Xbox 720 Specs to Set Standard for Next-Gen Games

Since Microsoft’s release of the original Xbox they have been a major player in the gaming industry. Microsoft’s presence in the gaming industry along with the Xbox 360 set the standard for games. Now that the next-gen consoles are on the horizon, will that stay the same?

[sherimae2413]

well, it should be... and must be...

[FamilyGuy]

More like it'll be setting the "bare-minimum" bar.

Setting your standards based on the lowest common denominator is a bare-minimum and hopefully, with them both having pc architectures, they'll be able to take advantage of the highest quality possible and then down grading to where it's needed to run smooth as the system gets weaker.
Highest quality PC
Drop a few things for PS4
Drop a few more for 720

I look forward to seeing the advantages of what the standardized architecture and lowered OS footprint have for consoles.

[AO1JMM]

"More like it'll be setting the "bare-minimum" bar."

Opinion, learn the definition of.

[humbleopinion]

It's actually the other way round: you don't downgrade for weaker systems, but rather use them as the base point, and then dial up the performance and graphics on stronger systems (if at all).

If you aim for a higher benchmark first, the game might not work very well on the weaker hardware.
Take a look for example at this gen where many open world games targeting the X360 first struggled with the PS3 split memory (for example, rockstar games), whereas games targeting the PS3 first (for example, the Criterion games) didn't have that problem and managed to get both versions on par.

[r1sh12]

1 OMG these top spec PC people need to move on.
Gaming PCs cost significantly more.

2 Even though specs have been leaked, we have to wait for MS to confirm them.
There could be some changes, like the last minute change to wireless controllers on the 360.

[kreate]

Microsoft have a strong policy on multiplatform games.

Games on the xbox needs to release the same, be identical, or be the better version than competing platforms version w extra content or features or Microsoft will reject ur game if they want.

So even if ps4 is this awesome gaming machine, most games might be at the same standard as the nextxbox and only exclusive games will have a chance to push the ps4's boundaries.

[AO1JMM]

It IS an opinion piece people.

Also, MS has not announced a damn thing so all of your opinions are based off of rumors.

So FAIL harder!

[DatNJDom81]

"Since Microsoft’s release of the original Xbox they have been a major player in the gaming industry. Microsoft’s presence in the gaming industry along with the Xbox 360 set the standard for games. Now that the next-gen consoles are on the horizon, will that stay the same?"

These guys must have started gaming this gen. Even then he must have only owned an xbox. What a joke.

[UnholyLight]

@AO1JMM I agree 100% with you on both comments. It just shows how dumb people can be when there hasn't been a shred of anything confirmed for sure yet.

It just shows how much of a brainwashed fanboy you are saying PS4 is the be-all-end-all of consoles. Pure idiocy, funny how so many people are so quick to come to conclusions and agree with each other over nothing more than pure speculation and opinion.

I LOOK FORWARD TO BOTH SYSTEMS, at this time I am 100% buying a PS4 day 1 I cant wait :D

[afterMoth]

"Microsoft’s presence in the gaming industry along with the Xbox 360 set the standard for games."

LOL! Only thing the 360 set is how to charge people double to use things like Netflix along with creating the most defective console in video game history.

Lets just write an article and pretend a far superior console like the PS3 doesn't exist. Great job author!

[Zeusprototype]

based this on what, learn to communicate ur bs opin as anything other then fact.

[Zeusprototype]

@ aftermoth you lose your opinion sounding nothing but a fanboy . oh look the ps3 is so great i carnt pull it from my arse. keeping convincing your self you dont get mugged off in other ways....look mircrosoft!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i pay for free games!!!!!!!!!! moron.

[2pacalypsenow]

Im sorry but the Next gen starts with consoles no one says next gen on Pc

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

MS doesn't respect hardcore gamers enough.

I hope pc lead the most.

[SideShort]

LOL. And I got restricted from commenting for two days because I called N4G pro-sony..

[nukeitall]

@humbleopinion:
"It's actually the other way round: you don't downgrade for weaker systems, but rather use them as the base point, and then dial up the performance and graphics on stronger systems (if at all)."

In and ideal world, yes. Turns out, that couldn't be further from the truth. In a limited environment like consoles, you really have little choice in dialing up performance like you do on PC. All resources on consoles has to be carefully managed and optimized.

Thus there is very little dialing up, and more about optimizing ones work to fit the small footprint.

"If you aim for a higher benchmark first, the game might not work very well on the weaker hardware.
Take a look for example at this gen where many open world games targeting the X360 first struggled with the PS3 split memory (for example, rockstar games), whereas games targeting the PS3 first (for example, the Criterion games) didn't have that problem and managed to get both versions on par."

This is a case of targetting the lowest common denominator. An open world game requires a lot of RAM to contain as much as possible of the game world. Therefore having a shared memory architecture gives you excellent performance as well as less bottlenecking at the bus transferring data. Rage for instance is an excellent example of this, where on the PS3 it was having frame rate issues as well as major popping compared to the Xbox 360 version. Of course PC had best performance, but that is to be expected.

The anemic performance of the PS3 was due to an unbalanced system limited by memory. The PS4 seems to be completely opposite, where the CPU/GPU appears to be too slow to keep up with the amount of data. I guess having too much RAM doesn't really hurt and only serves to raise the cost and limit production capacity. Also, the latency could be an issue due to GDDR5 and be less multi-taskable.

@2pacalypsenow:

"Im sorry but the Next gen starts with consoles no one says next gen on Pc"

Hopefully without sounding like a PC fanboy (I'm not, I like consoles more), but PC is *always* next-generation.

We already have PCs that can surpass next-gen consoles before they are released!

Even next-gen consoles are built around PCs!

[Christopher]

***It's actually the other way round: you don't downgrade for weaker systems, but rather use them as the base point, and then dial up the performance and graphics on stronger systems (if at all). ***

None of that is true. You program to the lowest common denominator. Only thing that will change this is money from a publisher.

[humbleopinion]

@nukeitall
"In a limited environment like consoles, you really have little choice in dialing up performance like you do on PC."
But that's the whole point, didn't you get it? You use the weaker console as a basepoint, push the stronger console a bit more (tweaking up a few things) assuming you don't care about console parity, and on the PC you let people dial it up however they wish - as long as their individual hardware can support it. If you do it the other way round, you might realize at some point that the game just can't be accomplished on the weakest platform. Even the examples you gave agree with that notion, so what are we arguing about?

@cgoodno
"None of that is true. You program to the lowest common denominator. Only thing that will change this is money from a publisher."
Again: that is EXACTLY what I was saying. Except perhaps for the addition of the world SHOULD: you SHOULD program to the lowest common denominator (as a baseline), but some developers don't follow that practice and that's why their games struggle on the weaker platform.

[SkyGamer]

How can ps4 be a powerful machine when it is running laptop specs! Cmon people and smell the coffee! Don't let gaming companies do that to you!

[JoGam]

Technically speaking, The PS4 already set the standard. It was revealed first. MS will just have to try and top it.

[My_Name_BTW_Is_Dante]

No, the Wii U was revealed first.

[HammadTheBeast]

Yeah, but PS4 broke any bar that the Wii U set.

[ArmrdChaos]

None of these companies have set jack until said item is connected to my TV and showing me they have done it.

[Tito08]

@My_Name_BTW_Is_Dante- Yeah unhuh, & your name by the way is Dante.

[UnholyLight]

This is such a silly statement. All they did was acknowledge the PS4 is happening and reveal a bunch of specs and show demos.

How the hell does that mean "They set the standard". It's a reveal for god's sake. That's all it means, "ERMAGERD Sony unveiled first therefore Sony is King!!!" Yeah, sounds pretty dumb doesn't it? Your logic is flawed.

[Maddens Raiders]

It set the "standard" for the current gen. However I like to play b3yond the standard.

[BattleAxe]

Sony is the standard, get over it. Next Gen starts when Sony releases the PS4.

[andibandit]

The only standard sony is setting right now is in how to loose money

[Condemnedman]

yes it set the standard this gen . the standard of losing lots of customers!

[UnholyLight]

Sad thing is I'm getting a PS4 and yet all the comments in response to BattleAxe are fairly true! Lol

[IAmLee]

... Has the author of this seen the stats for the ps4 yet or?

[Ninja_G_Aidan]

I like this because it's a complete Troll and everybody is falling for it!

[ceed911]

How dare you post 7 words that disagree with the people who spend all day on here, instead of playing the playstation they incessantly defend!

[Divine]

First of all even with the current rumored specs or watever out for 720. the ps4 still surpasses it. and thats idiotic to say all of us gamers want the lowest quality . multiplatform games would look way better if 360 was up to ps4 graphics . ........

"this article was sooo stupid lol im just now really thinking about it. lol."

[DOOMZ]

Just watch...

[Galaxy_Legend]

Yeah obviously...because the PS4 games are gonna be above standard. :).

[DarkBlood]

after the 360 issue with multiplatform i dont think so, it should be the otherway around now.

[xPhearR3dx]

360 issues with multiplatform games? I think you're thinking of the PS3.

[Knight_Crawler]

Go home DerpBlood, you are drunk.

[Chris558]

Lememe so funnyh ahahhjdjhncm

[DarkBlood]

game disc memory you assholes lol

[JeffGUNZ]

What? Multiplats were known to look and run smoother on the 360. Stop gasping for straws here.

[DarkBlood]

multiplatform games potientally being bigger then they are but werent because of limited gigs which im pretty sure is not grasping for straws.

but hey at least micro got the 25 gb disc thing down so thats something.

[DaThreats]

Ummm, it's way past April Fools

[NastyLeftHook0]

this article went full retard.

and why use the last of us pic for a 720 game? they could not even get that right?

hey genious! the last of us is a ps3 exclusive! XD.

[Cam977]

It must imply that the author thinks the next Xbox will have graphics on-par with the PS3.
Hahaha.

[Sandmano]

I was just going to come on here and say why did they put a TLOU pic in the article? Makes no sence. I think he's making it out to be that their looking at the Xbox logo with uncertainty, lol.

@cam977 lmao!! +Bubbles

[hadouken007]

Full retard lol

[AngelicIceDiamond]

I think it means A AAA Sony exclusives VS the entire Ecosystem of Xbox as a whole.

I'm saying its true but that's what it looks like.

[Walker]

And PlayStation 4 specs is Beyond Standard for Next-Gen Games !

[specialguest]

Yet not even the talented developer GG can produce the standard 1080p/60fps. I wouldn't call it Beyond Standard.

[madjedi]

And yet neither could bungie(not even 720p at times) or 343 industries nor epic with gears of war. Does that suddenly turn them into subpar devs. They can't magically give the system more power than it really has through clever optimization.

Do you want a barren wasteland at 1080p @60 fps or a immersive lively world at 720p, with both these systems that is the reality.

720p or 1080p on console it all depends on the developers vision for the game. Both systems have 1080p games just very few.

Saying 1080p and 60fps is a standard is bullshit, it might be a minimum standard many pc gamers will tolerate but it isn't a industry standard(unless your referring to tvs). I will accept the next standard for the systems to reach/aim for, but that is it.

Console owners don't have the option of putting a new $200-300 graphics card in and brute forcing our way to 1080p+ and 60+fps.

Pc's by there nature will always outperform consoles, build a pc to roughly the same specs as a ps3 or 360 and see how well newer games like bioshock infinite ect run.

Standards for hd starts at 720p, 1080p is just another higher tier of hd as well 4k and 8k.

[specialguest]

You're all over the place with what you're trying to state. First of all, i never said devs not being able to achieve a certain level of performance makes them subpar. That's why i stated that the TALENTED GG couldn't even produced the standard 1080p/60fps. This means that the hardware is limited which YOU agree since (as you stated) They can't magically give the system more power.

WALKER stated that the PS4 specs is BEYOND standard for next-gen games which on a hardware level i disagree with. Some people say next gen level of visual performance is already here in the form of current high end pc games, while others claim it'll go beyond it. If they show real gameplay a next gen games that performs like current PC games, then I'll agree with WALKER. However, with the current gameplay that has been shown so far in the form of KZ:SF, it looks amazing, but its limited to 30fps. It proves that the PS4 is in fact not BEYOND standard specs wise. Keyword: beyond

[Tr10wn]

I dont know if you can see the future but i havent seen an announcement of halo 5 and a confirmation that it will not run at 1080p@60fps when it launches but i'm willing to bet it will and if you are talking about old Halos and GoW you are an idiot, they always deliver in the 60fps part they couldn't on the 1080p part because obvious reasons and the new console will probably run the "Standard" by now which is 1080p idk how you came with the conclusion that 720p is the standard in 2013 i mean it was back in 2008 but its a new generation of console and its clearly a 1080p standard, GG screw up they are willing to make a FPS that run at only 30FPS on a new console, it doesnt take a genius to know that you can't play a FPS at those frames at least not reliable.

[ApolloTheBoss]

LMAO! Explain to me why The Last of Us and Xbox are in the same picture?

[Godmars290]

Because we've both yet to see any genuine "next gen" games, and the author's flamebaiting for hits.

[SegaGamer]

To be honest i don't care, as long as the games are good i don't care about anything else.

[Serjikal_Strike]

Not interested, I already have a cable box

[Software_Lover]

We dont know the specs

[Rhythmattic]

^^The the most accurate statement posted^^

[mrmancs]

when i read the title i thought this was a fact story and was ready for reading it all , oh no, it is an opinion off a xbox fanboy that is in delusionary state of fanboyism. Poor guy needs a doctor.

[Automatic79]

Everyone is quick to judge the Next Xbox. I say wait to the actual console is announced before declaring any winners.

[artdafoo]

Too bad its RAM says otherwise.

[MasterCornholio]

The PS4 and the 720 will set the standard for next gen consoles while the Wii U will be in between next gen and last gen.

IMO

Motorola RAZR i

[TechnicianTed]

No one cares what you post with. Especially when it's a Motorola, lol.

[kayoss]

Xbox 360 set a standard for this gen gaming? I own both console but to me Xbox 360 create a "glass ceiling" for multiplatform games. I will explain that soon.
First when Xbox 360 was released nothing about it was standard. It did not have hdmi, it did not have wifi, pay subscription, and to play hd movies disc you need to buy a hd player. The ps3 came standard with bluray, wifi, hdmi, and free online play, which as we know now became a standard necessity for all consoles. Microsoft had to release a different version of the 360 that came standards with all of that minus the bluray and paid subscription. If you going to argue this is why the ps3 is so expensive, I can argue that the first launched 360 cost more if you have to buy the wifi and hd player. Ps4 is looking to set the "standard" again.
"Glass ceiling" I feel that 360 is holding back the potential of 3rd party games, why? Microsoft have a rule in place that say if the said multiplatform game is not better or the same at its competitor, that said developer can not release that game on the 360. We all seen what first party games on the ps3 looks like and we can all agree that it has the best graphic of any current home consoles. Imagine if the 360 wasn't the system that 3rd party developers have to develope games on, we would be seeing something different. In short I feel the 360 is holding back the current gen in terms of potential graphics.
Ps3 set the standards for current gen, but 3rd party developers did not use it to its full potential which is a Shame.

[Software_Lover]

............... and the contract myth again. I love it, lol. I haven't seen this in forever.

And yes I'm aware of the content parity contract.

[MikeMyers]

That's why they are called options, not everyone had to buy a wi-fi adapter or the HD-DVD add-on. The same thing with the PS2, not everyone had to buy the hard drive, the 4 player support add-on or the broadband connector.

It's amazing how things turned around. The PS2 was the weaker system compared to the Xbox and many didn't seem to care. Yet for 7+ years we kept hearing about how the PS3 was more powerful and how much that mattered. If people are really concerned about getting the best multiplat titles they would be supporting the PC.

I imagine the Wii U will be like the Wii last generation where it can't keep up on a technical level to the next Xbox or the PS4 and the PS4 and next Xbox will be quite comparable. Meanwhile shortly after these new systems come out the PC will once again pull ahead.

[Dmagic]

you're saying that without all the details which makes it look like that. things did not "turn around" on xbox you could not play your favorite games so who cares about its power it did not matter when you could not play 80% of great games

[MikeMyers]

Then obviously the power didn't matter then now did it? So why care now? The PS3 and Xbox 360 are too close to really matter anyways. You see way more differences with the Wii on one end and the PC on the other.

If the specs for the PS4 and next Xbox are accurate then it's not going to matter that much again but I'm sure we;ll still see all the bickering between the fanboys going at it once again while they still ignore the PC.

[kayoss]

Yes options, but should those be an option? Wifi? High compactly medium? We sitting here today talking bout how 360 set the standards but yet those "options" is what defined this generation of gaming. Online games and great graphics that requires high compactly mediums. If the author considered the 360 the standards, those "option" should come standards.
You're kinda of getting off subject, we are talking about home consoles not high end pc. Anyone with $1000 to spare can get a pc that can out power any console. Even a fuckin idiot knows that a gaming pc will always be better then a console, but we are talking about home consoles not pc. 360 is not being compared to a pc in this topic, it's about the 360 setting the standards for home console which is wrong.
360 may have set the standards for home console online gaming but yet the console did not come with wifi as standard it was an "option". HOw can you set a standard if you give people choices? The ps3 has it flaws but it was built with the future in mind and everything came as standard.
The reason why we didn't hear about the weakness of the ps2 when compared to the xbox is because this generation pretty much created and divided the gamers, regardless of what you say you always have a preferred console even if you have all 3; Nintendo, Sony or Microsoft. In the ps2 era, the dominate console was the ps2 the Xbox was in its infancy and most gamers gamed on the ps2. So the ps2 became the " standards" even though it was inferior to the Xbox. online gaming wasn't really established yet, it just near the end of the ps2 gen when we started to see online gaming on home console.
Regardless of what I say you will view me as a Sony fanboy, yes I favor the ps3 a little more then I do my Xbox 360 or wii u. But there are favorites games on the 360 that I must have. what I'm saying is just my opinion and you can disagree but you can't sit there and tell me that the 360 as a home console set the " standards" for this gen. If you do, then you're a bigger 360 fanboy that just don't want to admit the truth.

[MikeMyers]

The original PS3 20GB model never came with wi-fi either. So get your facts straight. What does Wi-Fi have to do with multiplat games and this article about which console set the standard for them?

"The reason why we didn't hear about the weakness of the ps2 when compared to the xbox is because this generation pretty much created and divided the gamers, regardless of what you say you always have a preferred console even if you have all 3."

It's always been divided and will remain divided moving forward. From the days of Sega versus Nintendo to now. Back then Sega systems had a faster processor which helped sports games run at a smoother frame rate. We will always have a console weaker than the other.

"what I'm saying is just my opinion and you can disagree but you can't sit there and tell me that the 360 as a home console set the standards" for this gen. If you do, then you're a bigger 360 fanboy that just don't want to admit the truth."

Oh please. The Xbox 360 became the lead platform for many multiplat titles. Just like how the PS2 was the lead platform for many multiplat titles. This isn't about what was included in the box and what cables it supported. The biggest mistake Microsoft made was not having a hard drive in every system. What that did was force developers to compensate and some games like Star Ocean were compromised because of it. Wi-Fi has nothing to do with anything. Neither do all the other options the person above listed. This isn't about accessories like HDMI, it's about multiplat games.

The point is the PS2 was also the weaker system but very few multiplat titles took advantage of the better hardware found on the Xbox, which had a built in hard drive as well which was used to stream games. That's why it's hilarious seeing anti-Xbox fans making such a big deal about it now.

The PC is also relevant because even though the consoles are weaker multiplats often were better on the PC. So that standard didn't have much impact there. It's also relevant because Sony has finally adopted a more PC like architecture for the PS4 which means ports will no longer be as big of an issue, if at all, like they were on the PS3.

Bottom line is every generation we see weaker hardware and it wasn't until the Wii came out that it was very apparent to be weaker. The Wii U is likely to go down that same route. The next Xbox and PS4 are likely to have minimal differences in hardware capabilities but I imagine we will continue to see fanboys go at it back and forth. The reason is simple, they are the most competitive devices to each other so the fanboys will try and exploit any differences they do have to the fullest.

[wiz7191]

The 360 isnt holding this current back developers are holding this gen back.

[madjedi]

No hardware is holding back this gen, having another 512 megs of memory would have been helpful. (considering this is 8 yr old hardware no surprise)

Sony first party developers are proving these systems still can create incredible looking games.

Halo 4 looked great, lack of numerous skilled first party studios, dedicated to pushing the system to even higher benchmarks really hurt the 360 in visuals this gen compared to the ps3.

Halo was really the only series that was capable of showing the 360's full potential, maybe forza but i don't touch racing games.

Everything else is either a mp engine game like gears or non realistic/cartoony graphics.

[JasonXE]

if the 360 is easier to develop for over the PS3, why would any developer really go out of their way, time, money, and resources into trying to make a multiplatform game look better on PS3? You really think programmers are sitting there doing that when they could make their job easier by just focusing on a architect they are already familiar with and can easily develop for (Xbox 360)?

This is like the PS2 vs Xbox 1 last gen. Xbox games were known to be the better versions of multiplatform games compared to the PS2. Were developers purposefully trying to make the Xbox version better? No, it was easy for them to simply do it. Was the PS2 holding back games last gen? No, no one seemed to care then.

If sony didn't make the PS3 so damn hard to program for, maybe that would be the case this gen where PS3 games were easily performing better than 360 counterparts because of the better hardware.

[Blaze929]

says, "Xbox 360 set a standard for this gen 'gaming'? I own both console but to me Xbox 360 create a "glass ceiling" for multiplatform games."

starts talking about, "and to play hd movies disc you need to buy a hd player.

dedicates a whole first paragraph to nothing about gaming.

Gotta love N4G. Keep pretending that Microsoft and the Xbox 360 didn't set the standards and elevated the game (no pun intended) for a lot of the things this generation and next-generation if you want to for a gaming console PERIOD.

Achievements, one dashboard OS, Xbox LIVE, Apps on consoles, custom soundtracks, xbox live party chat, video chat, xbox live marketplace, Xbox LIVE marketplace website and downloadable queues, hard drives for consoles, ripping disc to HDDs for no disc play, cross game chat and invites, xbox live beacons, 4 controller support out the box no multitap required, Xbox LIVE cloud storage (wasnt first but sure is a lot better than PSN's cloud "backup" system), family safety controls for child protection, xbox live family to monitor and limit child activity.

I mean, I can literally go on for days. Saying Microsoft didn't set the standard this gen is at that point, is just being a dumb fanboy.

---

"Microsoft have a rule in place that say if the said multiplatform game is not better or the same at its competitor, that said developer can not release that game on the 360. "

where are you all pulling that from? the PS3 fan wiki page? That "rule" only applied to Microsoft publishing a game. They never once said or put in a rule saying hey, if your game runs or looks better on PS3 then you cant put it on Xbox 360.

NO, they said if that is the case, they will not PUBLISH the game for that said title and developer. Why would you help get something out that runs better on a competitor's system?

By that logic, I'll make a game that runs amazing on Xbox 360 - terrible on PS3, then ask Sony to help me publish it. Because, it makes sense right?

[AridSpider]

bubbles to you sir

[BuryYourHead707]

@MikeMeyers

Just because during the PS2/Xbox gen the PS2 was the lowest common denominator, doesn't make it comparable to today's bickering from single platform owners.

The difference between then and now is that Devs didn't care about Xbox (or its install base) enough to make a better looking game for it compared to its PS2 equivalent.
These days MS forces parity through paperwork, see the difference?
Devs could have made better Xbox games if they wanted to back in Gen. 7,
In Gen. 8 the only way to make a better version is to be exclusive.

Now for 2 seconds **** the fanboy shit. Do you really support this ^^ as a gamer who wants options and the best product available to them?

[Gamer-Z]

I really hope developers ignore MS's parity policy next gen.

[Studio-YaMi]

If it has better specs than the PS4,then I wouldn't mind them setting it as standard and porting multi-platform games from the NextBox to the PS4.

But as it stands right now,PS4 has the lead in specs(based on the NextBox rumors) and it will just be foolish/lazy to make the inferior console be the standard for next gen(not including PC here so PC elites need not to comment on this),I'll wait till microsoft officially announce the NextBox.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

An artticle of someones opinion there is nothing in the article to validste this.

[horndog]

The 720 will dominate NA again the biggest and mostimportant gaming market on the planet and that alone will make it the standard for the rest to follow just like this gen. Cant wait. You dont need a fancier graphics card orthe latest tech to be thestandard just as the wii and 360 proved. MS will set the standard again. Its a given

[ZodTheRipper]

I don't think so. Sony learned from their mistakes and customers saw this gen which company supports it's platform the best, so I'm sure we'll get a different picture next gen.

[madjedi]

"The 720 will dominate NA again the biggest and mostimportant gaming market on the planet" Oh jesus shut up with is the most important market in the world, your just making americans look stupid.

Guess what the 360 is still dominating in na currently, unfortunately the ps3 is dominating in the rest of the world. And it is slowly surpassing the 360 in lifetime sales. @70-75 million per system who cares.

Ms needs to improve it's online paywall standard because it is currently behind both pcs and sony for value offer.

" MS will set the standard again." By having 3 or 4 yrs or good exclusive support, only to turn around and tell their early adopters. We are more interested nintendo market than you so we are drastically cutting back on our core gamer exclusives and focusing on sesame street.

Ms set many first or standards this gen, unfortunately i don't think the general 360 audience has been as understanding as you are about them.

And to think sony still has 2 more 1st party exclusives for the ps3 this yr, too many games not enough money, with the next gens approaching.

[Blaze929]

if it takes the "rest of the world" to "slowly surpass" a system really only flourishing in North America...then that says something.

[MysticStrummer]

"MS will set the standard again."

They need to win a gen first. They haven't set a standard yet so how can they set one again? So far the best they've done is to start in first place and end up in last.

[malokevi]

The article has a lot to say about the Nextbox specs... in spite of the fact that nobody actually knows what they are.

...interesting.

[WeAreLegion]

Gentlemen... I think we should ignore these little battles. Our war has not begun. We create strategies now and wait for E3 to declare battle.

[Sarobi]

I'd rather we discuss a future of unity and good will towards each other - We can end this silly war! -political voice-

[WeAreLegion]

I've decided that I will never again try to enjoy my life. Thank you for that.

[DOSemp]

X?

[Father Murder X]

I like how these blog writers can see into the future. The
Xbox 720 Specs to Set Standard for Next-Gen Games--how the fuck does he know this?

[VTKC]

xbox 720 setting the standard? Well does that mean its reliable and that it wont die all of a sudden like the current one resulting me in having to buy another?

[-Falaut-]

Or MS will pull another current gen tactic and force publishers to equalize the software so it's the same on their platform and the competing platform even if the competing platform can do more from a feature and/or graphical standpoint.

Now that's awesome /s

[Blaze929]

please, provide the source for that information. Because everyone here seems to state it as fact. Don't worry, I'll wait...

[-Falaut-]

its called opening a tab and googling it. ...so I'll guess you'll be waiting awhile.

[Blaze929]

yeah, exactly like I thought lmao. sad

[lovegames718]

I don't know whose stupider Lol the idiot that made this article out of jealousy, fear and even with the rumored Xbox specs being weaker than ps4 or the idiot commentators on this site that come with NA numbers and don't prove a point of ms setting abstandardsp Lol

First and foremost let's get this out the way now ps4 and Xbox 720 both will have similar architecture yet Ps4 is announced first so it is setting standard. Secondly last gen Microsoft set no standards and just sat there while Sony set the bar high with bluray, free WiFi, full Dolby surround sound and setting standard for 3d graphics in console games, Software wise Sony was setting benchmarks %uck a standard Lol Gow,Uncharted, and killzone all say hello.

For the idiots and I emphasize idiots that boast about the only region that Micro outsells ps3 please learn basic businesses, What does a company care more for! ? Making more profit collectively or in one region? Your logic is just stupid, While Sony is selling good in alllllllll regions Microsoft is basically non existent in Japan and in Europe Sony dominates as wel. Your logic would mean something if Sony didn't sell well in U, S, but unfortunately for you pseudo businesses analyst they do Lol Try again please.

I'll end with thus. Sony will not only set the standard but will push boundaries in hardware and software like they have this gen and moving forward, Jealous and scared articles like this won't change the fact Sony is about quality not crap like kinect and faulty weak hardware.

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

kinect was crap but the ps move!!! now that was a excellent piece of hardware!!! so sick of sony fanboys with their "my shit dont stick" attitude

[xDHAV0K24x]

Amen.

[KillrateOmega]

So fanboys can try and convince others to believe in their delusions.

[steven83r]

How bout this time games are made on PS4 and ported to Xbox. No excuses for the devs saying too hard to develop for. Xbox really held back developers and PS3 with that DVD9 choice. Games made 1st party and 2nd party actually taking advantage of Bluray push the limits and make incredible games. I sure the hell would be annoyed of 5 disc games.

[stage88]

No Xbox branded machine has ever set the standard so why is the author so convinced it will next gen?

[Hercules189]

The xbox set the standard for online play. something that sony still has trouble with

[Hercules189]

the xbox set the standard for multiplayer on consoles.

[JimmyDanger]

Achievement system, integrated online, custom soundtracks in every game, multiple accounts simultaneously signed in on one console across all games/os, all games able to be installed (and no mandatory installs), integrated OS levelparty/chat/invite system cross game, across every game - are just a few of the standards MS has set this Gen. That 7 years later Sony still can't get right.

Yet here we are "Sony learnt their lesson gonna own next Gen" - when they still can't give their 7 year old box basic features their competitors 8 year old box has had for years.

I like both companies - but please - some perspective.

[MRMagoo123]

Not one thing you just listed was first on xbox if anything they where first on pc , also who gives a rats arse about achievements they are a waste of resources and time unless you have an ego problem, cross game chat is not any where near as important as all the xbox fantards keep making it out to be, i for one dont want to listen to ppl talk about crap im not interested in while im playing a game if i wanted to do that i would use my mobile phone and put the speaker on but i dont.

But like i said achievements pc first, installed games pc first , cross game chat pc first, customised soundtracks pc first so what standards did they set again ?

[JimmyDanger]

All on PC first eh? (disregarding the fact I talked about OS integration).

Wonder who established the PC environment, maintaining its constantly evolving OS - and kept it so conducive to gaming, as a gaming platform over the last 30 plus years?

[JimmyDanger]

(double post with cheese, bacon and chili sauce)

[Blaze929]

" Wonder who established the PC environment, maintaining its constantly evolving OS - and kept it so conducive to gaming, as a gaming platform over the last 30 plus years? "

OOOH OOOH OOOH I KNOW! Microsoft.

[FITgamer]

I have absolutely nothing to work with, but im sure this unknown system will set the standard.

http://www.bing.com/images/...

[Evil_Ryu]

I hope they throw a curve ball and put out some monstrous specs on the xbox 720

[Ninjamonkey82]

I'll be getting a PS4 like anyone else here but lets face it MS has shown nothing and until they do these rumors are worth nothing at all. Just kids in there dusty basements with bugger all to do but make crap up.

Personally i think both consoles are gonna offer good things end off the day and im willing to wait and see what xbox has to offer instead off being drip feed this bull everyday.

[iNFAMOUZ1]

the xbox 720 is going to rip the ps4's guts from the inside out, beast incoming!

[Cyb3r]

I think MS should put us out of our misery and reveal the next Xbox E3 is too long to wait

[Cherchez La Ghost]

Sony reviled their specs. MS is quiet-is-kept. Until confirmed specs come out, I'll keep judgement on-hold. All this speculation and people basically calling Sony the "better" console is crazy. I'll have both consoles when they launch.

I don't know who is worse. Mopar fanboys or Sony fanboys.

[Dms2012]

It is reminiscent of rednecks fighting over Ford vs. Chevy vs. Dodge back in the day.

[Nathaniel_Drake]

Sony has been the standard for console gaming since the PS3, maybe even the last part of the PS2 life cycle. Has there been a game yet to top on the 3 consoles GOW or Uncharted or Heavy Rain or platfomers like Ratchet and Clank. What about The Last of Us? What about Beyond? As we get near the end of the PS3 cycles many games are coming into play for the PS3, while I just don't see the other consoles doing the same

I am trying establish patterns where Sony does release the games and improve upon them as the last cycles arrive, the other companies ramp down and stop support to start the next gen. Why is this even a question?

[Saleem101]

This article is complete garbage..

[g-nome]

Funny

[Nathaniel_Drake]

360 set the standard when it came out because no other system was out for 1 year. PS3 then came out set the standard right away and hasn't toppled yet, so how can the 360 have the standard when it lost it on the PS3's arrival?

[wiz7191]

Its funny how the ps3 ways been dead last in terms of sales.. Graphics arent everything its the whole package.

[saint_seya]

Dead last, ps3 is second and probably will end first if the things keep going the same way..

[Nathaniel_Drake]

yeah you are right that's what the PS3 games are they are the whole package, have you played anyone of them?

Sales wise PS3 has been beating the 360 for more than 2 years so I don't know what you are talking about. The 360 along with the Wii have declined in terms of sales worldwide because they are gearing up for the next gen, look at my 1st comment

[Fakdafakinfakerz]

@Ramzadel
360 fanboys live in denial.

[oof46]

PS4 will set the standard...720 will set the standard...PC will set the standard...Just whose standard are we using, anyways?

[Animal Mutha 76]

There seems to be an awful lot of Sony extremists in this comment thread. The specs of the next Xbox will be competitive. You should want them to be competitive for the good of game development and to stop complacency by any one company.

I want both machines to be monsters offering me compelling reasons to purchase both. Competition is good remember.

[prettyboy12]

i agree but you have to admit this article is really funny.i mean he has a ps3 exclusive game in the freakin title!!!

[wiz7191]

It's funny how playstation fanboys keep thinking the 360 was under powered. Which is not the case, the 360/PS3 wasnt actually evenly matched in terms of specs. The both had a disadvantage and advantage over eachother, like the 360 has a better gpu while the PS3 has a better cpu. The better gpu in the 360 is why most multiplats look and performed better on the 360. Another thing that I noticed is that the xenos gpu and the cell gpu share the same structure, with the xenos having 6 cores and the cell having 8. Matter of fact long story short they were evenly matched in specs its just that microsoft made a bad move by using the old dvd9 instead of just using hd-dvd. Sony choice in using blu-ray gave them a big advantage.

[Max-Zorin]

PS4: Will be great.
Next Xbox: Will be great.
Their fans: .............................. ...............................

[BABY-JEDI]

I say, set the TROLL standard & have everyone bitching about something they don't know. Then realise to yourself that you are a sad sick person writing articles that upset people (just for the fun of it).

[Stefanrules7]

So the reason for this is that it happened last gen

Hitler killed 6million jews last century, does that mean it will happen again?

[arbitor365]

i seriously doubt specs are microsoft's main focus, this time around. they want it to be an "entertainment center." basically a cablebox. I cant imagine it having beastly hardware

[grimmweisse]

So let me get this straight. They set the standard, the 360 infamous for having cheap rubbish parts which caused it to RROD for a big chunck of its lifespan. Lets hope they don't have overly cheap components again.

[kingslayer1000]

Ps4>dvdbox 720

[TBONEJF]

So their still using the old 15yr old DVD technology i see. even NINTENDO have storage disc up too 25GB of data

[InTheZoneAC]

I still don't know what people saw or wanted in xbox 1, 360, or nextbox to keep them from purchasing whatever nintendo or playstation was available at the same time

wii u or ps4, why would a nextbox even be considered unless all you play is halo, gears of war, or forza.

I saw a lot of people jump on 360 when it came out just because it was all the hype of the first next gen machine, but that's just impulse buying.

what's the excuse now to get an xbox over what's available?

[annus]

You say that like Halo, Gears, Forza, Fable aren't all huge franchises. People have different tastes. XBL also dominated PSN early on which may have been a huge factor for some.

[pop-voxuli]

Yeah Sony says otherwise.

[KontryBoy706]

the "standard" means it needs to have more than 3 games for the whole generation. Halo, forza and gears.....

[whamlollypop7]

More fact-less speculation, I wish Micro would hurry up and show case this shit box so the fanboys can begin phase two of there disorder.

[urwifeminder]

Next gen does not start until ms says so.

[MRMagoo123]

When MS set A standard of any positive kind then the article will have more merit but till then the only standard they set was how badly and cheaply a company could rush out faulty hardware and thats the truth.

[chikane]

Xbox 360 set the standard for games....

nah that happen when the ps3 came out in late 06 ,

[MAULxx]

The 360 did set the standard for multiplatform games this gen. If you don't see that then I don't know what to tell you.

The article is pondering if it will be the same next gen & that's a good question. Will the nextbox be the standard or will the PS4 become the go to development box like the 360 was this gen?

[just_jeff]

If you actually read the article, it makes sense. He isn't saying that the 720 will be the stronger console, it's simply stating that if the current trend continues... 360 slightly weaker than PS3, than most multipolar form games will be built to the lowest common denominator. It's not worth the extra time/money to make a "better" version.

If the 720 bucks the trend, and is more powerful, than it'll be the other way around.

[just_jeff]

Damn you auto-correct!!! *multiplatform

[frogonalog]

nukeitall + 3h ago
@humbleopinion:
"It's actually the other way round: you don't downgrade for weaker systems, but rather use them as the base point, and then dial up the performance and graphics on stronger systems (if at all)."

Nextbox is the benchmark, then upgrade graphics for PS4.

[Condemnedman]

And the sdf come running

[devilhunterx]

Kinect 64!

[GraveLord]

It will be the lowest common denominator. So in a way, yeah it will set the "standard".

[Max-Zorin]

Sony and MS fanboys will set the standard for fighting at E3.

[Shnooze]

I just walked into a shitstorm didn't I.