Beyond Xbox – A glimpse of what’s to come and it’s not a gaming console

We look into lies behind the specs and hardware of Durango, what it really is and what it will be able to offer us. PlayStation 4 is all about gaming in a social environment. Everything Sony has done, starting with the console's announcement back in February, evolves around gaming and sharing. So, is Microsoft following a similar strategy? Will they build their next Xbox around gaming or will it be something entirely different? They have been so silent during the last few months, that they have practically allowed Sony to drive an incredible amount of buzz with the PlayStation 3. Now let's see what the future looks like for Xbox.

[iGAM3R-VIII]

MS have to staighten up their act if they even want a slight chance against the PS4. I really do not see MS winning, especially at this stage

[joab777]

They may succeed and even do better than the ps4 financially but it wont be because of hardcore gamers (or not as much). They r looking to the future (like EA and so many others) and they hav come to realize that u cannot be profitable by simply supplying triple A gaming IPs (tomb raider for example).

So, Microsoft isnt going to invest everything into hardcore gaming. They would consider that suicidal. Amd its no surprise that they r dealing with EA. EA has talked about moving into mobile and f2p because the profit margin is much higher. Now, will MS abandon triple A IPs? No. But they r not going to invest millions into studios and exclusivity. It may have a few core ones but they will also continue to use timed exclusivity etc.

What we all forget is that the ps3 was a better machine this gen but most gamers chose the xbox even though they had to pay to play. Why? Because it was a better experience. The only games that stood out were playstation exclusives. Most multi platform games did better on xbox. So, why would MS change this strategy? They wont. They are going to try their hardest to offer everyone the better experience...ie. online, multitasking, casual gaming, possibly cheaper with subscription fees, social aspects, and interaction.

We will see games and they will definitely stress that games will be great on xbox but u will want to chose the next xbox because of what else it does... Dont get me wrong, I am getting a ps4 at launch but its because I am a die hard sony fan. But, I dont think MS is in trouble. I just think that they hav realized that money can be made in other ways too. ..and with a lot less risk. We must also remember that it is the OS that drives MS. They realize that PCs r dying a slow death. They must get out in front of it. What better way than offering an entertainment box, the PC for ur living room.

[wantonGamer]

How did most gamers choose the xbox, when PS3 outsold it ?

[Jockamo]

A PC for your living room that you sell at a loss? I don't know, the only thing that separates consoles from PCs is proprietary hardware. I can hardly MS getting rid of that idea. The appeal of paying for another generation of Xbox Live is waning among customers, especially w/ the generosity of Playstation Plus, which I think was Sony's best move at the end of this generation. MS will need to provide a more appealing (less profitable) service if they want to stay appealing to their current install base. Remember how popular the PS2 was--it was incredible. And yet, sooo many people jumped ship to get a 360 because they saw it more appealing than a PS3. This fate could happen to MS this next generation if they don't up the ante. I want MS to be smart about their decision and honestly, I think best way to maintain the appeal and bring attention away from the PS4 is through pricing. If they can show that they have a product that can produce similar results that Sony can at the illusion of a reduced cost then they'll "win" the start of this generation. Having a product, for example, that requires JUST a subscription to use, much like a cable box, could make people "try one out" in their homes. They would realize how much they liked it and just keep it. Many people who are paying for Live currently are just paying for it because they "just like it." So why not take a plunge and do a completely subscription based model and sell the console itself at a VERY modest price. I don't know if I'd get one, but I know people that would. It would be a very risky model, but w/ cell phone contracts nowadays, it wouldn't be completely foreign.

I agree w/ you though. MS is definitely NOT in trouble. Their marketing for the Xbox is unparallelled and so after they snap their fingers, whatever box they release w/ have spin spin spin.

[dedicatedtogamers]

What is truly heartbreaking is that a lot of people saw this coming years ago. Some of us who were familiar with Microsoft's practices (from our time on PCs) saw it before Microsoft even launched the 360. But a lot of people woke up and saw it with Microsoft's infamous Kinect E3...3 years in a row.

Microsoft is not, and never has been, a gaming company. They have no interest or passion for expanding gaming or making gaming more interesting. Their interest is in absorbing and consuming a marketplace. In this case, it's console gaming, but if they get bored or if its not as profitable as they like, they'll simply move on to consume something else and leave behind a wasteland. It's what they do. The only people who say otherwise are fanboys who choose to ignore Microsoft's well-documented history.

[Gazondaily]

***They have no interest or passion for expanding gaming or making gaming more interesting***

Well that's funny because that is precisely what MS did- expand gaming and making gaming more interesting by entering the market with a console that went toe to toe with a behemoth that once pretty much commanded a monopoly in the console industry. Its success is a reflection of it achieving the above.

***The only people who say otherwise are fanboys who choose to ignore Microsoft's well-documented history.***

Sorry but your sweeping statement is, with all due respect, just nonsense. Do you really think Sony operates in this industry with a noble goal of catering for gamers for anything other than profitability in mind?

You talk about Microsoft's well documented history but chose to completely ignore Sony's foray into this current generation where they basically tried to do what MS are rumoured to be doing now and that's focus on the home entertainment industry.

Ken Kutaragi (Sony's former Chairman and CEO) on the PS3:

"The PS3 is not a game machine. We've never called it a game machine....with the PS34, our intentions have been to create a machine with supercomputer calculation capabilities for home entertainment".

Kutaragi on PS3 pricing:

"We want consumers to think 'I will work more hours to buy one.'

So much for that selfless passion and interest. Turning your point on its head; only fanboys will choose to ignore Sony's well-document and rather recent history (as well as MS.

Don't be naive dedicatedtogamers. Remember, all these companies operate for the sake of making a profit and Sony and its strategy for the PS4 is precisely what is demanded by the current nature of the industry to ensure their success.

In the words of the WU-TANG CLAN:

"Cash Rules Everything Around Me C.R.E.A.M., get the money Dollar, dollar bill y'all"

[dedicatedtogamers]

I never said a word about Sony. You did. Sony's supposed practices have nothing to do with Microsoft's practices. This is an article about Microsoft.

But since you brought it up, I agree that Sony has made their own share of horrible decisions. The difference is that Sony still manages to come out with new games and contribute to gaming. Microsoft, on the other hand, simply buys up IPs. If you look at all the games that came to 360 this generation, only a handful of them are directly due to Microsoft. Games like Gears of War, Mass Effect (now a multiplat anyway), Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon, and Left 4 Dead would have all eventually found their way to other consoles. There are only three franchises that wouldn't be possible without Microsoft: Halo, Forza, and Fable. That's really about it, for the most part.

[MikeMyers]

"The only people who say otherwise are fanboys who choose to ignore Microsoft's well-documented history."

It really isn't as black and white as you make it seem. You don't have to be a fanboy to enjoy the Xbox 360. What we really have are hardened gamers such as yourself feeling squeezed out so you're only solution seems to be on the attack. We live in an era with more choices than ever before.

http://www.notenoughshaders...

Read that and how Nintendo were and now look at where we are today. You had a giant back then calling all the shots and publishers not really having any place to go. Now they have so many choices out there and we still have people such as yourself focusing on just the negatives. If the next Xbox isn't really a gaming device buy a different platform. That solves your problem right there. Instead what we have are dedicated forum members who like to fear monger and paint very dark pictures in hopes other jump on your bandwagon thinking they have a legion of fans ready to fight.

Gaming has and will always be a hobby but it seems some people are more passionate about the politics behind the doors.

[ichimaru]

heartbreaking lol?

[UnholyLight]

@wantonGamer

Thank you for that comment, you tried to seem so logical yet you made me laugh at how silly your statement was as well!

The PS3 owes a fair percentage of their install base to the fact that people got a cheap alternative to Blu Ray players back when they first came out,as well as a lot of people who bought PS3 mainly for the fact that they can access Netflix at no additional cost. This is something that is not the case on Xbox 360 due to the Xbox Live subscription requirement to access these services.

Fairly simple

[GalacticEmpire]

"This is a very dangerous situation for Microsoft. They either have some wild card in their hand, or this could very well be their last, suicidal game."

"From a gamer perspective, if all this is true, then Microsoft is basically destroying an industry, just to recreate and model it after its own rules and goals. Apple started it and it seems that Microsoft is joining the fight with what seems like a brutal re-entry. In this case, core gamers can only turn to Sony..."

MS are taking a pounding from the press lately, they kind of brought it on themselves by putting gaming on the back burner of their future plans. What with game journalists being, you know, gamers and all.

[wantonGamer]

Wasn't their first console already named Xbox ? Would be funny if they just named their third one Xbox ?

[4lc4pon3]

xbox has already lost my sale. there just is not enough exclusives to hold my interest. the 360 had 1 series i like which was Gears. other then that I did not care for forza (dont like racing games), Dont like Halo (thought it was cheezy) and Fable (was ok not great). I just dont see the future for M$ at least in my home without exclusives and honestly I hate paying for live.

PS3 has been amazing for me with exclusives and I cant wait for the PS4

[joab777]

Would u buy an xbox eventually if it were $249 and offered a bunch of awesome features that made watching TV, events and movies much better while still offering great games? I bet u that while they r hoping that their base will come out in support at launch, their goal is doing what Apple hasnt been able to do and that is to get an entertainment box in 100 million households. So, my guess is that their focus is on making all our entertainment next gen, not just top dollar video games.

[MasterCornholio]

"Would u buy an xbox eventually if it were $249 and offered a bunch of awesome features that made watching TV, events and movies much better while still offering great games?"

Why would I even need an Xbox if I could do all that with my smart TV or my PS4. Sony will announce a ton of services like Netflix, Hulu Plus, Crackle and ITV with no extra subscription cost tied to it.

Sony is focusing on games but the PS4 will offer many services plus it will contain a ton of social features.

Motorola RAZR i

[Nilemonitors13]

And to those that disagree with you paying for something that should be free is good .

[Gamer-40]

New xbox it’s not a gaming console....?
Yes, only a new Kinect coming. Idiot.

"WiiU doomed"
"New Xbox not console only a Kinect" All time.
Man, this really boring and childish. WTF N4G?

[BitbyDeath]

Playstation had to put up with hate articles for 6+ years so can understand the frustrations but N4G is just the messenger.

No point blaming it for the work of others.

[Gamer-40]

I understand, but this all changes nothing. This simply hating everything not a Sony.

[BitbyDeath]

It is quite surprising, even when the 360 got struck down with RROD and started dying left and right like they had caught the black death the media still focused all its efforts on hating the PS3.

Maybe it is a case of the 3rd console curse.

[M-M]

I honestly think Microsoft is trying to do their own thing, and not compete with Sony this time around. There will still be multi-platform games, as well as Xbox exclusives on the Xbox, but I think it will be more focused on casual games. The reason why I say this, is that Sony has done nothing but prove that they want the PS4 to be all about the gamer, and more of social networking(but not to the point where you wouldn't call it a gaming console anymore).

[Serjikal_Strike]

Maybe this time we'll get to play with Milo, but for reals this time.

[Wrightylfc88]

The next Xbox is gonna be s***!!!!!

[SockeyBoy]

Oh you guys with your crystal balls.

[Max-Zorin]

Sony and MS fanboys need to meet up and fight already. This flame bait nonsense is getting ridiculous.

[Jakens]

Would you say that MS is a bait and switch company? Don't know what they will announce or how long before they find "the new core".

[N311V]

I would say they are. From my view they used a bait and switch tactic with the 360 and it won't surprise me if they do it again. Focus on the core for the first two years because they're the early adopters then drop them like hotcakes and go for the casuals.

[urwifeminder]

It is good sony gamers are able to socialise for a change with their new console,looking forward to durango very much though.

[coolmast3r]

XBOX720 or whatever it's called is dead for me already. XBOX720=CASUAL. I'm done with this.

[Intentions]

Wait till microsoft actually announces the console first?

[DivineAssault]

they better not lose focus on whats important to us... I think theyre trying to pull off what the wii did in a different way.. A straight casual machine but that gets some good publisher support & has adequate power

[StreetsofRage]

It really is amusing to see how the fanboys from other consoles react to a console that hasn't even been officially announced. The anger and insecurity is already bleeding with their every comment. Amusing indeed! :)

[GravelerMagnitude9]

With the amount of developers on ps4's side, including the pc exclusive developers, Xbox may have to get on their knees and prove that they are worthy adversaries.

From the rumors, xbox may attract some of Nintendo's nintendo wii crowd and a few loyal xbox 360 fans ,but if that's the direction they want to go, then good luck.

But, the glow around ps4 will remain until Microsoft denies these rumors around may or E3 in June.

Based on The rumors, Microsoft could sale more 720s then ps4s only if it refrigerates your drinks , make blueberry pies, and hugs you when your sad.

No but honestly, if Microsoft wanted to go the Wii direction, I don't think they could.
This is because Nintendo established key characters like Mario, Zelda, and more in the 90s. Those characters alone are why those games still sell, like super Mario bros, Mario party, Mario sunshine, dr.mario, Mario tennis, Mario goes for the kill, Mario madness, Mario smario, Mario at war, Mario eats the potato, and more ( not all of those but, yea)

Microsoft has or had master chief, gears of war characters, and some more , but these characters are from teen or mature games. Not kids and up like wii. Xbox 360 loyals may buy the system for those characters or rumored entertainment values, but a majority may not.

Last they say women are the new core( not, they are lying) Most women are gamers because of how casual and famous Call of Duty become, but those same women would not play gears of war or god of war.

[GravelerMagnitude9]

I forgot to add that although wii u may look weak compared to rumored 720 or ps4, it will probably sell well because of huge fan base in Asia, the younger kids, and Nintendo fans. Rumored 720 can only be prayed for to deliver what gamers want.

[airgangstarr]

no one is just gonna buy a new xbox for netflix an other services u can get anywhere.. so why anyone would think thats the case is naive..ps3 followed xbox by adding all the entertainment they werent the leaders...only thing ps4 has that will save there ass at launch is destiny if bungie was still xbox only it would be game over.. so be happy u got that sony... xbox will have there feature games an so will sony but as of now theres nothing to play but sequels so besides a couple games that will be on both consoles who really cares.. what r u gonna brag i got the new ps4 to play socom 50000 or god of war 4 gt6 etc etc etc halo 5o gears 7000... its a wrap basically for consoles an this will be that last gen unless something change but gaming has been goin downhill for years now... as i cant wait for a new console thank god for destiny a new game to play not a sequel... btw graphics wont be much better gameplay wil be the same old since forever an only thing that will change is price there gonna charge more for controllers an games like usuall but now the games u buy only havee a couple multiplayer maps so more money for map packs jus to play a game u paid 60 bucks for..but people are bitchin about payin 50 a year for xbl ull be payin 50 a game jus to play multiplayer oh forgot u allready have been

[GravelerMagnitude9]

You made it seem like Sony mainly focused on Destiny and that they are super dependent on that very game for the success of the Ps4 when they have other new ip and such, especially ones that haven't been revealed yet.

We as gamers are happy for a new generation of gameplay, but you say graphics won't be much, gameplay will be the same, and you said gaming has been going downhill.

I believe that gaming has went uphill especially with women and a bigger audience of people who weren't gaming years ago are now.

The next generation may not wow you, but from Sony's end , they value Indies more and the more Indies , the more creativity can be spread with whatever console you prefer.

Since you believe all gameplay will be old ,the Indies will show that it's not

[Nathaniel_Drake]

I'm guessing blu-ray had nothing to do with entertainment at all, or HDMI ports which MS added later. I think you got that in reverse of who followed who in entertainment.

What MS really brought to the table was timed exclusives, so that they can fill in the gap of their scant first party releases. They merely frustrated gamers more than engaged them.

[level 360]

XBox720?.. literally and technically speaking it means a double circle from 360, do hope Microsoft doesn't decide in putting that horrid numerical nametag.

Microsoft's thinking is they want to get more women folk to buy their next gen console hence it's more marketed as a "friendly" non-gaming on-line entertainment based ( to put it more bluntly gaming-comes-second ) machine.

Think their onto something here.. ..not. But I'll wait and see come E3.

[Belking]

"Microsoft's thinking is they want to get more women folk to buy their next gen console hence it's more marketed as a "friendly" non-gaming on-line entertainment based ( to put it more bluntly gaming-comes-second ) machine."

That sound ridiculous. We don't even know the name of the thing and yet you people think you know what you're talking about...lol... MS console will be be just as good if not better than PS4 and the focus will be on games. It's silly to think otherwise.

[SDF Repellent]

Agreed Belking,

Can't wait for the official announcement of the Next Box.

[GABRIEL1030]

Microsoft will focus in Kinect, this device has been the most profitable accesory in 360's history. Also they may concentrate in devices like Illumiroom, applications like the new Skype and maybe another fresh surprises. PS4 will focused in the traditional player and the new xbox maybe will be different and focused more in movement sensors, proyectors and another new innovative forms to play, that not means thet MS will abandon the traditional player, only they will innovate to attract new consumers.

[stage88]

And they keep adding those nails in the coffin.

It's almost as if they've said 'hey guys in the boardroom. what can we do to our new console the complete opposite of what gamers want.'

[Machiavellian]

Could it be that MS just might focus on a balanced console that does a number of things for a much wider gaming audiences. What is core anymore than people who like games and play them regular. I would consider my 16 year old son and my 7 year old son as a core gamer because they regular play games but their taste are totally different.

Actually my whole household are core gamers but we all like different types of games. A gaming system that can provide that value to my complete home instead of just my taste probably would get my money because its a easy sell.

When the holiday comes, and I mention to my wife that I want to get the latest console she will be thinking what does it do for us as a family not just me.

I do not know if I will want the next Xbox because I have no clue what MS stragety is but I do know that just because the next Xbox isn't a gaming beast doesn't rule it out. Maybe when I was younger and only thought about myself I probably would go for Sony marketing but as a family man, my priorities have changed and I am looking for something with more balance.

[Bonerboy]

Yeah great. More graphs, pie charts, and bullshit.