About Microsoft Being 'Six Months' Behind With the Next Xbox...

Kotaku - My article on Monday about Respawn Entertainment's first post-Call of Duty game, a sci-fi multiplayer shooter, coming exclusively to the current and next-gen Xbox consoles, turned some heads. So did the part of the piece about Microsoft falling behind with their next-gen machine.

[Cherchez La Ghost]

Good article!

[Cherchez La Ghost]

I have disagrees......, but yet a logical rebuttal of why. SMDH......

[JP1369]

You gave an opinion, there's no explanation necessary if someone disagrees with it. If I say I like the color blue and you don't, what logical argument would you have to bolster your case? I didn't disagree with you, but if you're going to be that sensitive I suggest staying far away from internet forums.

[Saigon]

@Cherchez La Ghost

this was a good article and your simple opinion shouldn't get disagrees.

either way it was a good explanation of what was meant the other day. Though I still hope it is not true, we will have to wait until the 21st to find out.

I think the most interesting part of the article was the comment by Brandon Jackson. All I have to say is great opinion Brandon.

[mcnablejr]

cherchez, forget about it, this is n4ps3g

[MaverickStar7]

I'd have to counter JP1369 and say its not being sensitive. The whole point of forums and comment sections is to provide discussion. The common sense thing would be have discourse on why they disagree with you. However big or small the reason, there is a reason.

[LogicStomper]

Either
A) No time to comment on why they disagree.
Or

B) They can't come up with an argument against it so they just disagree.

OR

C) They just trollin you.

[slampunk]

It's on N4G and it's an article cutting MS some slack!!! saying good article will always attract disagrees ..... i agree with you though...

[Cherchez La Ghost]

@JP1369

LoL!! I'm far from being sensitive about a simple comment. I just want to hear why some dislike the article. I like to indulge in conversations from all opinions.

[FamilyGuy]

They probably just didn't like the article...

Many don't like any articles that come from Kotaku so they would instinctively hit disagree to your statement.

[sikbeta]

This is Kotaku, same site that posted the RUMOR about a delay, right? so, now they're going against their own crap!?

Didn't read the article, don't want to give hits, they keep spreading rumors with no concrete sources just for the hits, May 21 will be the day when all these crappy rumors disappear for good!

[Hicken]

There isn't a NEED for a "logical" rebuttal. You're not obligated to get one. And, frankly, the site's commenting system isn't designed to make that easy. Note that you've got five bubbles, but you're free to disagree/agree as many times as you want in an article.

Me? I'm limited to just one comment, which I'm kindly using to respond to you here; on the other hand, I can disagree with EVERY comment in here, if I so choose.

Therefore, people will disagree with you for whatever their reasons are, but will be more careful with what they decide to respond to, since those responses are far more limited.

Personally, I haven't even read the article, nor had I disagreed. I'm simply putting to rest the "debate," as it were.

[DOMination-]

Im not one of them but i imagine its because its kotaku and most on n4g say they write shoddy articles.

Some of their rumours have been good though. We will find out on 21st how good this one is.

[showtimefolks]

whatever the case maybe we will find out something on may 21st but we will find out everything at E3

one thing i will say is most of the rumors about ps4 were correct, so let's not totally overlook rumors because where there is smoke there is fire

but getting a confirmation at E3 would be nice

[trenso1]

"Respawn news, which I should remind you is not officially announced but comes from two unrelated, good industry sources (I heard from a third source, who said he'd heard rumors of that Microsoft exclusivity plan earlier this year)."

this is what you call a good article with sources like these? And it's kotaku, i won't forgive them for that final fantasy versus lie they tried to spread, from one of their "sources"

"I'd expect all console launches to be like the Wii U's. Because they always are."

If that's the case why are so many people bashing it then?

[Syntax-Error]

Microsoft should launch after the New Year. Dont force a holiday launch without being ready. It can hurt the brand trying to keep up with the other companies. Wait until they have a solid lineup because software is what sells consoles. No one is going to rush and buy PS4 at launch especially with PS3 having a price drop when its launched and the system still has strong legs to keep it moving for another year. End of the year we have Watch Dogs, GTA5, Splinter Cell, BF4, and Call of Duty Ghosts. There's no reason for a rushed launch

[maniacmayhem]

"This happened with the Xbox 360, with the PS3, with the Wii U."

People tend to have short memories. But this is exactly what happened to the 360 and PS3. Why the WiiU is getting slammed for this is funny. Devs are still making money on the consoles we have now. They are not just going to shift all resources to a new system right off the bat.

[Persistantthug]

1. Underpowered

2. Developers and publishers don't like it

3. Consumers aren't buying it

4. Online infrastructure is bad

5. It's overpriced (for what you're getting)

Some of these examples (such as #4), I'm sure you could say, "Well, PS3 was exactly the same", but trying to compare a 2006 machine(s) to a 2012 machine is a far reach.
If we were in 2008 or 2009, Nintendo could be given a pass for some of that....but not now in 2013.

The competition is fierce, and Nintendo was clearly not ready, and the Wii U is paying heavily. Wii U is indeed failing.

[maniacmayhem]

I don't agree,

1. Under powered compared to the PS4, maybe. But this still doesn't mean great games can't be made for the system.

2. Really, I never read anything like that? Like I said before, the install base is low and devs are not going to commit to a WiiU only game just yet.

3. I agree

4. I DEFINITELY agree

5. It is not over priced. In fact I think it is under priced for what you are getting.

I understand your points but I am referring to the games or weak launch line up that the quote was referring to. Everyone seems to blame Nintendo for. Every new console has had this happen at launch.

[jcnba28]

That was a funny read but you couldn't be more wrong.

1. Underpowered? Since when have we seen a console's potential 5 months after its launch? Exactly. That's like saying PS4 us underpowered compared to PC. The Gamecube was more powerful than the PS2 and look how that turned out. Power has nothing to do with how successful a console will be. Look at the vita compared to the 3ds, the vita is more powerful but the 3ds is still crushing it.

2. Don't like it? That's why all of the developers who already have games on Wii U have said it's a great system to develop for? Yeah ok.

3. Software sells hardware. Nintendo's big games aren't out yet.

4. Online is bad? What's bad about it? All I know is it doesn't crash or freeze like PSN has since 2006.

5. Overpriced? Do you know how much tech is in the gamepad alone? You clearly don't.

PS3 sucked for 2 years before it started to get decent software. So yeah, don't judge a console just 5 months after its launch.

[Kurt Russell]

Well I think it's over priced and under powered... so I didn't buy one. And get this, I'm a consumer.

[Jek_Porkins]

Their reveal is on schedule, May 21st, and Activision is revealing the next gen Call Of Duty there. I don't think we'll have to wait long for these rumors to be sorted out.

People must forget that Microsoft launched the 360 in 2005, almost 8 years ago, they've had plenty of time to test, work things out. The 360s is the perfect example of a quality console with little to no issues.

[mcstorm]

I agree. If you look at Microsoft hardware over the last few years they have been very stable and well built. Kinect, 360s and surface rt and pro are examples of how Microsoft have changed there image and how they look at hardware.

IM looking forward to seeing what Microsoft offer with there next console because I a, liking what Microsoft are doing as a company at the moment and they are really starting to turn things around for the better.

[itBourne]

You like what Ms are doing as a company? When was the last time you got a good exclusive Xbox game and when is the next one? They already basically jumped ship on the 360. They are clearly focused on the more casual market and things outside the gaming space. Hell even windows 8 shows where they are headed as a company. As a gamer, PC, Nintendo, and Sony all offer things I can enjoy that cant be found in other places. Microsoft does not.

[mcstorm]

Well in the last 6 months the exclusives were Halo 4 Forza Horizon and Gears Judgment. So that = 3 for me. I have a WiiU and Got MarioU, Lego City and ZombieU so that = 3. For my PS3 I have got PSALBR and that's it so that = 1. I cant wait for Last of us though but that is not out yet.

It all depends on what type of games you want depends on what is best for you. So tell me what exclusives have you got in the last 6 months on those consoles?

Why is Windows 8 showing where they are heading as a company? Have you even used it because by that comment you have not.

[ziggurcat]

"The 360s is the perfect example of a quality console with little to no issues."

... and how long did it take them to achieve that?

the wii, and PS3 were near perfect right out of the gate.

[Jek_Porkins]

There hasn't been a "near perfect" console in the history of consoles, they all have issues.

Microsoft did right with the 360 and offered free 3 year warranties on all of them. I know some people who would send them in claiming RROD when it was really a disc drive or they spilled something on it, since they would get the box, then ship you a refurb, I think it was classy of them.

The whole thing gets blown up so much, the real issues were only from 2005-2007, after that they got a good handle on it, and it wasn't like they denied it or tried to get out of it.

[DigitalRaptor]

"Microsoft did right with the 360 and offered free 3 year warranties on all of them. I know some people who would send them in claiming RROD when it was really a disc drive or they spilled something on it, since they would get the box, then ship you a refurb, I think it was classy of them."

You're defending them? on this?

A company that knowingly shipped out majorly faulty hardware to market. The 3 year warranty came after several denials from Microsoft themselves that there was a problem at all. So not only did they disrespect their consumers by telling them they were wrong, it was threats of such an issue going to court did they extend the warranty.

At this point people had already re-bought their consoles, because the warranty had expired and many consumers have had to do this several times regardless of the extended warranty.

The thing gets blown up so much because they knowingly shipped the console with the highest failure rate of all time, and proceeded to do the aforementioned. And before you say "they couldn't have known", of course they would have known. These manufacturers do unit QA testing months in advance, and when consoles were failing after months, weeks and even days, there's no way they couldn't have not known.

[ceed911]

Being hacked and hiding it from their customers for two weeks is "near perfect" ?

[Utalkin2me]

@Jek_Porkins

They was forced to give that 3 year warranty by the government. Cause that was a record failure rate in electronics for such faulty machines, that's never been seen before.

Its the only electronic i know that keeps going bad and people will stay with that product. If it was any other electronic in our home after 2 failures people would move on and not think twice about it. After my second failure in a year, i will never buy another MS console as long as i live.

Btw, you know that saying "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me."

[Ju]

It amazes me how many people are actually agreeing with "MS had a near perfect console". Just wow. But that's how this works. We people are forgetting just way to fast.

[Peanuts110]

"The 360s is the perfect example of a quality console with little to no issues."
First run of Xbox360 consoles had serious RROD issues. I had three consoles go bad too. It was nice that they redesigned them.
My fear if this article is true. (If MS is behind schedule for various reasons) MS first production run might be pushing out consoles with issues. I hope that is not the case, but it is something to consider.

[Knight_Crawler]

Well said plus people forget that MS contracted a 3rd party to design the 360 and have since fired that party and the 720 this time around is being designed in house just like the Surface which is a sexy and well built machine.

May 21 needs to hurry up...super excited about the 720.

[Utalkin2me]

What you just said says alot about MS and how they deal business, "MS contracted a 3rd party to design the 360". Really nothing else needs to be said.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

The 360 S was a revised model of a product that already existed for years. I would hope and expect it to be quality with no issues. It kinda makes the argument irrelevant.

[Darrius Cole]

"The 360s is the perfect example of a quality console with little to no issues." - post #4

WTF

[Qrphe]

"The 360s is the perfect example of a quality console with little to no issues."

You're kidding right?

[LogicStomper]

Well, what issues have you been experiencing with your 360S?

[Horny]

My drive stopped reading disks. funny thing is my original 360 never had a problem and i sold it because I got the slim for free when getting a laptop.

My 60 gig ps3 blu ray laser burnt out and my 360s drive stopped working. I take good care my things, craftsmanship just went to shit over the years.

[starchild]

Curiously, my PC and PSP are the only gaming devices I have bought in the past 8 years that haven't died on me. My 360 died and MS fixed it and it has been working since then. My fat 80gb PS3 died just out of warranty and that really sucked.

[GamersRulz]

"The 360s is the perfect example of a quality console with little to no issues"

60% failure rate wants a word with you.

I mean, are you really serious?! 360 is bar-none the industry prime example of a bad unreliable hardware.

[PunisherRevenge]

Wow guys come on he is talking about the 360 "S". Which have a failure rate nowhere near as high as the "ORIGINAL" 360. Learn to read guys.

[Utalkin2me]

So you're saying we can forgot the greatest failure rate in history of electronics cause the government forced them to get it right?

[BOLO]

"The 360s is the perfect example of a quality console with little to no issues."

54% RROD failure rate?

[KontryBoy706]

what have you been smoking man? "The 360 is the perfect example of a quality console?" LOL with only 3 (Gears, Halo, Forza) notable IPs for the PAST 8 YEARS???? What previous generation got away with some crap like that????? from Nintendo, Sony or even Sega? hell even Atari???

[sway_z]

Yeah nice read....I don't think MSFT will have a problem here. Worst case scenario, they delay until feb/march 2014.

I already figured the Xbox would launch then anyway.

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Why did you figure it would launch then?

[sway_z]

Just by looking at the schedules...PS4 Feb reveal, Xbox May reveal. The news that games are still at an earlier than expected stage and the commitment to the entertainment aspect of the new Xbox.

So there is 2 months between both events and E3 is next and so on. If PS4 launches Oct/Nov/Dec, possibly Xbox could launch Jan/Feb/Mar. Xbox could launch Nov too...speculation.

Just an analysis of the playing field is all, no negative intent at all :)

[JeffGUNZ]

They will release no later then November 5, 2013. Think about it people. COD is showing their game reveal at MS may 21, 2013 nextbox reveal. You think COD will release then when their lead system isn't out yet? Come on, we all say Kotaku is unreliable and BS but now a lot of people want to believe this article? Both consoles, Sonys and MS have set goals years prior and were unable to reach ALL of them by the launch. It happens. COD: Ghost, Repsawns game (if the rumor pans out MS bought the exclusive rights), Watch Dogs, and Battlefield 4. That's a solid launch lineup to me, eh? Also, imagine if Rare comes out with Killer Instinct, since MS did get a patent in the last year or so on the name....That would be amazing.

[Supermax]

It will launch in October or November however there will be limited game launches with it.you will get the new cod ghosts,bf4,and some others like a racing game,maybe even the black husk exclusive as well.

[Supermax]

Both consoles will also have faulty equipment as well hopefully they both come with 2 year warranties

[cee773]

I think both consoles will be sturdy their both have 28nm soc which use less heat than their predecessors xbox 360 and ps3 both launched with 90nm cpu and gpus

[MoonConquistador]

If you live in the EU you maybe can still have a 2 year warranty though I accept it would be better if the consoles were just issued with one. Look it up on line, it is only an EU directive.

Even better would be if all console makers realised its better to keep consumers happy and make sure they have working consoles. That way they can continue to buy games and use services which make them money.

[stubbed_out]

I'm sticking to my own ridiculous conspiracy - MS saw the surprise 8GB Sony spec, panicked, and have rushed out to secure something in the same ilk. May 21st isn't going to be a hardware (at least console case) showcasing, its going to be a presentation where they tell everyone "it's OK everyone, we have competitive specs too".

Actually, now that I've physically typed this out and can see how stupendous this thought is I'm going to publish an article all about this on a huge gaming website and through it garner clicks and advertising revenue, fame, and more fortune!!!!!!!!!

[revben]

I cannot believe how naïve console gamers are. DDR3 and GDDR5 are different purpose things. GDDR5 is graphics memory while DDR3 is system memory. No high-end graphics card uses DDR3 for memory. Therefore, MS will use dedicated graphics memory that is GDDR5; at least 2GB, more likely 4GB. Therefore, XBOX infinity will be more all rounded and the PS4 will be better at gaming, just only just. CRYSIS the most graphical intense game and will be for some time to come only need 2 GB.

[Utalkin2me]

How do you even have 3 bubbles? Thats my question..

[nypifisel]

There's been no indication that the next Xbox GPU will have dedicated RAM other than eDRAM used as a bus for the system memory (DDR3). If the nextbox uses 12 GB of DDR3 memory there's no way in hell they also got 2 GB GDDR5 dedicated to the GPU. In any way, the large amount of system RAM in DDR3 configuration speaks of a console more aimed at entertainment and used as a mediahub rather than a gaming machine - which is in line with what we've heard about the nextbox.

There's a great deal you can read out of how the companies present their consoles. The PS4 was revealed as a gaming machine with their conference being almost exclusively about how the next generation from Sony will deal with games. The reveal of the Xbox press event came with the tag line of "mark the beginning of a new generation of games, TV, and entertainment".

The last two should worry any Xbox gaming enthusiast. Especially if we're to believe the latest leak that states the nextbox being 6 months behind in it's internal software development. Microsoft just aren't as interested in the gamers any more and fancy there's a bigger market for multi media.

[sinjonezp]

I hope they do not rush to market just because the PS4 will be released this holiday season. I think the issue with Microsoft is that they are focusing on multitudinous amounts of applications and services. With that I think it will be difficult to provide quality first party products timely. With the PS4 providing quality content such as Killzone and Infamous, Microsoft must have a slam dunk with its release; not to mention a tangible price and affordable Xbox live pricing solution. With all of the cloudy press they have been receiving, any missteps may prove detrimental. Hope to hear good news May 21

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Interesting read ...and ultimately all this tells me is... just wait for May 21st.

[LOL_WUT]

Fake! It's going to be announced pretty soon so what the hell? ;)

[from the beach]

Starting to think Nintendo can win big this Christmas, if 720 and PS4 flounder and some big hitters like Mario 3D, Smash Bros. and Retro's game drop.

Also have to say, as poor as Kotaku's reporting usually is they've been leading the pack when it comes to next gen scoops - so fair dues to them.

[stuna1]

Not likely to happen! The PS4 is firing on all cylinders, and even if the next box is delayed 6 months it will only help Microsoft by them being able to release a more competitive machine. The WII U on the other hand is already playing catchup as far as tying down 3rd party support! Sure they're getting some, but not to the degree the PS4 & NextBox will have it.

Nintendo got caught in a time vortex and released entirely too late to remain competitive for any beneficial time limit beyond the PS4 & NextBox launch. Many will start to see this almost immediately after the launch of PS4 & the NextBox, Nintendo already knows this, but they won't tell their supporters, because they would lose what little support they do have.

Right now this a waiting game, and the wait is for the true 2 competitors, which are the PS4 & NextBox! Nintendo will not even be on the roster.

[from the beach]

Released too late and playing catchup to consoles launching a year later? You sure you're not caught in a time vortex?!

Wii U will be fully in its stride towards the end of 2013 and into mid-2014, at precisely the moment Sony and MS hit those inevitable post-launch droughts. It will have its own third party exclusives (Platinum Games) and by far the best first party support.

We don't know what PS4 and 720 will cost, whether they'll launch in all regions, what the launch lineups will look like and whether they'll have disagreeable or disappointing features. To write Nintendo off at this point is foolish at best.

[stuna1]

I'll ask you this! Do you really believe 2 gb of ram will be able to compete with 8 gb of ram!? Out the gate Microsoft & Sony machines could eat that for breakfast! Ex. The Killzone demo was already using 1.5 gigs of ram. If 3rd party games start that big, how long do you really think the WII U will be relevant? Not that it's relevant now!

Developers have been calling for more ram and power for the majority of this past gen, what makes you think that they will settle for less, when they now have more?

Sure Nintendo could release those wonderful games you're going on about, but do you really believe a few game releases are going to overshadow the release of one potentially two next gen Consoles!? I just can't see that happening. I'm not saying that no one wants the games you mention, but I do believe only the die-hard nintendo fans will be purchasing those games at that specific time period, the majority of others like myself will to busy trying to aquire funds to purchase what Sony & Microsoft have to offer.

[from the beach]

You've an odd definition of 'relevant' if you think Mario isn't and Platinum isn't, but Killzone is.

Microsoft and Sony have it all to do - hardcore gamers like you and me will buy their consoles no questions asked, but others may be discouraged by price, lineup or negative press.

Nintendo needs to position itself to capitalise on that eventuality and accelerate into early 2014 when the game droughts really hit.

[stuna1]

@ from the beach

Actually I wasn't referring to the games, I was referring to the hardware! But since you want to speak on games, trying to compare Mario to Killzone is really in bad taste, considering Killzone started on the PS2, but remind me, I can't quite remember! On what system did Mario first debut? Oh now I remember their first console and every console thereafter including their handhelds. Relevant perhaps but tired definitely!

My mentioning of Killzone had nothing to do with relevancy, but more to do with scope and size.

[from the beach]

I was referring to how companies like Platinum developing games on that hardware is what makes it relevant. Wonderful 101 and Bayonetta 2? Yes please.

As for Mario, the very fact it's survived so long is testament to its continuing relevance - even though the 3D platformer is largely extinct.

My point was about games to begin with, that if Nintendo have them and the others don't, they'll win. Killzone needs to be a great game as well as a great looking game.

[loulou]

craptaku

they blow their own trumpets about announcing codenames and stuff early 2012. then they come with this hit getting rubbish... fake

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

[isyourhouseonfire]

I'll wait. Thanks MS.

[Automatic79]

Can't wait to see what Microsoft has to offer on May 21st. I am tired of all the rumors and all the hate on a system that has not been disclosed.

[MikeyDucati1]

People are so quick to equate anything that doesn't praise the Xbox as hate. You have to ask yourself what is Xbox doing now that's significant on the 360? You have to ask yourself why are Xbox users still paying for online services? You have to ask yourself why Xbox has fallen behind even when they came out a year before PS3. Don't be so ignorant. No one is secretly wishing the demise of Xbox for silly reasons. Competition is needed for the industry to flourish properly. Xbox owners had a plethora of bullet points on why a person shouldn't buy a PS3. Now the only one they mention is the PSN outage. And frankly, that doesn't hold any weight to the several amount of things Sony is doing right in the present and what's being talked about for the future

[MikeyDucati1]

Yea that was a good article, though people disagree due to loyalty reasons. Without that, you could appreciate what the man is author was saying

[Nodoze]

I will not be beta testing either a 720 OR a PS4 on the initial run. BOTH consoles experienced issues RROD and YLOD. I will allow others to test and improve the products for me.

I will be able to buy said console that has been beta/field tested, is newer (possible improved), cheaper, and will have a larger library.

Playing the waiting game truly does pay off.

[SpinalRemains138]

A near perfect console?

Bwahahahaha! That has got to be the most absurd thing I have ever read in my life.

Yeah, and Ghandi could have kicked the crap out of Chuck Lidell. Near perfect console! Lmao wow. Just W O W