Microsoft in no hurry to upgrade Xbox

Microsoft will rely on its Xbox 360 game console for longer than the previous version because it's getting harder to persuade consumers to upgrade, the head of the company's entertainment unit said.

[GrieverSoul]

This is good news! I hope this generation lasts as long as the DEVs can squizze some more power into making better games. As long as games keep coming for our current hardware, ill be happy!

However, in a comment that I know will get me tons of disagrees, after the RROD issues, Microsoft has hurt the day one buyers! After so many issues with the X360 even 3 years after launch, consumers trust is now dented and in need to be reastablished! They have to trust the product in order to trust the brand. Microsoft still needs to get the RROD image out of consumers mind! They need to WIN this ´´console war`` and get on the market with a reliable piece of hardware!

[Mikelarry]

they shouldnt release a new console anytime soon. as i dont belive they have maxed out what the 360 is capable of. same goes for all the consoles this generationi wish they support all consoles for as long as possible maybe in about 5 years then i would be ready for another console.

[chaosatom]

:)

-For breakfast.

[Aaron Greenterd]

I think it's good that MS is saying this, they are trying to communicate to people sitting on the fence that the 360 won't be dropped like the original Xbox was.

Microsoft should be trying to maximize profits (obviously the price of the pro, elite, accessories, and live show this), but the question is does the Xbox line of products end in 2012?

In 3-4 years, Microsoft is going to face a tough decision, whether or not to produce another console. The problem is, they need to start R&D right now in order to accomplish this.

My theory is Microsoft will team with EA for the next console. With Microsoft's shooters + some other games and EA's sports games, they might have something that can finally compete with Sony.

I also think it's going to be funny when people start seeing the Wii for what it is, Nintendo won't be able to compete with the amount of used Wii consoles on eBay, in Gamestop, etc...used Wii's are going to be everywhere.

[Ace_Shooter]

dont do it. you will lose customers that already invested a good chunk of money for your system. just ride it out and learn from your experience. Xbox will never be as good as the Playstation brand (i give the edge to Xbox as their controller is best for shooters which appeals to a larger userbase in the US...i'm one of them) i just hate that MS does it more for THEIR liking....which is money (can't blame them its all bout the benjamins) but WE as the customers suffer for it. If the Playstation had an 'optional' controller specifically made for shooters then MS is toast. Sony is known to be a trusted brand...and that alone will keep the Playstation brand alive.

[Daurelus17]

this is good. for ppl like me who just jump into this gen. its been a year today that i got a ps3. i know this is ms news but if ms doesn't throw a new one of then neither will sony. n hes right getting ppl to upgrade is hard.

[Consoldtobots]

sounds to me like MS and more specifically the xbox division are at a loss for how to compete with Sony and the PS3. The Cell Broadband Engine has really thrown them for a loop as it is uncharted waters for the kings of compile and execute.

[InMyOpinion]

If I remember correctly their primary aim with the 360 was to gain larger share in the console market. I think being in 2nd place ahead of Sony this far into the console cycle was more than MS had dreamed of. Especially if you look back at Sony's domination with the PS2 last gen.

If you would have said "I think the 360 will be ahead of the PS3 in 2009", back in 2006, people would have labeled you delusional/insane. I would have agreed with them.

[StephanieBBB]

Always playing it safe...

[thats_just_prime]

Wow this is so sad some many idiotic ps3 fanboy in this topic and it has nothing at all to do with the ps3.

If you look at the top end pc games and compare them to the 360 you dont see a huge diffeernce. Sure the pc looks better but its not far enough a head that it makes 360 games look last gen. Look at the upgrade for the ps1 to the ps2 and the xobx1 to the 360. The upgrades are huge and instantly noticable. You dont have that yet then you compare top end pc games to the 360 or even the ps3. It hard to get the public to go out and buy a new system with out that.

[AAACE5]

I don't see any reason for either company to release a new console for a while, cause if they do, it will be extremely powerful, and will cost alot of money! In this economy, that is not a smart move.

Plus, despite what many people say about either console, I think neither one has reached it's potential yet, and probably won't within the next few years. There is still alot of gaming left in these machines, especially with the powerful Ps3!

[Danja]

so in M$ words they mean that they will annouce the next Xbox next year

[lightning360360]

360 is here to stay

[IdleLeeSiuLung]

I want the next generation to come sooner. I'm ready to upgrade!

[InMyOpinion]

Get a PC.

[theEnemy]

the beta testing for the Xbox360 hardware is over!

yay!

[shovelbum]

Yeah right, the 720 will drop in the Fall of 2010 just when Gears 3 and Halo 4 hit the market.

[DG]

I want a new console in Dec. 2010

[kapedkrusader]

...So when Sony says the PS3 will be their premier console for at least 10 years, it was outrageous. Now that MS is saying the same thing, it's genius. Damn hypocrites.

[Israfel]

.

[Crazywhitie]

I think what MS was saying was they'll take there time on the next console, not rush it out like the 360... If Sony said they're running with the PS3 for 10 years then they Lose.. The Video game Console is a five year Machine, after that it just gets old... the first year Dev's figuring out the system, 2-4 years Dev's top each other in game making... and year 5 the new console is born... the PS3 has not even match what they set out in the beginning Stating Game will run at 1080p?? I think maybe 5-7 game do that..... I'm about ready for something new... KZ2 with it's 10 hours single player won't hold me for 2 long.... I for one Can't wait to see whats next

[Traveler]

Well, to be fair, when Sony announced their plans of a ten year lifespan for the PS3 they were talking about how long they would support the PS3, it didn't mean that they wouldn't release the PS4 before that time.

[ultimolu]

Lol, so true.

[SL1M DADDY]

Bubbles up for reading my mind. Heck, bubbles to all of you who agree. ;-)

[Joey Greco RULES]

they said anything about sticking by it for sure the whole 10 years.
i just see that they wanna stick to their guns a little longer.
but even if they did, how is that hypocritical?

Edit: you can disagree all day, like a child kicking and screaming on the floor, but it doesn't change anything. :(

[Hiruma Youchi]

We might see a new nintendo console sooner But yeah , I expect Sony's PS3 and MS Xbox360 to stay here longer than other generations of consoles. Ps2 is still running and its been what? almost 9 years ( am I the only one that feels that its still going to be here in 2010.???)

[Nathaniel_Drake]

You are probably right seeing how in some countries the PS2 is just being unveiled for the first time

[Leio]

What ever you do Microsoft dont make it too "hot" this time

[Ace_Shooter]

i see what you did there...very funny. bubble to you

[Sasanova]

they only saying that so u have a reason to keep buying an xbox....sad because u sure as hell dont have many games to show

[GiantEnemyLobster]

This kid has the 360 confused with FlopStation3.

[CliffyBee]

@GiantEnemaFail

I'm sure you're confusing your Xbox Fee Fix Me with the Playstation 3. Just jump out. Jump right outa there. Save yourself from the evil green power.

The 360 will be dead by the end of 2009. FACT
No games in 09. FACT
Zero 1st party games. FACT

The PS3 will be winning for years to come. FACT
Blu-ray will be winning for years and years to come. FACT
The PS3 has more 1st party games than the 360. FACT

WOULD YOU LIKE SOME PWN SAUCE WITH THAT?!?!?!?!

[Sir_Ken_Kutaragi]

...the BEST EVER Looking Console game is coming out on the PS3 next month(i.e KillZone 2) Micro$oft say "Faster" and "Prettier" don't matter!!! ;-D
Oh Dear...The next xBox will be a Wii Clone!!! ;-D

[cereal_killa]

Don't look for Microsoft's Xbox "Next" anytime soon, says company President Robbie Bach. According to Bloomberg, Bach says Microsoft's planning to sticky by the Xbox 360 longer than the original Xbox because "it's getting harder to persuade consumers to upgrade."

This is because they need to do excessive R&D because its harder for us to convince people to re-invest in shoddy hardware. I really hope that the next system when ever they decide to release it will be better researched and not released because "we want to be the first out there" I really wonder what would have happen if they took there time with the 360.

[lipper]

Rumor is... Next gen is in the works possibly by another as yet unnamed developer and they'll beat Sony, Microsoft & Nintendo to it, by fall 2011.

Can't wait !

[Roleplayer]

I doubt that would be the case as the big three own crucial patents that another dev would have to pay millions for.

[I_LOVE_MYSELF]

Why make another Xbox when the current is the best console ever made? They should milk the 360 bone dry because it is amazing! It really has dethroned the PS2 in my opinion as greatest console!

[Aclay]

Sorry dude, but the Xbox 360 is FAR from the greatest console ever made.

Once the Xbox 360 sells over 140 million units, has the amount of games that the PS2 had and the amount of exclusive franchises that the PS2 had, then just MAYBE your opinion will hold some weight.

[I_LOVE_MYSELF]

ooo so a consoles greatness is defined by its sales?
so the wii is the best console this gen?
did you just self pwn yourself and basically admit 360 is better than PS3 because it sold more?

Greatness is not defined by sales... If thats true you are saying wii sports is the best game ever and Halo3 is better than MGS4, LBP, R2 etc etc

n00b

PSN: GametimeUK
XBL: Gametime UK

[Jamaicangmr]

W..Wh...Wha...WHAT?!?!?! I know it's your own personal belief but come the hell on now. You're really pushing it with that comment don't you think?

Please, PLEASE!!! explain why you feel this way.

[Ace_Shooter]

thats not what he meant, gametime. but how can a very loud system with a very high failure rate be considered the best of all time?? because it was the very FIRST next gen console to come on the market does not make it the best. WE all knew that next gen was coming, but so damn fast?? i was still playing my gamecube and PS2 when the 360 came out. MS are just greedy bastards i can't understand why 360 fanboys back them up. Halo3 and Gears are great games BUT they would've been just as fun IF they would've came out last gen. dont be stuborn dude. SNES could be considered the best of all time

[Aaron Greenterd]

Nobody cares what you think.

[Ace_Shooter]

you sound like the mom of Kyle i think?? from south park...w..wh.whhat!?!? LOL love that show.

[kesvalk]

all hail the fanboy-lord!!!

now really, consoles are great depending the fun factor... and i never saw one console that gave so much fun as PS2 (maybe de SNES)

sooo, xbox360 don't even near the PS2 greatness, and this is coming from a nintendo fanboy...

[smturner68]

To some, the Wii is their favorite. So what! My favorite car that I've ever had is my 2002 wrx, upgraded to 360 wheel horsepower. There are probably better cars, but not to me, cuz this is the best/fastest one I've ever had. That's my experience.
The 360 is my favorite console. I can't explain why, but it's just the way the operating system is, the games, the friends list. Playstation 2 didn't have crap for online play, so for many, that's a big detraction. Just because YOU had most of your fun on a ps2, or another guy thinks the SNES is the best ever, doesn't make it FACT. Most people like the SNES best because they were young, and it made a bigger impact in their lives.
The New Xbox Experience is just great. I love it. It's easy to get info about people, and find new friends. Playstation Home is a total waste of time. People there are not friendly, or they gyrate in your face. If that's your thing tho, good for you.
The 360 is fine, and will be for years. I do, however, think that the ps3 is gonna rock the games this year.
At least the 360 has outsold the original xbox, and they still want to keep it going. OF COURSE Sony wants to milk the ps3, they can't even get it's marketshare close to where the ps2 was. There is no way in HELL that they'll be coming out with a new system any time soon.

[gametheory]

PS2 is the best because of the games not because of sales, use your f***ing brain, though it might be useless for you

[edgeofblade]

We are never going to agree on what the definition of "best" is, and most of us don't have the self-awareness to look beyond their own preferences. But I can guarantee you that I will play the system I like, and everyone else will do the same, whether that's for the games they like, the graphics, or just to feel superior in an internet argument.

You can find a metric to justify anything to yourself, but you can't force your concept of "best" on anyone else. So, "best" doesn't matter.

[kosovo]

M$ will die so soon!
what a pity.
going back to third place is so heartbreaking.
u could imagine what a non-FUTURE-proof machine would be doing in the market that long.
considering the fact that the 360 is already MAXED out. there will be nothing exciting to gamers!

Sony; so when is nex-gen STARTING?

[VMAN_01]

That is your opinion don't pass it off as a fact

[I_LOVE_MYSELF]

I never said it did... Thats why I said "in my opinion" :-)

oooo a disagree... that basically means the disagree person thinks the 360 being better than the PS2 is a fact...

[hay]

@GametimeUK: Wow, didn't see such delusional person for a loooong time. Cheers.

[thewho]

don't believe anything from a PR's mouth.

they won't survive another 2 years, seeing as though a decent number of games this year and next year are maxxing out the 360 and will be multiple discs.

the 360 is holding the ps3 back in this generation.

does anyone really expect MS to come out and say "hey guys. we're releasing a new console in 2012, stop buying our current 360s and hold off till then".

[Sonyfanclubpresident]

yeah yeah yeah,
but you forget, the PS2 held back the first XBOX last gen.

It's O.K.if Sony does it,but not if MS does it.
Find some new material man.

P.S.
is the 360 really holding back the PS3?
Not really.
Look at multi plat games.

And also,
the money and time it takes to develop on the PS3s retarded hardware architecture(opposed to the 360s)just like it was in the PS2s,
really isn't practical in the long run when you consider the "slightly" better visuals you get on the PS3.........for a way higher development cost.

FACT

[imabeast48]

sonyfanclubpres, what the hell r u talking about. the ps2 didnt hold back the xbox. the ps2 raped the xbox

[Sonyfanclubpresident]

I'm not talking sales kid.
Do I really need to explain this to you?
As far as multiplat games went last gen...............YES.

The ps2 was almost always the lead system they developed on,
and the 1st XBOX got the weak port,
therefore proving my point,that the PS2 technically held back the XBOX 1.

And all civilized people know,the 1st XBOX was the superior console.

Fvck......why am I even explaining this to you,
eff off.

[terrandragon]

I'm fine with no more new consoles or anything, with the economy and all that. Heck, I couldn't even save up enough to buy a PS3. Oh well, maybe in 3-4 years I could.

[Richdad]

Best games for console come at the end of its lifecycle. Just think there was MGS2 back in 2002 or 01 I think it looked stunning for that time and it was said that it touched the upper end for PS2 in terms of processing. BU then MGS3, RE4, GOW1, GOW2 & Shadow of Colossus came and they where next gen when compared to MGS2 in graphics. So if its Gears 2 for 360 toucing the upper end in processing than I think there is a lot more to squeeze.

Also there are a lot of games in 360 like NG2, Halo3, Forza2, PGR3&4 that didnt used the texture streaming technology like in Assassin and Uncharted, while still they dont look half bad. So there is some potential over there.

I think MS, they took the right decision after a lot of time and its good that they have now released Jasper that is not problem plauged.

[ActionBastard]

2nd generation PS3 games look better than 3rd generation 360 games. It'll only get worse.

[SlippyMadFrog]

Get a girlfriend

[ActionBastard]

I like yours. She's free.

[hay]

@Action: He doesn't have any. His nickname pretty much sums up his facial expression. Would you date him? /jk

[mrdxpr2]

well then MS is gona have to do something cause the 360 is already being maxed out .. and the ps3 with the killer looking game killzon 2 just using 60% and looks 10 times better then anything on the box ms really must be working on the next one... they dont want to have the same fiasco if this generation

[Nathaniel_Drake]

Oh yeah you forgot about Uncharted 2 =)

[kesvalk]

"with the killer looking game killzon 2 just using 60%"

lol, this remembered me of that anime cliche phrase
"i am using only 10% of my power... now i will use 20%! [the floor shatters and explodes...]"

[Rhoic]

The only game to max anything out on the 360 was a game that revolved around physics and only maxed out the CPU. It pretty much did nothing with the GPU. And until a company can do both, it's not really maxed out, now is it? Also, the PS2 was maxed out pretty early in it's life as well. The Xbox had the best hardware and best graphics of the gen, but that didn't stop the PS2. In my eyes, it's happening in reverse. The 360 is the console with the less powerful hardware, and yet it's selling like crazy because of it's games.

[TheColbertinator]

I don't want a new console anytime soon.

[fishd]

Even one from Sega?
;)

[Mr_Zkaar]

Please no more Sonic, i might throw up.

[LeonSKennedy4Life]

I mean..."prettier" was apparently enough for the 360. That's the only difference between the Xbox and the Xbox 360.

I'm just glad that better graphics won't be enough for them. Pushing the envelope is very much appreciated in the gaming world.

[Mr_Zkaar]

Try fixing the console you have first M$ before building a new one.

[Wile]

If I was a CEO. I would be force to see that a technically inferior console (Wii) is killing me in sales. What would I do with this information? I'd look at the console I have out already. It's technically superior to the Wii and getting close to being priced the same as it. I would begin to try for more of that market share. I just hope that they don't start ignoring the more hardcore gamers in the process. I benefit more, as a hardcore gamer, from the PS360 rivalry than I would a Wii60 one.

[Meus Renaissance]

There are alot of people who own these consoles yet don't own a HDTV yet. What is the damn rush? I will not THINK about the next-gen consoles (Xbox 720/PS4) for atleast another 3 or 4 years.

[Mr_Zkaar]

I don't know anybody that doesn't own a HD TV in the uk, sh*t man i have 5 in my house. Where the hell do you live? The north pole?

[Killzonegamer83]

Think about it.. as time goes on the PS3 will continue to pump out more games pushing the console that will frankly leave 360 games in the dust in terms of technical capablities. Just wait and see, when Killzone 2 comes out I guarantee every game that comes out afterwards will be compared to Killzone 2 and the 360 just wont be able to handle something better than Killzone 2, the System just isnt capable of it.

Trust me, this is the last thing MS wanted.. MS does NOT want to go the distance with the PS3 because even though 360 might have won the battle for now, MS knows very well that Sony will win the war if they (Microsoft) go toe to toe with them and do the "10 year plan"

You are already starting to see Devs complain that DVD is starting to become limited. As time goes on the PS3 will be cheaper and way more easier to develop for and Developers will really want to make games on the PS3 due to massive blu ray potential and eventually those same devs will have to tell MS that they just cant downgrade their games that much to be on the 360 and you will start to see more 3rd party exclusive games on the PS3.

So bottom line is this, This greatly benefits the PS3.. believe me, Sony knows they are going to win the war even though they might be losing the battle. The last thing MS wants is to go the distance with the PS3. MS shouldnt have peaked out the system with Gears so early

[360 man]

wow you talk out of ur ass

[ActionBastard]

Fantastic rebuttal 360 man! You master debater you! Guess what I just called you?

@GametimeUK
Bubbles for correctly answering my question. I am a riot.

[I_LOVE_MYSELF]

@ Action Bastard

You called him a Master Debater... whats so good about that???
ooooooooooo... /chuckles

(+bblz for you... only polite that I return the gesture)

[SlippyMadFrog]

The problem with your argument is that system power =/= sales. Look at the PS2 vs Xbox last gen. Look at the Wii. If anything, it seems like the most powerfull console is cursed each gen. Although the PS3 will only get cheaper, it will never cost less than the Xbox360.

[cheapndirty]

Most games are 30-50 million to develop not including marketing. Most publishers would not want to forfeit the earnings theyt could get from having the game go multiplatform.

Dont forget that as more time goes by the 360 will only get cheaper. Sure the ps3 will go down as well, but unlikely to get as low as the 360. Ever.

Playstion 1 games were about 1 million to make
ps2 went to 5 million.

Now the costs are so high exclusives are a big risk for companies unless big checks are written up front. Sony and MS both pay big money for 3rd party exclusives. Remember, these publishers have to answer to shareholders before they answer to anyone else.

[edgeofblade]

The most space intensive thing in this day and age is audio, since procedural rendering is super cheap on disk space. But for some odds reason, PS3 games keep touting "uncompressed audio". Digital audio by definition is compressed in any manner of sampling and quantization.

Why not compress audio like everyone else, take the time you save from the disk spinning and shorten the loads? Or better yet, quit forcing us to install?

I know. Because it would be harder to claim PS3 games and Blu-ray are inseparable. Which is exactly what Sony needs to do to drop their price.

[Chapulin]

If XBOX360 goes for casual games and not hardcore. We as hardcore gamers will lose because competition makes for better games.

[Wile]

I agree (see comment 15 above)

[Traveler]

I also agree. We need Sony and Microsoft competing with one another. I shudder at the thought of a wold with the Wii as the only competitor against one of the HD consoles.

[Killzonegamer83]

Its true.. Heres the perfect analogy.. The 360 is like Roy Jones JR and the PS3 is like Jake Lamotta.. (for you fight night fans out there, you will know exactly what i mean after this analogy) Roy Jones JR is the speed showy guy, his goal is to come out swinging hard and fast the first few rounds to get the quick win while Jake Lamotta just has such a good chin and heart he can take all the punches in the world and still go the distance all the while Roy Jones keeps throwing his punches and keeps getting tired.

The PS3 is like Jake lamotta, it keeps taking the punches like it has been the last 2 years, it might have even been knocked down once but it gets back up and is still standing and isnt going anywhere and is prepared to go the distance.. The 360 being Roy Jones JR came out swiniging and yes got some good hits in the first 2-3 years but now they are starting to get tired.

The 360 game line up for 09 is looking lackluster, It tried to go for that knockout blow the first year with Gears of War and the PS3 being jake lamotta is now starting to show its true heart and chin and still standing and not even out of breath, the PS3 taps the gloves together, looks at the 360 and says.. Ok lets go the distance

[Nathaniel_Drake]

hehehehe...you can also use the Rocky versus Drago analogy XD

[RunamukK]

The way i see it, there wont be a new xbox anytime soon for multiple reasons but the main reason is blu-ray. With it being common knowledge that dvd is not even enough for this generation, Microsoft would have no choice but to implement blu ray into the new xbox. But they wont do that because they are so stubborn. Hence the quagmire.

[Kevin McCallister]

They could easily just come up with some kind of proprietary storage solution like the Dreamcast GD-ROM. Or even better, just use the HD-DVD format for storage since it's already a completed spec.

[shelbygt33]

Or just use Blu-Ray in their next console. I don't see anything prohibiting them from doing that...

[Killzonegamer83]

I totally agree.. Devs are already starting to complain about DVD9 saying how they had to compromise just so they can make it on the 360 also.. Look at GTA IV and Final Fantasy.. eventually when the PS3 becomes really easy to develop for and all the 3rd party devs will want to expand and make cutting edge games just for the PS3 because of the blu ray capablities and the PS3 potential, the 360 will be saying what about me and the Developers will eventually say enough is enough, they arent going to downgrade their games that much just so they can make it on the 360.

[MerkinMax]

This is smart. If they just get all the kinks out of the 360 and maybe a little GPU upgradage to put it right up their with the PS3. AND MAKE XBL FREE PLEASE. PSN HAS SHOWN ME THE LIGHT!

[PimpDaddy]

That it's fawking impossible to get into a game with a friend. Or trying to communicate once in a game. PSN has showed me what its like to use a free online gaming service.

Get a job or stop eating so many happy meals if you cant afford $4.17 a month for XBL.

[Mr_Zkaar]

You can't fix something that's clearly f**ked. The Xbox design it clearly floored M$ know this. They have no clue how to make a more powerful console and put it in a box without it blowing up that's the problem.

[borgome]

oh YA Pimp Daddy, you are exactly right, 100% AGREE

Bubs

[n to the b]

don't be stup1d the hardware problems were caused by the rush to be 1st to market with a next-gen console. yes there are still red rings with the Falcon chip but that doesn't mean MS is incapable of making a sturdy console; just that it's hard to get approved for the (huge) $ it would take to properly fix the problem. instead they incorporate the costs of chip upgrades into the gradual streamlining of console production over the years (which admittedly it's still BS to treat the consumer this way IMO).

[imabeast48]

pimpdaddy, whats wrong with you. the PSN is great. i have no trouble getting into games or communicating with friends. its just as good as xbl except without the 8 person party thing. but i can deal with that. also the psn as a better store with better arcade games

[Stationfan]

Well if they want to go the distance its going to be hard matching a game like Killzone 2, Uncharted 2, and most ps3 exclusives, the Unreal engine is just not going to cut it

[VMAN_01]

Also I think KZ2 proved that with excellent optimzation you can make almost even the most hardware intese games run without an install.

[laxman15]

although I love ps3, and I hate to say it, the games that came out multiplatform in 2008 looked better and had better frame rates on 360 than on ps3, despite the fact that the ps3 has more power and better hardware. I only have a 360 right now, but im getting a ps3 just for killzone 2. however, the frame rate issues need to be addressed.

[smturner68]

They seemed to have forgotten that Sony has many studios to make kickass games...and they're coming this year!

I'm glad I have all of the consoles. I do wish that in addition to the great Sony 1st/2nd party games, that Microsoft had something to counter! The more the better, but Microsoft is falling back on their Windows platform model...where most of the software comes from other parties. They need to start taking charge and making more/better exclusive content. Sony is no chump! Microsoft had better get with it. It has been fine up until this year, with what seems like a 'dry' year coming.
I know that everyone has their noses up KZ2's butt, and thinks that it's only possible on a ps3, but I think that's nonsense. It's just proof that a lot of money, time, and talent can really make a difference.
The anti-360 attitude in here is just pointless. I have noticed that there is SOOOOOOOO many more ps3 fanatics in here than 360 ones. My best guess is that, after two solid weeks of gaming on and offline after work, and interacting with some of these xbox players...they play all of the time. Most of them have at least 50 games. 50! One guy had a gamerscore of over 60000. That is maxing all achievements on over 60 games. That means, they don't sit around fantasizing about having "THE BEST CONSOLE!!! and I'll prove it!" like y'all. It means that they play games. Games are their choice for competition, not bragging about the achievements of a group of engineers making a games console. Who really cares that you have 'great taste' in consoles?

[labwarrior]

Fact is, for now games run about same on PC and consoles, so for now MS is right, with a 360 i can skip PC altogether, for now

But if my favourite RPG's are PC only due to 360 not beeing able to gandle DX11 visuals, it is bye bye for my 360, so MS better be ready at that point, or loose to PC gaming

[Neo604]

it's so easy to milk xbox fans money with peddly add-on.

[SprayandPreycom]

all you have to do is go through highschool again

and i doubt it will be called the 720 at least im hoping it wont

ever wonder why they call it the x box because the term x refers to extacy and the rave phenomenon

[Lykon]

spray and precum!!!! your having a laugh mate. Go on then over my buttocks.

[kesvalk]

the X is because the MS symbol is a X (as seen in any new microsoft game on PC)

[Mr_Zkaar]

What a load of horse ****.

If a new console came out tomorrow i would buy it, the truth is they can't build a more powerful console that won't blow up as they have problems already with the existing one. Either that or they don't have any money as Vista has bombed and there loosing too much money on XBOX repairs.

[Lykon]

and get totally owned by PS3. M$ will suffer, there only hope was another quickly hashed together box with better graphics card and memory to steal the attention for a year or two, without that the console war is as good as over. Bye Bye M$ The future is going to be about ps3 and ps4.

[Jdoki]

MS have a problem...

They have the cheapest console on the market - but are still being heavily outsold by the Wii, and for most of '08 also the PS3.

They have a console that seems to be plateauing in terms of graphics.

So what do they do?

If they continue to support the 360 I think the PS3 will eventually trounce it in terms of quality games, and eventually even sales.

If they produce a higher spec Xbox in the traditional 'MORE POWER' sense, then they will need to launch it at a higher price, effectively putting them back to square one. But there's two problems with this. One, any gains in terms of graphics quality are going to marginal - which might prove a harder sell than the jump from non-HD to HD gaming. Two - new, more powerful hardware normally equals making a loss. I would imagine that MS are sick of loses from the Xbox brand.

If MS decide to go the Nintendo route and create what is basically an overclocked 360 in new packaging then they still have to release at a slightly higher price point, but where's the added value for existing 360 customers? Chances are an overclocked 360 would still be outperformed by a PS3.

Disagree all you want 360 fans. I've owned a 360 since launch day - but this year has been poor and I can't see '09 proving much better at the moment.

[Consoldtobots]

overclocked?
They can hardly keep those things stable now, nevermind overclocking them.

[Matpan]

It´s nice to hear that they wll try to push this gen a little longer. Microsoft needs to build costumer confidence from scratch before junping to a next step (and I really hope they do so). By this I mean a steady 3-4 years with no more hardware issues (or at least properly attended ones, bringing in real solution, like with valhala) Maybe a new model (360 slim)... They also need to start building some new studios and IPs. After that, if business goes ok, I think they will surely ake the next step. There is money to be done, they have already realised this and they won´t step aside unless something major happens to the company.

As for people getting harder to convince to update hardware... well we are in recession... They surely have the arket quite studied. Let´s hope that by the end of this gen economy is back on track eand growing, so the following gen will see an even more flowrishing market for the companies to share.

BTW.... I guess both sony and MS will try to gain some Ninty appeal for their next instances. I wouldn´t be surprised if they tried to introduce something new rather than pure raw power with the PS4 and 720.

I guess It will be another 5 years before the new consoles hit the markets.

[Droid Control]

I want the Xbox 720 now!

I don't want to be playing on old hardware for years on end like those lame PS2/Wii gamers do...

I'm always first to upgrade to new hardware like the 360 and PS3.

[fire23]

The problem with this is they run right into Sony's best plans. There are a lot of games starting this year that are 2 disks or bigger on the 360, after 3-4 I would think that the might go Blu-Ray only. Then next gen Sony has massive amount of studio's that would be ready to go versus MS 3-4. MS will not have the same luxury of companies like SE bending over backwards to make exclusive games for them again.

[SprayandPreycom]

the x box 420 that way theyll have all of there drug angles coverd...

[SixAmpFuze]

if this is true I agree 100% . this gen graphics wont win ,its going to be the fun factor of games and the longevity of franchises

[SixAmpFuze]

for everyone saying the 360 is maxed out or the ps3 will beat the 360 do to quality game you are fools. prettier graphics dont make games better quality and having them on bluray wont either. If games can run on a gears 1 or 2 level and be the quality of bioshock gears or fable then the 360 is fine .This goes for 1st party games. 3rd party games will look the same .

[Droid Control]

anthonyp01 said:

'You can't fix something that's clearly f**ked. The Xbox design it clearly floored M$ know this. They have no clue how to make a more powerful console and put it in a box without it blowing up that's the problem.'

You do make a good point mate - Its true M$ are struggling with 360's power, how would they handel a PS3's power AND an internal PSU???

Or how will they handle a 720's heat issues???

oH my god! I'm now suddenly worried about my 720 red ringing!

[dredgewalker]

If the 720 is launched i guarantee there will be no Red Ring cause it will be called something else.

[Cyb3r]

Well the 360 has reached its max potential and the PS3 hasnt so I think that the PS3 will satisfy the hardcore gamer in the next few years. As time goes by the 360 will be a less attractive console compared to the PS3

[Cynical-Gamerzus]

Cost to develop for Hi-end tech is Astronomical
Nuff said!!
Just ask Sony Or Sega about Shemue it is enough to bankrupt a company.
But forward thinking is what created inspiration for games so win loose situation.

[prejur]

Sony needs some Killzone 2 vs Halo 3 commercials asap.

Sony is blowing MS out of the water on exclusives and MUST exploit this. Sony needs to go back to the tactics of the dirty days of Nintendo vs Sega to be victorious in the end.

[pornflakes]

I remember ppl saying a 360 for 400 USD sells of course better than a 600USD PS3.

When SOny cut the price ALL 60 GB PS3 on ebay were gone for 700-800 USD.. you see? FIRST, PPL wanted to wait cause the ps3rd made bad.. but when they saw no PS2 support/ no card reader they decided to take the 1st GEN PS3 instead of the 400 USD one.

What changed after SOny cut the price by 200 USD? sales jumped only a little for some weeks... in Japan SOny sold more consoles on release as after the price cut (we remember times ps3rd sold 3k in japan).

PRICE ISNT ALL

SOnytards on n4g say all buy the 360 because of the price.. hell.. then why does not ppl buy the 360 in Japan?

SUre its the price also BUT.. if somebody can spend 70 EUROS for a FUC*ING GAME then you also have 200/300/400/600 USD for a console.

Its all about MARKETING -> TV ADS -> GAMES (shown in TV)
What shows SOny? "The new bravia with the ps3 system have the best blu ray quality" LOL

[DJ]

As well as PS3 exclusives from here on out. We're finally seeing the generational gap between the PS3 and 360 that Sony was talking about several years back.

[edgeofblade]

I'm sorry, but I have just "wait-and-see"ed one time too many. I play my 360 more, followed far behind by the PS3 and the Wii respectively. It's going to take a game-changer rather than a "halo killer" to make that space up. It's a matter of mentality, and Sony does NOT have it right now.

[Amnesiac]

Sounds like the PS3 will suffer longer when it comes to multiplat games

[xg-ei8ht]

I just upgraded my dual core pc.

To a super computer called the PS3.

[cesc5000]

I have just have information leaked, I'm from the mircosoft branch in Pakistan, from the Birihani division. Information of a new X-Box code named "X-odus"/Im 80% sure that a new console is coming out, info will be released end 2009, with definate blu-ray player, somosa input, and an amazing design, I can't give too much aay because I still want to keep my job. Also leaks of games cuurently indevelopment: Haze 2, The Darkness 2, MGS4 sub-missions (with Radien playable), portal 2, Pakivengance, jabooty Bash, and MAG. I will update in the future
***************************** ******************************* ******
LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS LEAKS

[jlemdon]

hecks yea, probably have better contrast (seems most multi-consoles does).

[dustgavin]

You know Sony is doing well when people are hoping and wondering if their game will run on their system. Keep dreaming. The 360 in it's 4th year cannot handle Ps3 games in it's third year.

[smturner68]

Nobody is 'wondering' if KZ2 can be done on the ps3...it's fanboys who claim that it cannot. The reason it is brought up is because of the heralding of the next coming by fanboys. Maybe you should enjoy the game, and not worry about this other nonsense.

The 360 handles ps3 games as well, and in most cases, with better graphical quality.

The ONLY way that we'll even have an accurate idea about whether the 360 is not capable of reproducing KZ2, is if KZ2's developers attempt to also make the game on the 360, and come out and say that it's just not possible to make the game. Or say they can only get 15 fps. Even then, it might be because they've been working on the ps3 for 4 years, and not the 360! The fact is, there is NOTHING about that game that cannot be programmed. You see, it's a very very high quality, highly optimised program. It can be done on the xbox or pc.

The 360 has as many shaders, and has as high of output by it's graphics chips. There is nothing that I've seen as far as physics based cpu loading that cannot be done on the 360. Microsoft needs to fund a project to show this. If they don't, or nobody bothers trying, then we'll never know.

KZ2 is the product of a mega budget, and a lot of talent, and effort.

[dustgavin]

The only reason 3rd party games currently look better is because they are being developed on the 360 first. Now that ps3 is going to be the lead company to develop on, you are going to start seeing a huge difference in visuals.

Not good for the 360.

[bobdog626]

Microsoft don't need a New Xbox. They need to Fix what they have .(RROD Anyone)goes the same for Vista.Vista is fine now . This Window's 7 thing will confuse People.The Zune need's to be able to download Xbox live mini game's and play them.That would be So Cool.

[cesc5000]

Microsoft has leaked info to me, via the pakistan network, new 360 coming, called X-Odus with somosa input info from birihani group, Darkness 2 ncoming aswell as haze 2 on 360.
IMPORTANT******************** *********************

[imabeast48]

good one...not

[snowy1185]

The Good thing about that is that it will give Microsoft more time to work on what direction and technology they want for the next Xbox, while still making money with the 360. Win Win situation.

[M_Prime]

I know this will probably not be read but heres my 2 cents..

1 - Only Nintendo should come out with something new to upgrade the WII in terms of power.. PS3 and 360 are ahead enough to stay there for a while.

2 - Wait until there is a larger saturation of HD tv, face it not everyone has one and with this economy not everyone will for a bit.

3 - PS3 and 360 games do look PIXAR quality to some extent, but they are also rendered real time.. now PS2 claimed this but this Gen is the first time it can happen, so until movie effects or visial effects move way on, then if there is a new XBOX or PS then there won't be enough difference for a lot of people to upgrade, again NINTENDO IS EXEMPT cause it needs some graphical upgrades

4 - The best games always stat coming out when the console is near the end cause Devs learn to sqeeze power out of the console, when they get new hardware they don't know what to do with it and usually the games for the first year look like a small upgrade instead of what NEXT GEN should be.

5 - The prettier games seem to be then the shorter they seem to be now a days. I want a game i can play for 15+ hours.. hell 20+ hours.. some games now are 5 - 6 hours tops.. they may look stunning but are short. The devs sink the money into the graphics and not the story.. and it kinda sucks.. :-(

6 - I just got my xbox and still enjoying the backlog of games i didn't play yet, so a new GEN will not let me be excited for new games..

M Prime
-Proud 360 and Wii owner

[emitsomla]

PC games will be light years away from anything the PS3 or 360 can do if they decide to prolong this generation. Big mistake... But they can do as they wish, they have us in their pockets and whatever they decide to do, we have to accept it. The love of money will destroy the gaming industry and will hamper technological advancements in performance and graphics. DAMN THE WII and CASUAL GAMERS, DAMN THEM ALL TO HELL!!!!

[gololo]

yeah MS....don't bring a new Xbox...is already good...and remember the PS2? the best games came right before the 360/ps3 came out (SotC, GoW2 etc) since developers learned more tricks to squeeze juice out of the consoles....and i dunno you guys....but i already upgrade my computer every 2-4 yrs, the last thing is add more entertainment costs :)

[Picnic]

Stop referring to the next Xbox console as the 'Xbox 720'! (including whoever posted that picture for this article).
It almost certainly won't be called that (unless Microsoft's marketing department are really lacking in foresight and imagination) for the main reason that the number '720' is now synomonous with the entry level standard of High Definition televisions. That would never sound next gen enough.

'Xbox 1080' would be a much better bet as the next Xbox console name. (perhaps with a P or another letter at the end to really give it an edge). First of all it's 3 x 360 which makes it sound a bit like a 3D revolution. Second of all, the number '1080' is synomonous with the upper end of high definition TVs- at the moment.

Before you say, yes I know that the Xbox 360 wasn't called after any high definition standard. It was partly called that because it had a '3' at the start to make it sound on a par with Playstation 3 rather than a version behind it as 'Xbox 2' might (and 360 degrees is also a revolution- no wonder Nintendo decided not to call their console the Revolution).

But it is the connotations conjured up by the number that matter, not a simple doubling up from the last number as used to be the case when referring to bits from 8 to 16 to 32 to 64 to 128 bits.

'Xbox 720' ALREADY sounds dated to me because of the connotations of that number- it can't be selected as the new name!

[agent864]

what they (Sony/MS) need to do is release a $299 console in 2013 which will have what was cutting edge in 2011 but would then be cheap(er).

Next Gen :
hardware profit within 90-180 days of release
mature dev tools
leverage this gen's tech
equivalent $299 US launch price (adjusted for inflation) or $399 launch with price reduction to $299 in first year.
b/c ??
keep focus on games

new features :
forward compatibility
advanced input capabilities
enhanced community features
???
profit !

i think that there is a possibility that next gen will be unrecognizable to us at this point. Nintendo has stated a desire to dispense with the tv altogether. the idea of a console hooked to a tv will fade at some point, although maybe not in the coming generation.

[cesc5000]

Important********************* ******************************* ****

Through my sources from mircosoft and sony, I have identifed that there will be a haze 2being released, not produced my free radical, but by Eidos, but this is just an inital idea, which might not happen.
Another game which might be released is the darkness 2, which online is apprently going to be very good. Also MGS4 submissons, will be released at the begginning of 2010, which will have playable Raiden and Rat Patrol, Kogima will definatly make an MGS5.
I will be place more info, on the hottest topic on N4G.
If you're wondering how I got this information, I work for Sony's London sector as a managment technician. I will give myself the nick name of Bashir, because I don't want to lose my job.
Important******************** ******************************* *********

[xT-Virusx]

i was thinking about getting an 360 lately but i've been waiting for the right games. Gears isn't my artstyle and halo is too kidsy. fable MIGHT be one i wanna try but not sure. any1 have any pointers as to what decision to make.

[cesc5000]

Infamous will be delayed, due to financial problems, also glitch problems when jumping and landing. DEFINATE.
******************BASHIR***** ******************************* **

[cesc5000]

MAG (Massive action game) Microsoft 360 CEO, says in board meeting, "MAG, whats that? load of crap, it's nothing to what we're going to release, the only thing that gonna compete with us is heavy rain".
-Said at a board meeting at 10:56, January 13th.

[zanyevildude]

I have to say they better not make up a new console. Hell I just bought my 360 a couple months ago. Plus Its doing real well. Even if they do make a new one, I doubt it will sell as much as the 360 is.

[cliffbo]

if gamers can stop thinking that every single game should be graphically better than the last and ask questions of quality and content instead, then yes, i think the 360 can go on longer.

[Creep]

of course they don't need a new console RROD gave them a lot of trouble they need to start testing their new console right now as i'm typing this comment in order to make things right the third time aorund "LOL"