saying the slim is a bad model or something that shouldn't be done, I'm saying I don't like how someone openly preplans (rumor or not) a slim model in the future and then try to make it like it's ok.

[nukeitall]

@Tetsujin:

All and I repeat *ALL* manufacturers have pre-planned slim releases at this stage. It is something they plan in prior to launch now a days, and is part of their cost analysis before manufacturers add set of pieces into the final console.

They need to know what it is going to cost down the line, and if that item can be removed, replaced or somehow cheapified. They also need to know when about they can cut cost, and how much their early losses will be.

Sony BARELY did this on PS3 and that cost them a lot. Nintendo on the other hand did a marvelous job, just their product is a little out of touch with the core gamers.

MS was very aggressive with this, maybe too aggressive, but it ensured Xbox would survive even if it was a flop.

So no, it is completely fine and SHOULD be done!

[Tetsujin]

Your missing the entire point; you keep going on about how good a slim model is and twisting what I'm saying, I'm not talking about a slim model, I'm talking about how it's not right to have a console now, at the same time talk of a slim model for 2 years (if that's the preplanned date from initial launch) later.

Since there's already talk of something down the road I'm waiting before making any final decisions, and that's if I even decide to buy it at all. Sony and Nintendo kept quiet about their revisions until it was necessary for the public to know what was going on; and what changes were made to better the hardware. Again they didn't just say "buy it today and in a couple of years we have this coming out" like Microsoft is currently doing.

I know this is still all speculation and rumor, however with someone opening their mouth this early about a slim model before the initial model is released is one stupid move; and yet the fanboys will eat this up and argue how it's "ok" to buy something now instead of waiting to see what comes later with this kind of knowledge.

[nukeitall]

@Tetsujin:

You are going on about a rumor about MS planning a release. MS hasnt announced or disclosed anything about the next console, let alone a slim version of the next console.

I think you are unfortunately way off here.

"I know this is still all speculation and rumor, however with someone opening their mouth this early about a slim model before the initial model is released is one stupid move;"

I don't get how you blame MS, yet it is an unwanted leak or rumor and you admit it yourself as much.

Kind of ridiculous if you ask me....

[solid_warlord]

Here's what i think is reasonable Spec that M$ and $ony for that matter should look toward or get near to.

Next XBOX must have Quad Core, 8GB minimum RAM(16gb prefered).

A GPU Equivelent to HD Radeon 7970 which capable of 4k(for future proof).

Bluray disc or proprietary disc that can possibly have better read speed than BL Disc like on Wii U.

An advance heatsink to handle all that much power(M$ dont wanna go through the RROD)

Get rid of the dpad, put normal directional buttons as all other traditional controllers have.

These are afew important things i beleive next gen need to be a Next Gen system. That spec i mensioned should be able to handle just about anything in the next 5 years.

M$ should make sure that they have atleast 3 TOP exclusives on launch day. I recommend atleast 3 out of these games below:

* Halo 5
* Gears Of War 4
* Forza Motorsport 5
* Project Gotham Racing 5
* Perfect Dark 2
* Banjo Kazoie 3
* Killer Instinct

If those are met, i will buy day 1.

[Conzul]

First of all, it's "Sony", not $ony".

Second of all, there's nothing wrong with the dPad.

[solid_warlord]

Stop being a bellend for Billion dollar companies..alot of us hate the directional buttons layout on the 360. Directional buttons should be like the Wii U and PS3. Apart from that, 360 has best controller ever made. Perfect for shooters, sports except fighting games.

[Dread]

I hope to c ya in the commnents of nearly all sony fanboys writting M$ instead of MS.

[Conzul]

@warlord
Oh I thought you meant the DS3 dPad, since what you were writing applies to both nextgen platform.

@Dread
It's M$ who's on a perpetual moneygrab, by comparison to Sony who cares more about the gamers and the quality and quantity of its games.
The start of a new Gen is the chance for a company to redefine itself, though, so we'll see.

[rhcpfan]

@Conzul

If you seriously think corporations "care" about people, then I'm sorry to say, but you are truly delusional.

[Conzul]

@rhcpfan
Corporations are made up of people. And the people who people Sony are (by comparison to Micro$oft) more in touch with their loyals.

I'm not delusional, I'm realistic with a touch of optimistic.

[BlmThug]

Wow conzul, you are delusioned if you think Sony isn't a perpetual moneygrab either. All companies are because the aim is to make as much money as possible. Sony is not exempt from this, especially considering their financial position now. Typical Fanboy blindess displayed on N4G where they think a certain company is their friend.

[Lvl_up_gamer]

LMFAO how you say it's "Sony" not "$ony" meanwhile completely ignoring that he also said "M$" and not "MS".

True essence of blind loyalty.

[MarkusMcNugen]

@solid_warlord

I disagree. I hate all the d-pads on newer controllers, save the Xbox controller with the adjustable d-pad. The problem with the original 360 controllers was the d-pad didn't roll and felt really stiff.

Playstation has always been bad for fighting games. The d-pad isn't connected in the middle which leaves a gap to move your thumb through to hit another direction. I don't want my thumb to be as hard as a rock... a small callus is fine with me.

The only controller with a great d-pad was the Dreamcast controller. It was a cross with all the directional buttons connected, and it rolled with your thumb when you wanted to hit another direction. It was the perfect controller for fighting games at least.

[hivycox]

wow....where do you live man ???

how expensive would such a console be ??? graphics like HD7970 ??? in a console ?! xD

LOL...I gotta pee...

[SolidDuck]

The 360 dpad? It's prob the worst dpad in the history of controllers. It's the 360's controllers only real flaw. If all that in the article is true ill prob be choosing an Xbox next gen. I'm really excited to see and compare what Sony and Ms have in store for next gen. I like to choose just one system. Although I'm def not rich, it's not really a money thing, I just don't have time for multiple systems. Bring on next gen, I'm so ready.

[GraveLord]

Most of these things also apply to the next Playstation.

Good article though even though it doesn't really provide any new info or leaks.

[TABSF]

Chances are both the PS4 and NXB will have

AMD Fusion Chips probably A8s
4GB of RAM
HD 6000 series GPU with less than 960 cores or less

PC is already beyond the next generation

Intel Core i7s
8GB/16GB is now becoming the standard
HD 7990 got 4096 Cores

[ardivt]

I don't see how anybody can disagree with your post.

[MarkusMcNugen]

They are probably disagreeing with his guess on what the next console hardware will be. Or perhaps it's his GPU statement being redundant by saying less than or less... lol.

Or people are disagreeing because he used wrong terminology. He meant stream processors when he said cores. It would simply be amazing if a HD7990 had 4096 cores, unfortunately that is not the case.

Not to mention that AMDs latest CPUs have been shown to be a heavy hitter when it comes to higher resolutions. Granted they still have a ways to go to catch up to Intel in terms of single threaded process performance.

[TABSF]

Well my less than 960 cores or less statement was redundant

"wrong terminology" not quite sure, originally when AMD pioneered this technology they coined it Unified Shader Architecture.
Nvidia Called them Cuda Cores for years now, they have been referred to as cores for a long time. Only recently have I seen them referred to has Stream Processors

PC are defiantly already beyond the next generation, its impossible for Microsoft or Sony to get a $1000 GPU in a $400 box.

Nvidia GeForce GTX 690 has 3072 Unified Shaders
AMD Radeon HD 7990 has 4096 Unified Shaders

4K a distant dream for Next-Gen unless they put to use Gaikia, Onlive or an equivalent.
These power house GPUs above struggle with 4K on the latest games like BF3 and Dirt Showdown

AMD has fallen behind on CPUs by a long margin, rumours have it that both Microsoft and Sony will be using a AMD Fusion solution.
AMD Single threaded is beyond a joke and Intel don't even need to try.

[MarkusMcNugen]

Originally when ATI pioneered this technology, they called it Unified Shader Architecture. True. Although they have always referred to it was stream processors. Ever since the HD series came out this has been true.

Although you are correct, Nvidia has called similar technology Cuda cores.

Yes, PCs are capable of so much more, I agree. The difference is in the OS, and custom hardware. Do I think it will be able to compete with the best of PC hardware of the market? No. Of course not. PCs are upgradeable and that has always been there advantage, as well as not having a closed ecosystem with strict pricing.

If anything I see 4K resolution as the 1080p of the 360 or PS3. It may end up being in some games if feasible, but most likely it would be just arcade games.

AMD has falled behind on CPUs. But, they have recently started to show improvement. Like I said, look at a Zambezi AMD processor benchmarked against a i7 at high resolutions. If its multi-threaded, the AMD is right along with it, or outperforming it. AMD has moved there desktop CPUs to more of a server architecture which is why they have had problems. You could argue that they are almost ahead of the curve in terms of multi-threaded applications... but then again, that not very prevalent in today's applications unless you're running a server.

[kma2k]

I have both 360 & ps3 & honestly at this point i dont know which im upgrading to next gen. Im really going to paying close attention to specs, launch titles, & launch prices. Usually i tend to wait a year or two for the first price drop. Im not sure if im going to wait this time.

[NoobJobz]

Well, I'll guess we will know for sure in the next 3 months or so.

[Dark5tar1]

Some of the stuff in the 720 really impresses me (specs console-wise, 3D sound, and Blu Ray. I probably would not like the 720 because of Kinect 2, Augmented Reality, and MS trying to make Xbox more of a media device instead of what it is, a gaming console.

[Belking]

"I probably would not like the 720 because of Kinect 2, Augmented Reality, and MS trying to make Xbox more of a media device instead of what it is, a gaming console."

Nothing wrong with those things. Gamers fall into more than one category you know. Cell phones are just cell phones but they can do much more. Nothing wrong with MS making the console more versatile. The day when we can't pick up a controller and enjoy traditional gaming is when we should worry. That day hasn't come yet and probably won't for a long time. Nothing wrong with adding kinect 2 and other stuff. Its pretty clear that gamers do want that type of stuff.

[ambientFLIER]

Awesome article. That CPU should be a monster...quad core, and each of those cores is further divided into 4 more...plus 8 gigs of ram. Hopefully a strong GPGPU...and augmented reality has some serious potential.

[kickerz]

Very good read. I'm so pumped for next gen now :D

[listenkids]

I love the part where "Microsoft usually build from scratch", yes, of course they do.

[Bolts]

Microsoft would do well to consider an open architecture that allows for backward compatibility and mid life upgrades. If anything Apple and Samsung have proven that people are willing to buy upgraded iPad and smartphones every two or three years and in a tech driven industry like gaming that should also be the case.

Basically if something like a Xbox S or a Playstation 4S version were to be available for consoles every 2-3 years I would be all for it. I fear that without upgrades or a new kit these so called nextgen consoles will be obsolete and be outpaced by the very TVs that they're played on very quickly. For example these specs are fine for right now but if the TV industry were transition to 4K in around three years time, they would be woefully inadequate.

[ambientFLIER]

I thought the point of consoles was that you never had to upgrade them...and games always worked properly. I mean, I certainly DID buy an expansion pack for my N64, but that was the exception. It should have came with 8mb of ram standard.

[Bolts]

The Atari and Sega days are behind us. Console or not there are tons of release day patches so that the entire "point" or definition of what is a console is have changed. If Microsoft and Sony thinks that they can release a console and milk that hardware for another six years like they did in the previous gens then they're fooling themselves.

[MilkMan]

Up in the sky! It's a bird, Its a plane, NO! It's SUPER CONSOLE XBOX! with virtual character that materialize and slap you in the face to wake your ass up from the couch when you pull an all-nighter.

[Munky]

Whatever specs the machine will end up having we surely be beastly. All I care is that MS insures that the machine won't konk out or burn down my house.

[SITH]

Very good read. I am sure the next Xbox is going to be very impressive, it won't touch my current gaming PC, but that will not stop me from standing in line to get mine. And of course the next Xbox, "Xbox live" will be significantly diffrent. The change from the first Xbox, to the second was significant. So will this one be.

[MarkusMcNugen]

It might be as powerful. You have to keep in mind that these consoles arent running an OS like Windows. The CPU and RAM arent taxed as much due to the custom OS, wich frees up a lot of resources. Not to mention companies can make corporate deals on hardware to have special small changes that make large differences. Such as the eDRAM used in consoles.

Im not trying to say the consoles will be able to keep up with the PC market. Obviously that is not true, but at launch they may be able to compete with PCs in terms of graphics and physics.

[Griffin4871]

Nope.

[SITH]

No inbound console will be able to trump my i7-3960x, and GTX 690. Two hybrid solid state drives, and 16gb of ram. Nope, it will not be as powerful. At all. Like, not even remotely close.

[MarkusMcNugen]

I want to respond just to clarify that when I said it might be as powerful, it was obviously relative. Might being the key word there. It all depends on what components someone has in there gaming PC. Without a spec list to compare against, I was just making a generic comment on the benefits of a console over a PC in terms of resource usage and custom hardware.

If you have a high-end PC at the current moment. A Core i7 at the upper scale, 16GBs of memory, and a high-end graphics card, I seriously doubt a next-gen console could compete.

[thawind]

bacon anyone?