3D: Why a new Xbox is coming sooner than later

Neowin.net:
This 3D (Dirty's Digital Diatribes) editorial is fairly straightforward... I predict the new Xbox, whatever it may be called, will be announced before years end and furthermore will be available sometime (probably second-half*) in 2010.

[Mike134nl]

Microsoft won't push for a new console before 2010, unless they expect that all their xbox 360 will die in 2010. Only new console that will be launched in 2010 will be a slim xbox 360.

[Elven6]

Agree, the Xbox 360 is making money, why on earth would they release anew console so soon? I guess if you buy into N4G fanboys who claim the 360 is maxed and nothing better could come from it...

DVD is the only issue in my mind but is it enough to release a new console?

[morganfell]

Announcing a new console now with all of these Sony titles will only invite a flood of people to buy a PS3. People are not going to jump on a new console in the current financial situation when that console is an unknown.

Future 360 sales will die in a New York minute. In fact the day after the announcement the 360 will be a dead duck. I am sure all of the Software manufacturers will love you for that. Even if the games will play on the Xbox their sales likelihood will plummet like a rock.

MS has a history of dropping support for consoles and they also have a history of bad, faulty hardware so I am sure massive numbers of people will want that screwing again. No they will wait and see what happens.

A digital download only market isn't going to happen soon for numerous technical reasons and for a few social (trade in/ownership) reasons so MS will have to have a disc. DVD9 is dead so that means adopting Bluray and paying royalties on every single console sold. I am sure they want to go that route.

Does MS want to announce a new console then live with the fact that titles like Mass Effect and Splinter Cell will be premiering on their old console. Yeah that worked great for them last time. Quite frankly the software companies will not go for it nor will they want to continue support for the 360 when it will be viewed as Microsoft's old console.

So unless Microsoft is dumb enough to buy OnLive then I would say no to a new console. Even then they would just use the 360 as a portal for something that doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of working.

Does MS want to announce a new console when they are too worried about Windows 7 failing? No. No to a new console announcement.

[Lifendz]

Or will they discontinue support for it like they did the Xbox?

I tend to think they'll continue to support the 360. It is the console that made them mainstream and, argueably, gave them North America. I just hope they take the necessary time to test this next console to ensure it functions at acceptable standards before they release it.

[darthv72]

you really despise the 360 don't you?

On topic, doubtful MS will announce a new console. I am betting they will announce a revised smaller slimmer 360. Maybe one with a top load drive that is quieter than the tray loader. In any event there will not be a next gen announcement from MS until sometime in 2011. That way they would have had their system on the market for nearly 6 years.

That is long enough to keep the horse in the race until it is time to send it out to pasture.

[jadenkorri]

i predicted the only way ms will ever beat sony is releasing a new console every 4-5 years, half that of what sony plans on..

[CrazzyMan]

IF they release a new x720 by the end of 2010, then it will be something capable of PS3 graphics and all games will run at 1080p@60Fps + it will have BC for xbox and x360 and probably cost 399$ in best case, that still with losing some money on production. I don`t think, they can sell it for 499$, since after RROD, that first x360 model had it will be hard for M$ to attract consumers. Thouhg, I`m not sure, iF M$ want to continue losing money..., unless it will cost them only 399$ to produce.

It`s possible. But, that will be just an UPGRADE of x360.

While for releasing more powerful console in 2010, that would cost AGAIN a lot of money + Game production would rise even higher, than today.

However, by the end of 2010 it will be 5 years since x360 launch...

[morganfell]

Darth, I do not despise the 360. It is just an inanimate object. I have one and I am honest about what it is. I prefer the superior expereince for the gamer and I do dislike focusing efforts on things that detract from the advancement of that experience. Instead of moving forward we get, "let's make bother versions the same!" That does not serve advancement.

last generation I had a PS2 but I supported the Xbox. Why? Superior technology can yield a superior experience.

It isn't about passion for an object and it isn't personal the way it is for that guy above and it is the reason I use the ignore button for such people. For someone that thinks we are wasting our time here he spent enough on this board already and not one shred of logic. No logic at all in his personal attack and just an adolescent attempt to beat a swear filter. Sure, that's objective and something I care to read. Not.

Instead I take the focus I do because I want the best experience a gamer can have and the 360 detracts from that possibility. When it came out it offered the best thing to be had but those days are over.

[Thugbot187]

I can see Microsoft releasing a new Xbox 720 or whatever it will be called in 2010, if and only if they start to lose ground and they feel they have no way to stop the gain of the PS3. A new console would allow them to declare the 360 this generations console winner, at which point they could treat the 360 like the PS2.
I could see gamers hesitating in buying a PS3 at that point because they may go with the newer 720 because it’s newer and would be more powerful than the PS3 or hang on to their money and wait for the PS4, because you know it would be coming and I still see the PS3 being up there in price even though it would be cheaper than what we see today.

However they would be best to wait a little longer if they don’t want to use BLU RAY as there optical disc format. Also we have to see what impact technologies/services like OnLive will have on the game market.

[y0haN]

"why on earth would they release anew console so soon?"

Gee I wonder what sort of money-losing problems MS might have still raping them of money..

[ps3d0]

I predict that idiot ps3 fanboys will keep predicting the next xbox will be release in a few months for years to come.

[Chicago8506]

if they did release another console, i guess it would b fair 2 say that, 360 was nothing more than a demo ov a console...heh.

[morganfell]

One other note. Unless MS has some super secret factory producing titles then they wouldn't be expecting much for a 2010 launch as nothing has been whispered to companies at all concerning development of titles for a MS console launch in 2010. With the uncertainly of hardware and growing complexity such titles would already need to be in production if there is any hope of a launch that isn't DOA. With 3 first party studios MS can hardly build a launch array internally.

[godofthunder10]

I'm tired of hearing article like this.The fact is that all 3 companies,nintendo,microsoft,a nd sony to already said that their new consoles will be out around 2012.The other fact is that dvd9 isn't a problem this generation.The fact is that out of every game that was developed they had less then 10 that needed 2 or more disc and that's a fact.In other words Microsoft knew that br or hd was really needed this generation and that's why they didn't put it in the 360.The people that say difference are just ps3 fanboys.The facts prove my point.

When the new systems are released in about 3 years they all might have something completely different.The fact is that they are getting ready to start selling 3d tvs already.The next systems probaly will have 3d gaming.If they do decide to go in that direction then halogric disc will be perfect for it.They said that 100 dvds could fit on 1 disc.They also said in a few years it will only be 10cents a gb or whatever they call it.The fact is that 3d will look better on holagric disc then br because they have a lot more room to work with.Ps3 fanboys are always saying that they hate to change disc,but they didn't mind it for the ps2 because it's sony.I wouldn't be surprise if they all went that way.It would be the best move for every one.I read a ps3 fanboy article and he said that holigraphic disc are outdated.I like to know how because you could put 100 dvds on 1 disc and only 4 on br.Ps3 fanboys need to stop being bias and act like every thing that sony does is better then anything else.The fact is that br sales are stalling and it will never reach the pick that dvds did.Like i said before holagrapic disc are 96 times better then br is.

[pain777pas]

Microsoft will drop the 360 and they are in a serious situation. Sony is picking up huge steam with all their systems and WII is blowing them out the water. They have abandoned their first system about the 4 year mark and I believe that they will do the same. The biggest problem now is their 1st party development situation. They must address this soon because I am really losing faith I am glad I'm a gamer and get every system so I'm never left out in the cold. The 360 has done well and they can squeeze a little bit more out of it or get some devs to come up with something interesting cause Sony seems to be laying the smackdown and will rise with a price drop cause if you're a gamer than you know that the reveals of MAG, Infamous and Uncharted 2 look like some quality titles all confirmed for this year. Really for what MAG is it looks really good. Gameplay wise were gonna have to wait. I would love a game that looks realistic but plays loose and fun like Halo.

[dcbronco]

It will surely happen in 2011 if not. Microsoft has everything financially working in it's favor. Announcing a new console at this E3 wouldn't chase people away from the 360 if there was another price drop announced. With the new chip and more negotiations with suppliers, they could have the Arcade priced at $179 this year. It's funny that Morganfell believes announcing a new Xbox would kill the 360, I guess that's because history has shown the same thing with the PS3 and the ps2. With rumors a year or so ago that MS was looking into having third party manufacturers make the 360, they could move to a new console and make money from both.

Having games that scale with the new console would allow them to sell titles to both console users and give people a chance to update at their own pace. And MS would continue to support the 360 because it is profitable. But launching a new console they would push Sony during a market that would be extremely hard for Sony to compete in. As much as Sony fanboys hate to hear it, MS does have over 30 billion in cash reserves and no debt. They can push ahead whether Sony wants to or not. If they want to eliminate the competition, kick'em while they're down.

Saying MS will drop the 360 because of what happened with the original is show old. It is a comment made by people who have never looked into the reasons. Anybody who ran a company with half a brain would have done the same thing. They made mistakes and it was the only way to correct the problem.

[commodore64]

It is a bit funny reading all the 360 hate here.

Have you guys forgotten that the ps3 has lost $3.3+ billion?
Have you guys forgotten that year-on-year the ps3 sales have been going backwards for five months straight?
Have you guys forgotten that the ps3 is still in third place and likely to remain there?

Oh wait.
you haven't forgotten at all.

That's the fuel for why you guys hate the 360's success, right?

[OGharryjoysticks]

Microsoft said this E3 is going to be bananas for them this year. Something about how they plan on changing home entertainment. Everybody who wants to try to believe the 360 is going to continue to be around for one reason or another is brainwashing themselves and is trying to brainwash you too if you will listen to them. Look, Microsoft NEVER ever planned on the 360 lasting more than a typical 4 to 5 year cycle so the money for development and all other related areas involved in releasing a new console have been accounted for already. But hey, just as a joke I'll go along and say the 360 has a 10 cycle if you want. If we're lucky maybe in year 9 they can fix it :)

[Elvfam511]

do you seem to forget the rrod coverage and the lawsuits that still going on and i think the E74 coverage now for 3 years

[XULTIMATEXGAMEONX]

#1: DVD9 is a wrong format in this gen . BLU Ray is opening eyes to developers to do alot on,massive things .. MAG ! 256 players
#2: Unrealiable hardware.( RROD and E74,OVER HEATING,DISC SCRATCHING,ETC)
#3: They lost alot of money trying to buy Japan love. 360 Hardware and software didnt do good as MS expected them too.
#4: The PS3. They never knew PS3 could do alot. With its price higher than the 360,they still manage to out sell the 360.

[aueslander]

Do you know your MS console history? They have had ONE system before the 360 so even though the stopped support of it, thats not really something you can use to say they have a HISTORY of doing so and as far as faulty hardware, the original XBOX was rock solid so to say that, because of ONE console they have a HISTORY of faulty hardware is retarded.

Get off your high horse jackass, every company is allowed to make mistakes. So the 360 had issues, its a learning experience so I doubt the next xbox will have any major issues. But still, learn you console history before you start talking trash.

[aueslander]

a lot of you on here are probably late teens to early 20s cause if not, you would remember that starting with the NES, sega and nintendo averaged a new console every 5 years so if they did release a new xbox in 2010 it would be a 5 year cycle which has been the norm for over 2 decades now.

At any rate, considering that pc hardware became more powerful than the PS3 after about a year after the PS3 launch, it is safe to say that the next xbox will be superior to the PS3 and not just on par. Still, as long as they keep selling units, I can see them announce say at GDC 2010 a new xbox but wont release until 2011 to build hype.

And really, as far as how games look and play, there is not a TON of difference between the 360 and PS3, its not like last gen where the XBOX was noticably better looking in every aspect as the consoles now are close even though the PS3 has the overall hardware edge.

Still, I wish we could go to ONE console and ONE only to end this fanboy BS as it gets retarded fast.

[lsujester]

Well, one thing I think that could possibly convince MS to put out a new one next year is that they probably want the year head start on Sony again. Like it or not, that has been a huge factor this generation for direct and indirect reasons. A similar advantage might convince them to release next year if they had wind of Sony releasing PS4 in 2011.

Then again, if Sony needed to wait until 2012 in order to hopefully recoup a little money from the PS3, then MS could easily afford to wait until 2011.

But if it is to come late next year, we'll start seeing actual evidence late this year, early next.

@aueslander

I'm right with you. I would LOVE to have only one console that had tons of games for it. That way I could play with all my friends instead of whichever system I'm playing that day. But I'm even more curious as to what that would do to the market if we didn't have the competition we do now.

[OGharryjoysticks]

THE NEXT XBOX IS HERE

NEXT YEAR :)

[soxfan2005]

There is no way MS will release a new console in 2010, given the rate at which 360 is currently selling. 360 leads PS3 every month, and is selling more year over year while PS3 is declining. MS should release the next console in 2011, six years after the 360 launch. This would be the same as Sony's PS2/PS3 transition. Then, for a few years, they could produce both consoles. By it's 6th, 7th, and 8th years, the 360 will be highly profitable to produce, and those profits can help offset the first few years of losses that ALL new consoles inevitably incur.

Fortunately for MS, they lead Sony this generation, so MS can dictate their own fate. MS can plan it's own future, and Sony can decide how to respond. There is a BIG difference between planning for the future from a leading position than from a secondary position.

[morganfell]

Soxfan you should try leaving the US once in a while. According to Microsoft's own figures, at PS3 launch in Europe they were over 3 million ahead. Now MS says they are only 750,000 ahead. You don't blow a 3 million console lead and drop to less than a 3rd of that by outselling the PS3 in the largest gaming territory. You do that by getting outsold in Europe to the tune of 90,000 consoles a month since the PS3 launched.

[Bucky Sligo]

Just give it a rest dude. Do you have any proof whatsoever to support your 90,000 per month claim? Anywho, the only figures that is important is World-Wide, who cares if the PS3 is outselling the Xbox in Japan or Europe when it is losing world-wide.

[morganfell]

So Microsoft is lying now? You give it a rest. You give it a rest defending a company that relies on units shipped rather than units sold.

Better yet tell Microsoft to give it a rest because their own quotes are the sources for these figures. Simple logic. Here, from a previous post of mine. Just realize it's logic that will make you mad...

Did you see the quote direct from Microsoft where they said they were 750,000 ahead of the PS3? I will give them a million and then make you feel bad.

Remember, the 360 did not have a year head start on the PS3 in Europe. They had a year and a half. 18 months. For reference be aware the PS3 launched in Europe 1 week prior to the end of Q3 2006 (March 31 2007).

For sales you should know that at the end of Q1 2006 (September 30th 2006) MS reported they had already moved a total of 6 Million units. MS said 1.7 Million of those 360's were in Europe. That means 28.3% of sales were Europe.

By the end of Q3 (March 31, 2007) The worldwide total was 11 Million. I do not have the European breakdown, MS went quiet as to how many of that 11 Million were European sales. For the previous Q1 I mentioned that 1.7 Million of the 6 Million total were European and that was 28.3%. If we assume a similar percentage, which is reasonable, then the European totals at the end of Q3 2006 (March 31 2007 - 1 week after PS3 launch in Europe) would be roughly 3.11 Million.

So at PS3 launch the 360 is roughly 3.11 million ahead in Europe.

Remember, the PS3 Euro launch and Microsoft's Q3 2006 were 1 week apart.

And despite that advantage the PS3 has pulled to within a million in the largest game sales territory. Microsoft said they were only 750.000 ahead. I'll give them 1,000,000. That means Sony made up lost ground and cut down 2.11 million of the 360 head start. To do something Microsoft says is fact, that means on average since launch the PS3 has been outselling the 360 in Europe by roughly 87,916 consoles a month.

Look at the most the current US and Japanese sales figures for the month of March.

PS3: 218,000 NPD (US) + 116,109 (Japan) = 334,109

360: 330,000 NPD (US) + 33,662 (Japan) = 363,662

A difference of just 29,553.

Now subtract that amount from the clobbering Sony has been handing out in Europe.

87,916 - 29,553 = 58,363 in favor of the PS3.

Now the Euro sales are an average. No doubt some months are higher and some lower. But anyone that has been watching the Euro monthly sales knows that outside of the UK the PS3 has been easily outselling the 360. It isn't just about the US.

So you see Bucko, once the PS3 takes the race adding Europe, the US, and Japan, there isn't a great deal of territory left and alot of that is Sony land anyway.

[Bucky Sligo]

Your average of 87,916 has fail writen all over it since the picture has changed somewhat after the price cut. The average includes figures of before the price cut.
Also, you claim that Sony reports sold and not shipped. How on earth can Sony know how many PS3's every retailer (online and offline) have sold? The answer is, they don't and they can't.
There are a lot of holes in your logic my friend but keep trying though, I'll get my popcorn ;)

[edgeofblade]

I agree. The Xbox 360 will tank the day the next one is announced. But if the next Xbox can maintain 100% backwards compatibility and be much more reliable, it will experience an incredible knock-on effect. It really depends how long MS wants to (or has to) replace 360's.

[aksmashh]

I Still Hoping It Comes Out Early 2010

I Know People Who Own 360's Don't Want Too Because There Clearly Stupid
For Still Having One (Unless They Own Ps3 Aswell)

[s8anicslayer]

I would really like to play my 360 alot more and buy more games for my 360 then I currently do, but past experiances with hardware failure left a sour taste in my mouth and I don't have the confidence in my machine to play consistantly. So going back on topic it would not make sense for Ms to release the 720 any time soon until they can get people like myself confident enough to choose the 360 soley as console of choice and there are many of us out there!

[edgeofblade]

Hardware failure would have left a sour taste in my mouth had Microsoft not shelled out tons of cash to replace failed systems. I still maintain that if Microsoft hadn't the balls to stand behind their console, the game would have been over right there and I'd dump the Xbox.

But as long as MS want's to keep replacing my box, I'll let them. It's only fair that they pay for their mistakes... but I'm not going to say they should lose the generation because they still did the right thing. We got voluntary justice to the tune of $1 Billion. That's better than I'd imagine a class-action suit would do.

Suffice it to say, IF Microsoft can still create a compelling position in the market with so few first party studios and build a more reliable system, the next Xbox will be a force to be reckoned with. If not, Microsoft will be unable to shake the stigmas they built for themselves.

[Christopher]

From a hardware perspective, it's being used to its fullest. The only improvements you will see on the 360 will come from software improvements that will utilize the hardware in a slightly better fashion or improve graphic/audio file sizes and compression rates.

This is not true for the PS3, which is seeing improvements in fully utilizing the hardware.

NOW HAVING SAID THAT! A fully realized PS3 will likely be about the same as the currently fully realized 360, software advances by first-parties notwithstanding.

[AntoineDcoolette]

Why do video game discussions on this website always have to devolve into sh!t flinging tribalism? Apples and Orange some might find th3e other to be a bit over ripe w/e

[thesummerofgeorge]

They won't release one that soon. They can't start a new console mid generation, that's why you notice all three new consoles this gen (ps3, 360, wii) were all released within the same general time frame. If one company releases a new console mid gen they could never compete with a thriving console, there has top be incentive to buy, like knowing all the other consoles will be moving on to new projects within the next year or so as well, but if the rest aren't, why go for a new expensive console with no games when there's a thriving console with many games and a lot of support.

Not to mention that would make most developers go to Sony at least until Msoft could get a decent install base. We all saw how difficult 360's headstart made it for the Ps3 for the first while... Well this would be like that only much worse seeing as the Ps3 is much more established now than the 360 was then.

[JeffGUNZ]

Why would anyone want to leave the country? The swine-flu is out there.

[Nelson M]

Because the 360 is Crap !!
And the 720 wont be much Better !!
The 720 wont Even be on Par with the PS3

[Eiffel]

By your logic Killzone 2 sucked. Seeing how the first was a complete and total turd bomb. The first Xbox was built like a beast. 360 was rushed. I doubt the same mistake will follow with the next console. Generalizing is for punks.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

LOL @ scared droid.

Don't overload fanboy.

[Chubear]

well actually, KZ1 was not a bomb and "teh worst FPS EVA!!" as labeled by then xbox fanatics and the NA gaming media.

Since the 360 fans love sales so much it may interest them to know KZ1 sold over 2mill units to date.

When you also consider that, apart from PGR1 and Fable, no other Xbox exclusive title as sold as much as KZ1 did (except obviously the halos) then it kinda mutes the point of KZ2's predecessor is a flop and turd cause that would mean every xbox exclusive (except said halo games) is a turd and flop too :/

[n to the b]

I sure hope they come up with a better name than 720 (they will, of course).

@Nelson M: won't be on par with the PS3? 360 already is more powerful in some ways, thanks to the 2x RAM cache... oops, I forgot no one on n4g takes u seriously anyway.

[HeavyweightInTheGame]

Killzone was an alright game. But the 2 million sales is quite small compared to the install base of the PS2 which is over 100 million. Even if the install base is 100 million (which it isn't as it is much higher), that means only 2% of all PS2 owners have bought the game. Gears of War 2 has already sold more than that with only 30 million consoles sold.

[Nelson M]

Nothing But Self Ownage
From the BoTs

[HeavyweightInTheGame]

Yep 2 million sales for Killzone 1 is more than GeOW2 sales.
http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

It also appears some people can't count. 2 million of 100 million is (drumroll) 2%. Some people need to get off this site and go back to grade 4. Ahem *Nelson*.

[Gue1]

I don't think they need to launch a new box cus right now they have an awesome console that produces great HD graphics, what we need now is innovation. What the next box could bring? More graphical power? Nah, we already have enough of that.

I just hope they don't go in the route of Nintendo making another console with another name, same graphical capabilities and just a new fancy controller for the price of an X360 (when they launched).

edit: Oh crap! I commented in the wrong place. Now good bye to another of my bubbles. ;(

[Fishy Fingers]

I guess there can always be arguments made for and against releasing a new console. Personally I think the 360s most attractive feature is it's price point. Releasing a new console would mean returning to 'high' prices which in the current climate wouldnt be the best of moves and may possibly push consumers towards what would be the cheaper options, PS3/Wii.

I think it'll be some time before we see a new machine from any of the manufacturers. The timing is just wrong and frankly, there is no need. Most people are content with the current offerings and there is much more that can be done with them than what we've seen yet. Few more years at least.

But if I was taking a punt, Id say some form of updated Wii will come first.

I just think there are more people counting the pennies (cents) than there are craving new hardware.

[cappakrako]

you really think the "next box" will be around the $400 price point?

[Marty8370]

I for one won't be buying one. Playstation 4 yes, 720 not a chance.

[Deadman64]

Thanks for the update.

[Spike47]

I mean, Ms would be foolish to try and follow Sony's plan, their consoles aren't bult for that kind of time frame.

[raztad]

MS will need to pull out something faster than many think.

Reason? They cannot lower the xbox price any more, and the PS3 still has, at least, TWO major price cuts ahead. That means, a massive slaughter is waiting for 360 sales around the corner. They know that, so in coherence with their short-to medium term strategy (in sharp contrast with Sony long run strategy) they probably will claim an early victory, and then release a more reliable x360 v.2, with some upgrades, perhaps a new input system aiming the casual market, HDD will be default again and BD will be included.

If they keep the system backwards compatible, it wont be an abrupt change and it could push sales (think in what Sony has been doing with the psp and nintendo with DS)

[darthv72]

Should MS decide to redesign the 360 it may take a similar approach to what the PS2 did. Slim, top loading design with perhaps the internalizing of the hdd instead of it external. That would cut costs dramatically because no longer having to use the external shell for the hdd and less casing to use for the overall console. The board has been through quite a few changes to make it cooler and smaller so it wont surprise me if there is a 360 v2.

They can make the price points like this: Arcade (w/20gb) for $179. Pro for $249 and elite for $329. Unless they opt to drop the elite all together.

[dcbronco]

If you mean by Sony's plan the whole ten year thing, the 360 might be around for ten years. But if you believe the PS3 will be the most powerful console for ten years, you're kidding yourself. The technology is readily available for a console to come out next year that will make the PS3 look like the PS2. I know the PS3 is powerful, but technology has marched on. It's a middle of the road machine now.

@raztad Are you kidding. As long as they get better prices from suppliers, they can lower the price. Maybe you haven't noticed the whole economy thing, but a lot of people who were ordering chips and other parts, aren't ordering as much anymore. That makes it a buyers market. Like homes, the prices have dropped as people compete for the available customers. Also, MS owns their parts this time. Die shrinks and re-designs make the parts cheaper. The new chip they plan to release this summer with the GPU and CPU combined will make the 360 a lot cheaper to make. And again, once MS releases a far more powerful console in a year or two, Sony will have tremendous pressure to drop the price of the PS3. It's kinda' hard to push the whole power thing when there is another $400-300 console on the market and it is far more powerful.

[soxfan2005]

@3.1

Sony is still losing money on every PS3, while MS is making money on each 360. Where on earth do you come to the conclusion that Sony has two price drops ahead, and MS cannot afford even one? You seem to have things backwards.

[TheColbertinator]

Too soon.Too damn soon.Lets get the Mass Effect trilogy on 360 first.Then we can talk about new consoles

[GiantEnemyCrab]

The article is stupid at best so take it with a grain of salt. Maybe at the earliest the end of 2011. This isn't PC gaming.

[TheColbertinator]

Yeah I know.Its just that I spent 400 dollars on a paperweight(PS3),350 on a boat engine(360) and 250 on a toy (Wii).I really don't want to shell out another 1000 for new consoles yet.

[Baka-akaB]

I also believe that they will release one earlier than we might think to keep some mometum going , catch the competition offguard , and cutshort the momentum the ps3 is building or trying to build .

At the very least an announce in 2010 .

[DNAgent]

PS3 will still be better than the 720 so Sony could just sit back and prepare the PS4 for Microsoft's next failure after the 720. Then they can try to put a FF game on it and watch it flop (lmao does anyone even still like FF games anymore? It's watered down garbage these days lol)

[GiantEnemyCrab]

Yes, like most here have said. Not gonna happen. Maybe at the end of 2011..

[Mr Marbles]

end of 2011 at the earliest. Anyone who thinks MS is releasing a new console anytime soon in just a complete dult.

There are about 10,000 reasons why that is completely absurd. The most obvious is, why should they, their competition is in no position to release a new console anytime soon, so why not milk the current 360 for all the cash they can get out of it without spending on a whole new platform.

[Cenobia]

"their competition is in no position to release a new console anytime soon,"

Isn't that one of the reasons MS is doing so well this gen?
I'm not saying they are going to release a new console anytime soon, but they will probably try their hardest to be first to market again.

[Thugbot187]

Mr. Marbles I don’t agree and don’t think it’s absurd; it would be a strategic advantage. Here’s why, they would be able to surpass the graphic capability of the PS3 and maybe come in at only 100 dollars more (technology will be better and cheaper). The 360 could take the role of the PS2, it would be cheaper than the PS3 while the 720 would have the best graphics. Sony’s price for the PS3 would be up there and it would force them to drop the price again, maybe down to that of the 360 which may cause the system not to be profitable for them, in turn they would have to release the PS4. Remember this is pretty much what happen with the Xbox vs. PS2, reason why MS abandoned it and was in a rush to release the 360. Remember MS has the development tools down and it will be a lot easy for developers to take advantage of the 720 day one.

[Persistantthug]

Because Thugbot187,

While not necessarily absurd,
It isn't economically viable. As big and wealthy as MS is, they are even experiencing economic recession. To add further, they are trying to release and convince consumers to purchase their new Windows product. It takes resourses to be able to launch Windows and a new console, and resourses in this present time have to be conserved. It also takes time to create a new system.

No new MS console system will be launched before 2011.

[Thugbot187]

There are several factors to take into account. The first is hardware gets better each year and as technology gets older it gets cheaper to a point. There is a point in where old hardware cost more to manufacture. Notice the processor from the original batch of 360 is slower than the one for the current model 360. Now remember Xbox came out with better hardware than the PS2, but it didn’t do much but make Microsoft sluggish and slow to adapt to a price war, which coasted them immensely last gen. So this time around you notice MS goal was to try and get profitable or break even day one. If they release another console they will do the same and since the PS3 will be several years old they will be able to push a more powerful system. Remember they won’t stop selling the 360, they will turn it more into an option for the casual gamer (you see them trying to get more casual gamers on board now). If they can put out a superior console to the PS3 day one, which would hurt the PS3 big time and insure no competition for the 360 why wouldn’t they? It’s not stupid its smart and it would hurt Sony big time. Especially since it’s predicted that BLU RAY production will still be pretty expensive compared to upcoming optical disc formats. If gamers saw a new system that was the latest and greatest they would go for it. Heck the economy is bad but yet I still keep buy games KZ2 just hit a million sold. And somehow the PS3 keeps selling in this bad economy with the huge price tag. So if they can break even or be profitable with a better system why not release??? Think about it if MS let Sony set the pace with a 10 year console, they are at a disadvantage DVD just isn't going to cut it for 6 more years. They have so many reason to release.

[DeadlyFire]

E3 2009 is only place you will see the real answer. As far as my opinion on the matter goes though. I feel that Microsoft is going to have something big at E3 to present. Maybe its the Xbox 720 or maybe not. If it is the 720 then it will be coming in 2010. If not then it will just be some X360 games. Who knows though. 2011 looks like a better year for them to launch as PS4, and Nintendo's 6th generation console is coming at the same time in 2011. It is still very possible that Microsoft plans for 2010 launch of their console. You will see the answer only at E3 if 720 is there then its definite 2010 launch. If not its 2011 more than likely. New consoles and handhelds have always been showcased at E3 usually a year before launching them on the market.

[jcgamer]

Teh Xbox 720 better come with a 5 year warranty on launch day or no one will buy it...unless you're a fan of CRAPPY hardware!

lol

[Man_of_the_year]

I will. I mean i bought a PS3 when there were no games out....

[jarhead906]

The only thing that I would see as sad is that if Microsoft did launch the Xbox '720' at the end of next year is that, at least in America, there will be just as many people falling into the hype and making the jump just as with the Xbox 360.

I'm not a fanboy, but this early launch would only cause a chain reaction in the video game industry and would ultimately cause Sony to follow suit with a new console, thusly leaving all PS3 fans in the dust just like what happened with the original Xbox owners.

While competition is most certainly a good thing for gamers, Microsoft has done a lot of *poopy* things to place itself in league with Sony and Nintendo.

[Mr Marbles]

you just feel that way because you have been told to hate Microsoft, and probably America, and you decided to listen.

If MS dropped a new console in 2010 it would be such a stupid move Sony would not need to release a PS4 to compete, not to mention there is no way Sony can afford to.

Xbox was dumped because A. no one wanted it anymore, and B. because it was costing them money to keep it around instead of making them money.

Sony would have done the same in such a situation, we know they would because they dumped rumble when they thought it would save them money, they dumped BC when they thought it would save them money, and how many Sku's have they dumped to save a buck?

[n to the b]

bravo Mr. Marbles, bubbles+. I don't know about jarhead but I do think some sonyfans here assume sony does everything out of love for the consumer and/or devs make deals with sony out of love for them lol. if there's 1 thing I learned from watching NCIS, u look for who benefits to determine motive...

ok that analogy isn't exactly apples to apples but hopefully u get my point.

[jay2]

Xmas 2010 guys.

[xbollox]

"c'mon xb!tches give us more cash:

- we've screwed you real good so far, you can trust us on that, so bend over once more
- we've showed our total lack of vision and we have the balls to ask you to pay for it
- we've showed so much greed, we're honored that you appreciate a real bully
- you're doing great, just like we planned, spread those legs a little more, thx"

[borgome]

The PStardy will be late and way behind schedule as usual. I started played current gen games 1 year before you and next time around I'll be playing sweet new games 2 or maybe even 3 years before you PSturds.

[xbollox]

except we're playing nextgen games right now.
games you can only dream of like killzone2, Yakuza3, uncharted, wipeOutHD motorstorm 1&2 and LBP

and soon inFamous, uncharted2, Heavy rain, GOW3, GT5, etc...

so you're right except it's the other way around: we're playing those new games right now, and you'll catch up some time in 2010 when you'll give them more of your ca$h, moron

OWNED
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HA HA HA HA!

[borgome]

Looks as though the majority of people disagree with you, PSturd exclusives don't interest me in the slightest. I'm not into that Japanese style of gaming.

You may go back to your Tea and Crumpets with Bisping now.

[xbollox]

you mean japanese games like:

killzone2, uncharted, wipeOutHD, motorstorm 1&2, LBP, inFamous, uncharted2, Heavy rain, GOW3?

lololol

[eagle21]

get ready for 6+ more of years of KING PS3 reign. 720 won't be anything unless MS is willing to LOSE MORE BILLIONS. I can't wait for a 720 (terrible name by the way) so I can LAUGH. :)

[DailyAddict]

Microsoft has to push for a new console before Sony simply because the 360 was not designed with "longevity" in mind and it shows. Microsoft says they want Digital Distribution for starters and guess what - the 360 is not exactly in the best shape for that. Why? Simple; limited hard drive space and insanely expensive hard drive options from Microsoft. Next up, the sheer amount of issues the 360 console has and trying to add 'more features' to a console that's horribly built doesn't exactly solve anything. Plus, it only takes a look at the console to realize that MS never meant for it to last a long time, as it lacks a high def player or ANY kind, no browser, no expandability beyond MS's expensive components... no nothing pretty much. It's a gaming console only and its days are short.

As opposed to the PS3, you can connect any Bluetooth device that you want to it, you can put whatever hard drive you want in it, it has a browser, you can even install Windows or (preferably) Linux or Ubuntu directly on it. In other words, it's a media center PC and not just a console only. Sony right now would actually be in a better position to launch Digital Downloads than Microsoft simply because it's more cost effective for those that have a PS3 to buy a hard drive that suits their needs as opposed to buying Microsoft's small and incredibly overpriced components.

In short, I think MS was caught offguard by the declining market economy. They never intended for the 360 to last too long before they planned to introduce a new console anyway, but with the economy in a rut they only now have two choices: make the console last (by adding yet more expensive add-ons) or introduce a new console at an INCREDIBLY low rate (and take a huge hit on profit for that matter) that will do what they want it to do - namely digital downloads.

I'm not saying Sony saw the economy dieing and made a better decision because Sony always builds all their products with longevity in mind. They don't play the short game, they play the long game and figure if you're going to invest in their products you might as well get something that you know will last a while should you want it to.

Still, despite Sony saying the PS3 will last 10 years, that's only half the truth. All PlayStation products have been supported for 10 years, but that didn't mean another PS console wasn't introduced before that. They are just saying they won't cut off support for the PS3 for 10 years, much like they still support PS2 games and such. In other words, they aren't going to kill off the console like Microsoft did with the original Xbox. My guess is that Microsoft will in fact introduce a new console between 2010/2011 and Sony will roll around in 2011/2012. This, of course, depends heavily on the market economy though. If we're still in the crapper the companies will either have to take a huge hit on the price of the console (no more than $249.99 to be successful) or they will just have to stretch the PS3 and 360 to last longer than they want. If the latter happens, then Sony will gain some major ground on 360 simply because the 360 doesn't really have much else to offer in terms of how you could use the console as opposed to Sony's growing market both on the Blu-Ray and gaming side. Not to mention Sony continues to partner with companies such as YouTube and Hulu, which means just more services that will be added to PS3 at some point.

On the other hand, the economy could force Microsoft to do things that they didn't want to, such as adding a Blu-Ray add-on for the 360 to at least attempt to pick up some extra market share (or prevent 360 owners from buying a PS3). So this could be in the benefit of 360 gamers. Still, even if that happened, the better Blu-Ray player would still always be PS3 seeing as how Sony (who also is on the Blu-Ray Association) will make sure it's the most advanced out there. Not to mention, the 360 only supports HDMI 1.2 and not 1.3 (and this cannot be updated in a patch; it's hardware related), which means no 7.1 audio or BDLive features. It would just be a $200-$300 add-on for movies. That's still better than nothing I suppose, but it wouldn't be the superior option either.

[Mr Marbles]

with your comment it is difficult to address it all. You guys have got to let go of the MS hate, it clouds your judgment.

The only thing they need for digital distribution is a broadband connection, 360 has that, they can drop HDD prices whenever they feel like, wouldn't that be easier than releasing a whole new console.
As for the build quality of the 360, that has zero to do with any of this, especially since the longer the console is produced, the better the build quality is likely to get. Bluray is waaay overrated by PS3 fanboys and Sony, it just hasn't proved itself to be needed even to this day. By the time more space is really needed, we will be downloading games not playing them from some primitive optical media

[maniacmayhem]

It seems everyone is on this Blu-ray hype train.

You do not need Blu-Ray to make a good game and there are other forms of storage media that can hold just as much data as a Blu-ray disc.

And like it or not digital distribution will be the next most popular form of media. So why would MS want to invest in a Blu-ray drive?

[pippoppow]

will use optical drives. DD will not be feasible for quite some time and even then it will most likely just be an option just like the way things are with the music industry. Broadband is being capped currently and as more people log onto the Net the amount of data allowed per month will decrease as well most likely. Only MS fans are the ones who refuse to see any benefit and longevity in Blu-Ray and now any type of large capacity media. And another thing, the next Box will release before the PS4 and also most likely the next Wii. MS will need the lead to try and win back confidence in their system and also will not have the nerve to launch against solid competition at the same time.

[hac-hunter]

Couple of problems with digital distribution and MSFT and why the next xbox will have blu ray:

1) How do you suppose microsoft is going to address the problems with download capping that ISPs are imposing on their customers?

2) And if your hard drive craps out on you (doesn't happen often, but yes it does happen) you're stuck re-downloading your ENTIRE library of games.....can you imagine redownloading 100+ gb of data and how happy your ISP is going to be with that?

3) MSFT is on the whole proprietary hardware bandwagon right now. Proprietary hardware will always be more expensive than non-proprietary hardware. I don't foresee MSFT dropping the prices of their branded hard drives to make upgrading cost effective for the customer. I know sony used to love proprietary hardware themselves, but with the ps3, have shown that they have hopefully wizened up a bit in that regard. Having an open system to accept non-proprietary hardware is really important to the core gamer who will want to download tons of games and content. They will want to eventually upgrade to larger storage drives, and IF msft doesn't offer competitive pricing on their hard drives, they really are pricing themselves out of that particular segment of the market.

There is no MSFT hate from me, I own and love both consoles.
All I am saying is that among the things I stated above, there is a LOT of work that needs to be done to the network infrastructure in north america to facilitate a digital download world. If anything, Japan, Korea, and select European countries would be the countries that would be able to support and adopt a digital download "heavy" system.

Just my two cents.

[Cenobia]

Digital Distribution is not a good way to go. A large portion of the US doesn't even have broadband yet, not to mention the rest of the world. A digital download console would eliminate a large portion of their potential consumers just because they don't have the necessary internet.

Where I currently live I can't get anything over crappy satellite. I would never buy a console that doesn't have physical media when I can order something on Amazon and have it delivered before a game download would finish.

And I suppose the next xbox could use HD-DVDs or something, but I doubt it. It'd probably be cheaper at that point to go bluray. Who would manufacture that many HD-DVDs?

It's not like Sony and MS never use each others products. Sony makes computers that run MS' OS.

Also, bluray's space CAN be used. MGS4 and a multitude of other exclusives use a large portion of it. It may be a lot of uncompressed video/audio or whatever, but developers DO use the space if they are provided with it.

[n to the b]

"...lacks a high def player [of] ANY kind..." and "It's a gaming console only..."

then how come I can and do regularly download HD movies to enjoy? (yes I've been told that it's not 'true' HD since it's 720p and I think only 5.1 audio, compressed. that's already a big step up from SD IMO and yes, 720p is largely recognized as 'HD'. my main point being it doesn't just play games lol every1 knows that.)

"which means no... BDLive features..."

I'd just like to point out that BDLive wasn't originally part of blu-ray, it was incorporated afterwards due to negative public opinion about lack of online connectivity in comparison to HD-DVD.

also, back to "MS never meant for it to last a long time, as it lacks a high def player or ANY kind..."
don't forget the 360 launched with the availability of an optional HD-DVD player add-on. and MS may eventually adopt blu-ray as you say; via 360 add-on, or with their next console.

like Cenobia says^, "It's not like Sony and MS never use each others products. Sony makes computers that run MS' OS." the opposite could certainly happen IMO, where MS uses sony's proprietary tech.

[Ashriel]

They would shoot themeselves in the foot if they did that.

[maniacmayhem]

If you think about the Xbox 360 is going on 6 years. I think that's about a good shelf life for any console.
IF they did come out with another console it would probably be fully backwards compatible with the 360 and that way they can still market the 360. In time less and less 360 titles would appear and more and more NextBox titles would be available. Just like Sony is doing with the PS3.
Also there are so many rooms of improvement the 360 needs it would be good for them to come out with a newer product. With PS3 gaining ground all over the world it makes sense for MS to put something together and put it out there for the holidays.

[cjflora]

I don't follow your math...are you saying the 360 is CURRENTLY going on 6 years, or will be if the next console comes out in 2010? It came out in Nov '05..MY math skills put the 360 at 3 years 5 months old. At the end of 2010 the 360 will be just over 5 years old. Does 6 come BEFORE 3 nowadays? I might have to pull my kids out of school if this is how schools are teaching these days...

[maniacmayhem]

meant 5 not 6

[be_wrong]

they need to be first on the future gen, and the fact that the 360 already reached it's peaked

[cjflora]

Maybe this time they should take their time and make sure it's ready to go.

[TheBand1t]

It's just a wee bit early for a new console, isn't it?

[ASSASSYN 36o]

I can't wait for the next xbox. Even better games and even better xbox-live features. I could care less what launch cycle crap sony or any other nut on the net wants of 2011-12. I am only concerned with microsoft and the next xbox. When it launches I will be ready to purchase. And from what I have been reading about game releases, devlopment, and games being delayed is consistent with when the xbox 360 was about to be announced in development. Devs will break the story by their actions...they always do.

[cjflora]

You are the reason that MS doesn't care if they rush another system and risk another issue with hardware or something like RROD again, because you'll buy whatever manure they shovel into your mouth. I'm not a PS3 fanboy, I am a fanboy of quality products. I will never buy a Samsung LCD because I had capacitors go out in my 46" and upon looking online found out that cheap capacitors are going out in Samsung tv's ALOT. That pisses me off because they are STILL using the cheap capacitors even though there are alot of people that have been having this problem for years. I fortunetly save myself hundreds of dollars by knowing how to use a solder gun, and knowing what a bad capacitor looks like.

[ASSASSYN 36o]

Why does anyone here think I will take their word they aren't a fanboy. I can read your entire comment history on here and determine what you are for myself. And YOU cjflora are a sony fanboy. You got an apparent consistent problem with the 360 that derives from the fact it sells despite it flaws and your friends experience whom lost 4 xbox 360's.-->(My friend is a hardcore 360 gamer, and he's on his fourth 360. Not fourth FIXED, but he's bought four of them.)

According to your own statements you don't own a 360. So why do you care when the next one is launched...because you are insecure as to how much worse sony will be if MS gets another jump on them. You sony kids want us 360 gamers to follow some bull crap 2012 system release plan in order to simply give sony a chance to recoup their losses and laucn a new system. I don't think so and apparently MS doesn't either. Quit feeling threatend like a little kid it is completely obvious and weak of you. And my 46" & 40" 120hz LCD Samsungs work perfectly.

cjflora: "I'm not a PS3 fanboy, I am a fanboy of quality products."

And I guess the ps3 isn't a quality product...even I admit it is. Now reply and contradict yourself.

[Morbius420]

owned

[jarhead906]

The only sad thing here is that you're part of the problem when it comes to the quality and longevity of electronics, or products in general.

All you are doing by supporting such an early adoption of a new gaming console, is ultimately supporting planned obsolescence. And when that day comes when all the large gaming companies are forced into a cycle of trying to have a product out more quickly than its competitors, that's the day I stop gaming.

[kingme71]

No way in heck they release a new console by end of 2010. I would not even think 2011, maybe 2012 at the earliest.

Console makers want to squeeze everything they can out of the large expense it takes to make a new system. Why rush into a new one when this one isn't tapped yet? MS isn't way behind this generation, they have no reason to abandon ship and the economy is not favorable to it.

Plus you have devs just hitting their stride with this gen. Do you think they want to develop for either PS3 or XBox 720? Which one do you think they will pick?

[riskibusiness]

MS will not consider launching until there is an uptick in the economy. Until then, they will continue to ride on the success of the xbox 360 which is beating the PS3. There may be an announcement next year at the earliest, assuming the economy is better.

[ForROME]

Im hoping the Next MS system comes out soon rather than later, I have all my original xbox games and I refuse to by a crap box shaddy a$$ hardware design and parts.

Maybe there next sys will be worth the purchase and ill give it a shot, I miss my vice city =(

[ajlopo]

Here's my take on this. Microsoft will probably release a new system sooner than most might think. However there will be a caveat to that...instead of thinking backward compatible they are thinking forward compatibility. They have already announced that any new systems in the future will be forward compatible, meaning you will be able to play new games on the original 360 and the new system. I think this is a smart move, it allows Microsoft to make a more robust system with new features and hardware for the premium gamers, without leaving behind anyone who bought the original machine.
Developers will be asked to develop games that can run on both systems, with the added features, stronger graphics, etc able to run on the newer system. Look at what they already had devlopers doing before they were as big as they are now. They made sure achievements were being programmed into every game, Live compatability had to be in every game, chat, etc.
Don't get me wrong, in my opinion the 360 still has a lot of life left. This is just my speculation going off of what Microsoft had stated. Who knows they might announce something in this light at E3? I doubt it but hey...who knows :)

[hac-hunter]

I look at the statement of "being forward compatible" and shake my head.

They say that in order to be "backwards compatible" your current system has to be at least 10x as powerfull as the older system (for emulation purposes). So whether it's true or not, the PS3 is roughly 10x more powerfull than the ps2.

So if the next xbox (720?) is to be roughly 10x as powerful as a 360, how can the 360 even possibly handle 720's games without extreme retardation in graphics, sound, control and other settings?

That would mean that the 720 will not be a monumental leap over the 360.
Yes, the 720 will have the same features as the 360 currently has, but does that mean that there won't be any new functionality or features because they want to conform to their "forwards compatible" mandate for the 360? i.e. purposely gimping games for the 720 so that they have the same feature set that is available to 360 owners?

Forwards compatibility sounds like a load of B.S.

Backwards compatibilty works, forwards compatibility does not.

[XLiveGamer]

LOL yeah right another Xbox sooner than later LOL Yeeeeaaaahhhh right!!!

[Why dis]

When your favorite console is under threat its easy to support this rubbish.

DVD is no excuse nor is the 360 supposedly being maxed out is also a weak cornered excuse to support this.

[no-spin]

I cant take out of the realm of possibilities that MS may end their gaming division with the 360. Keep charging for live, and everything else they charge a lot for and is easy money, besides MS recent moves do not indicate a deep commitment to its gaming division to go beyond the 360. If they release another gaming console, they may pull a Nintendo and try something totally new, to maximize market share. Just look how a gimmick like the Wii has taken the industry by storm. Casual gamers my a**

[bigjclassic]

nintendo has the 1st party devs to push that "gimmicky tech" and appeal to the masses. The masses loves Pokemon, Mario, Zelda, Smash Bros etc. So for them to push a new control scheme was easy.

MS on the other hand will have to have a solid 1st party team to create an experience that can only be done on Xbox 3. If they are going to use that "3D motion camera and Digtial Distribution" for Xbox 3 they are going to have a helluva time trying to properly market that.

the masses aren't ready for an all DD console, not yet at least. That would be shunning retailers.

[360Hater]

Sorry but who in their right mind would fork out another $400 for another microsoft console? They have no value whats so ever.

[ultimolu]

That would be suicidal to their business.

[jarhead906]

Normally I would agree with you, but the gaming industry might see the first signs of a change for the worse if Microsoft launches it's third Xbox console so early: planned obsolescence.

Everyone sees this through Apple's business strategy especially. People everywhere eat it up, especially here in the United States.

[xg-ei8ht]

I'm not sure the M$ board will allow another console.

[bigjclassic]

because they can hype the technology a year before Big N and Sony can counter it. It wouldn't be bad for MS since 360 is almost 5 years old. How long do people think that MS will continue to support 360 when technically devs have to sacrifice quality for multiplats.

It would be bad only for the "loyal 360 consumer", not the industry in general. Just dont be surprised because the signs are there.

[jarhead906]

I can't believe that anyone who has purchased an Xbox 360 would even remotely support the proposal of the next Xbox console so soon. Are you crazy? Both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 have so much more to give, and I'd really hate to see the gaming industry turn into what Americans seems to keep eating up: planned obsolescence.

[cjflora]

So...what, they're going to rush ANOTHER console just so they can be first? Guess I'm not buying that one either...I would rather buy something that wasn't pushed out faulty just to get ahead. Oh wait...no they haven't learned their lesson because the consumers out there don't care if they buy cruddy hardware, as long as they have the "cool" Xbox...so as long as idiots keep buying sh!t, they'll keep pumping out sh!t. People hated Vista, so MS is fixing it(we hope) with Windows 7, but they have no incentive to make a better Xbox because nobody is doing anything about it.

[jarhead906]

The only reason why Microsoft decided to rush the Xbox 360 (causing the problems in hardware) was because if they didn't both Sony and Nintendo would have almost no difficulty in pushing Microsoft into third.

By releasing the Xbox 360 ahead of it's competitors and hyping the console like no other, they were able to secure a place in the market successfully.

[WLPowell]

Cause MS basically has killed off all of it's 1st party development. So yeah, enjoy buying a brand new console to play nothing but multiplats... Real intelligent people here.

[ElementX]

I hope MS releases a new console. The 360 won't survive the next few years with the limited DVD9 capacity. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the 360 while I owned one, but they really didn't plan ahead. MS shot themselves in the foot by not including a HDD in every console and using an old storage medium.

[neogeo]

i bought my ps3 for the 10 year plan and im keeping it for no less then 10 years, i dont care what comes out, even ps4 im here to stay and im not made of gold

[BYE]

Gamers are not ready for a new console, there is still so much stuff they can do with programming, at least on the PS3.

[Ldubbz]

Enough speculation and uninformed fanboi rants. MS ceased production on the Xbox 1 for business reasons, not simply because they wanted to.

The original Xbox was built with off the shelf PC components for the most part, which means MS had to pay a lot of money to Nvidia and Intel for the chips, as well as the HDD. Usually systems are built with more custom chips that the companies (Sony, Nintendo, etc) own the fabrication rights for, allowing them to build their systems at the manufacturing plant of their choosing, bringing down the price as the process gets simplified and components cost less over time.

To keep building the original Xbox was too big a money loser for MS, since it was a forgone conclusion that Sony had won the lionshare of the market, though MS did surpass the Gamecube, which was good for them on their first system.

MS realized that if they could get to the market at the same time or before Sony's PS3, they would capture a much bigger market share (they were right).

This time is completely different. MS is not behind, their costs are way down, and the tech in the 360 still has much to go. Despite what some here say, the 360 is an extremely powerful machine, with a 3-core PowerPC running at 3.2 GHz with 512 of RAM, and that power has yet to be fully realized.

[Coolrah]

Microsoft killed off all but a few of their first party studios. Majority of exclusive games on 360 us the UR3 engine which doesn't even utulize the power of the 360. Microsoft I think are going to ride out the 360 for a few more years then create a crapload of first party studios and then all have them develop for the 720. They need the few parties they have now to make "Really Good" Games for its system Halo and Gears have been used up so meh.

[Ldubbz]

1st party studios are touted much too much here. Especially when you really think about what 1st party is. Nintendo is a true first party, with most of their biggest titles developed in-house. Sony on the other hand has many of what are really 2nd-party studios; they own the studios, but dont do the actual development, akin to what EA is now. Besides the fact the 360 has definitely not suffered as far as great exclusives are concerned.

Secondly, I completely disagree about the Unreal Engine. Why is UE brought up so much in regards to the 360's technical capabilities? The flagship UE title for consoles is Gears of War, which is easily one of the best looking games around period, especially Gears 2 which uses what is essentially the 3.5 engine. Other great games made with the UE include Mass Effect, Vegas, Bioshock, UT3 of course, amongst many, many others.

Upcoming on the UE engine is Mass Effect 2, Bioshock 2, Batman Arkham Asylum, and Sony's own The Agency.

People need to understand that UE is simply middleware; its all about how the devs use its power that counts.

And for Gears and Halo being "used up" as you state, thats woefully incorrect. Gears 2 just released in November to HUGE numbers (Gears 3 next year), Halo Wars just outsold Killzone 2 in the US, and Halo ODST is forthcoming. Sony would kill for that kind of IP right now. MS also has Fable, Forza, Mass Effect (its still exclusive far as weknow), Alan Wake is coming, etc.

[Coolrah]

As they bring out the best in your system GG and Naugthy dog proved that with kz2 and uncharted 2. Secondly Gears 2 looks worse compared to uncharted 1. (ever see the character models?) And funny how you say that halo wars outsold kz2....In the Us only by a few 10k's...Funny how kz2 outsold halo wars world wide. Us may be the biggest but not the only market. Secondly a lot of people didn't like gears 2 as its multiplayer was gawd awful. So the numbers can go either way. And of course to your Sony wanting halo as an Ip is bogus. the only reason halo sells so much is because its advertised ungodly. It had little to no competition when it came out on the 360 and of course it had 2 good games behind it. Sony of course needs to get its marketing department together and advertise there games although all its triple AAA games have sold well over 1 million which is pure profit right there and most likely cover dev cost of the game or we would be seeing studios shut down. obviously there making money

And Halo and gears are overused in my opinion....More so halo. Seriously halo 3 wasn't a big improvement over 2 and in some cases was worse than 2. They made the multiplayer better with moar features but raped the single player into crap. total opposite for gears 2. they made the single player better but the multiplayer crap (cept for horde)There wasn't much a graphical improvement neither. So unless they do like a serious upgrade of both games then there not helping. Plus we may not even get a halo 4.....So Gears 3 is way more likely....

[JJFNIGHTS80]

For the last time, it will not be called the 720, only M$ can call what ever name they want. And thier next xbox will still break down with just like the RROD, and PS4 I will buy that one too, but PS4 won't happened till a decade later.

[kaveti6616]

Microsoft probably has to face the fact that their next console is going to have a very unsuccessful launch. I for one am not going to buy it for several months, maybe even a year in order make sure that it doesn't have an underlying problem. So I assume that MS knows this and isn't in the position to release a new console. But it would definitely be a powerful console because as I remember both the 360 and the PS3 were outdated at launch. The PS3 had an older GPU and the 360 had its fair share of issues. The next xbox, even if released now, would be much more powerful than the ps3, as is the case with PCs.

Then again, I think Sony's 10 year plan is too good an opportunity for budget consumers to knowingly pass up. I unwittingly purchased a 360 before the PS3 because of all the FUD that the 360 fanboys were spreading around. The point of my article is, I will be buying a PS3 even if MS comes up with a new console within the next year or 2.

[commodore64]

They have gone to an awful amount of trouble to establish market share and install base for the 360.

These coming years are the ones where MS starts to reap the profits of its 360 investment.
Just as Sony did in times gone by with the ps2.

[Auron]

they wouldnt need to discontinue the 360 if they make the 720 true backwards compatible.

[N4g_null]

fROM WHAT i'M HEARING WE HAVE TILL 2012. oHHH SORRY ABOUT THE CAPS

SONY is getting milked by nvidia this gen just like how they did MS last gen. If any one has to get away from the fangs of nvidia it is SONY. They would be smart to release there system first. I know about the 10 year thing but we do want SONY around next gen right? Hell that are not even breaking even yet another console at their current lost wouldn't be that bad.

Any way n vidia was kicked out of the bidding from what I hear for the PS4. It's just intel and ati this time around. The PS4 is rumored to have intel working on it which truly is scary. MS may have ati working with them.

Next gen games are slated to start in about one-two years and who knows what the price of ram and every thing will be then. It would be fun to start now on these boxes but I guess we will find out at E3 behind closed doors.

lots of stuff will be changing yet I hope the console guys let things get nice and efficient before they pull the trigger. They could actualy use current chips on the market now and wow you guys way more than they are now yet there are some big promises happening from the ati and intel guys along with a GPU maker challenging a cpu maker and vice-versa. Either way it should be fun. Expect your big middle ware guys to get the goods first and lots of software tools is being upgrade in august just in time for R&D on the next gen.

The funny thing is 3d HD tv.... when will that happen? That frame buffer would be ridiculous!

If they can make the next systems cheap and powerful console gaming will return to what it once was.... unity and fun.

[Auron]

And if it was true backwards compatible with 360 then the 360 would live on WAY longer than the the original Xbox and then every game that they would realese for Ps3 would still be for 360 as well. anyway I'm ready for a new XBOX! I would love to see what they will do it!

[keysy420]

ok yeah, i see microsoft pushing a new console but not comming 2010. But im concerned with why do people think that Sony is going anywhere. Dude they sold a hundred and fifty million ps2's. 2. They are the fastest selling between 360 and ps3 this generation. 3. Their still selling an system for 400 bucks. Wow that is amazing in its own, a price drop will spur sales. 4. they have a proven 10 year life cycle(do you know what that means) that means that just like people are still buying and playing ps2,10 years from now people will still be buying and playing ps3. The ps3 really has like a 15 year life cycle. 5. Sony will make money on the ps3 even when ps5 is getting ready to come out.

Now as for MS they need a new system i've been saying this for about 6 months now its dying. MS knows it and are ready for something else, maybe a xbox 360.5. sounds crazy but so are 360 fans. MS could stand to make tons with a just a simple graphics card update in a new sku.

This is what you can believe xbox will not drop a new system MUCH more than a year before competition.
I TELL YOU THIS FOR THIS REASON.

THIS IS A BUSINESS PEOPLE!!!!!

DELIVERING A SYSTEM TOO EARLY DOES WHAT???
IT GIVES THE COMPETITION YOUR IDEAS.
would you say this? Sony got the motion control from Nintendo. And that was at back to back system releases.
NOW picture 2 full years.
that give the competition time to get their footing while their making tons of money on their older system. Then bam they hit the market with your system just better, way better and at your inital price point. When developing systems you must think 5 years ahead, in sony case 7 to 10 year. So A system from sony that would come out 2 years after the next xbox would actually put that system 7 years ahead of the next xbox 360 if you can follow that.

[Qui-Gon Jim]

I do think that Microsoft will need to release a new system fairly soon because the 360 was a short term console, but the 360 is doing just fine right now, so there is no reason to release a new system so soon. Remember, releasing a new system is a financial loss for quite some time, especially if you're going to release one to beat the PS3 graphically at a consumer friendly price. To release a new system now would just switch roles: a cheaper system (PS3 ironically), and a more expensive, but slightly more powerful system (next box). With this economy it would just boost the PS3.

[Microsoft Xbox 360]

M$ is ready to pull the plug people.

[Knightofelemia]

A new Xbox would be nice but it won't arrive till about 2011, the 360 is making Microsoft money and thats what makes them happy. I just hope when the new Xbox is pushed out the door Microsoft actually took the time to do quality control on the system we don't want the RROD effecting the new Xbox.

[badkolo]

his 10-10-2010 reason is dumb, why would 11-11-2011 or 12-12-2012 work as well, i know he said thats his worst reason but still that reason is full of flaws, ms said themselves there ownt be a new xbox soon and to expect it later.

They will continue pushing the 360 with new features and some other surprises but in no way will they introduce a new system at this e3.

now, maybe next years e3 we might see one but that wont happen this year.
we are into the 4th year and they are doing fine and if they want the next system to succeed they most likely will wait another year.

But then again who knows, ms might feel the need to deliver a new system ealrier rather then later but theres some risk to that.

[infekt]

360 is DEAD! Or about to be. LMAO.

[kaveti6616]

I'm not very knowledgeable about the strengths and weaknesses of graphics chips so I am very interested in learning about these three companies. For a long time now I think that the main graphics card war has been raging between AMDs ATI models and the Nvidia GeForce model chips. I heard that Nvidia was better but that ATI was catching up. The next generation of consoles is going to see an even bigger battle as companies will have to choose whether to support MS or Sony. In this gen, IBM was surprisingly involved in the production of both consoles architectures, so I think by next gen the whole market will be split right down the middle. That's just my guess on the matter.

And now Intel is boasting about the potential of integrated graphics cards and this might be the option that the next gen consoles will look into. I'm not sure which of the two will do it, but rest assured, it will not be both of them.

[KingKionic]

nah... maybe 2011

[Slinger420]

2012, GUARANTEED

[peeps]

It's too soon but ms will deffo wanna get their next console out before Sony's again. The fact that the 360 was the only next gen console out when it released meant it got full attention, and even ppl like myself who owned a psone/ps2 ended up buying 1 in the wait for the ps3. (i did own an original xbox at 1 point but only actually played halo 2 for it)

I think regardless of the games on offer at launch etc etc, the ps3 would have sold loads simply because of the brand name but lost alot of these potential sales to guys picking up the 360.

point being that 2010 is too soon. perhaps that sorta time frame we may see a different version e.g. slimline but not a brand new console. Again though, i think ms will wanna release their next console way before sony release theirs

[durran3]

I think its to early to release a new console at this time even though the technology thats available is far more advanced and superior to whats inside the consoles. I remember the PS2 being a superior console to anything when it was released and it took around 2 or 3 years for the PC to catch up.

As far as this Gen goes I already had games on my PC that played and looked better than their console counterparts. Also like one of the posters said that if you go back 2 decades all major consoles like the SNES, Mega Drive, Super Nintendo, Xbox have had a lifespan of around 5 years before a new console came into the market. The PS3 came exactly 6 years after the PS2 so for Sony to say that the PS3 is a 10 year system is just complete absurd. There is only you can do so much with a 256 MB Dedicated RAM.

Coming this November will be the 4th Anniversary for the Xbox 360 but if a new console is to be released ... 10/10/10 makes perfect sense and that would complete exactly almost 5 years for the Xbox 360 and the way Technology is moving it makes perfect sense.. The PS3 came after 6 years since the PS2 came out.. The new Xbox comes 5 years after the Xbox 360.. .... not much of a difference if you look at it.

[Gambus Kahn]

This man is clearly wrong due to the fact that the console market is completely different this generation then the last.

Two major events have happened that has change the gameplan. First, the economic landscape has changed. Lastly, the Wii happened.

We now leave in an age by which graphics are no longer the top driving force of the market. Besides, It takes millions of dollars on R&D delevelopment to implement top tech in order to make the graphics that much of a difference.

Sure, tech-heads would eat up a new system but this move would be suicide for Microsoft.

Clearly this article was writing by a man who is deep into the technology landscape. However, he knows nothing of console gaming culture.

[durran3]

The Market for REAL games is still out there and its big.. you simply have to look at the Sales figures of games like Call of Duty Modern Warfare, Assassins Creed, GTA, Halo 3, Gears of War or Metal Gear Solid 4 to see that people who play REAL games still love their games..

Not everyone has jumped the Wii bandwagon, its not a real gaming system in the first place. The Wii happening doesn't mean the Xbox 360 failed, those who play real games either have both or have an Xbox 360 or a PS3 to game on. Also as far as R&D goes, Microsoft has been involved in the development of the new Xbox before even the Xbox 360 was launched and again you only have to look at the history.. every new console comes after 5-6 years and 2010 will mark the 5th anniversary for the Xbox 360..

If you want to play a REAL game.. you game on Real consoles.. or you can stick with a gimmick called the Wii..Also the recession hasn't played a major role in the video game sales and industry anyways. Infact its been pretty much the same .. Videogames on consoles are actually a fairly cheap entertainment.

[Droid Control]

I have the money, and i want cutting edge graphics, i'm already bored with the power of 360 and PS3.

Hardcore gamers want the 720 this year, or next...

[divideby0]

MS jumped ship at least one year early on the Xbox. We all know the Xbox and Live had at least one year of power games

Released a crap design 360, to early (on my third one now) AND they will again abandon the 360 early and rush out another box.

The problem with MS's next approach is jump in chip performance we want is at the MATURE 32nm node and MS cant wait that long, because the PS3 has the headroom to stretch it until mature 32nm chips are ready, but the 360 cant wait that long, since it does not have the headroom to keep up with the PS3 over the next 3 years. Hence why MS is rushing out a new box again...

[shadowboricua]

I will answer the question. The answer to the title is:

BECAUSE THE CURRENT XBOX 360 TECH IS DATED!!! AND IT SUCKS!!!! Obviously, Microsoft have just started to realized that the PS3 has more Next-Gen power left and they need something to surpass it.

[RealtorMDandDC]

I can see MS releasing a new console...in 2010..

MS has been extremely quite...about anything in form of an exclusive for this year and next....the only other time when MS was this quite was 2000 when the Org Xbox was on it's way out..the difference being that MS will continue to produce the 360..versus killing it right off the back..

I have said in the past 2010....makes sense..and MS needs a (PS2) I makes perfect sense for the 360 to co-exist with the 720NXE..kind like PS2/PSP & the PS3.....the only thing MS is missing is a Portable Device...which I feel is on it's way..

Last point..By next year every exclusive game on PS3...will make 360 look rather dated...so why not release a new console for the fall of 2010...to compete with Sony's graphical powerhouse and steal the thunder...

[dcbronco]

I'm curious to know this. It seems that a lot of the PS3 fans on this forum believe the PS3 will be the most powerful console available for the next ten years. I know that isn't close to the truth. Agree or disagree?

[Coolrah]

If microsoft did make a system more powerful than the ps3. It would probaly have to be around 500-600 dollars. Theres no way they'd be able to price it at 400 or they'd lose a ton of money and never make any off the system. People may say that miscrosoft have made alot of money off the 360 but considering all the lawsuits and the 2 warranties there still covering. Its highley likely that there in the red in some places from all the money they had to spend. Just look at there profits on their website. They were down quite abit from last year so its unlikely there gonna make a new system so soon. probaly 2012 or 2011 for the earliest.

Also to the comment above about the lifespan of ps3 and ps2. The ps2 has lasted a long time. Even though sony announced the ps3 during the ps2. The ps2 still selling thousands of units every week along with the ps3 so its not a dead system. Its slowly dieing out but in a way that it will only benefit sony.

[dcbronco]

The PS3 cost so much originally because of Blu-ray and the Cell processor. There is no reason that Microsoft would have to try to make a leap that far ahead. Maybe you should look at computers, there are 10 different cards out there today that are far more powerful than what the PS3 and the 360 have. Blu-ray cost Sony hundreds of dollars per console. They were $240 each, the 360 was a little more than twice that when it was introduced, for everything. You need to look up something called Moore's Law, then re-think your statement.

The technology available now for you and me in the Store is far more powerful. When you have someone making something for you from scratch, you usually get the cutting edge. A graphics card may cost you $300 in the store. But if you're the company that paid for the design and take it to a manufacturer, you can have it made for $60. And that cost goes down every new contract, each year. Bringing out another console that cost around the same as the 360 in the beginning would be far more powerful than the PS3 and 360. Don't get Sony's overspending on the Cell and Blu-ray confused with normal operating procedure for console makers. Look at Nintendo, the Wii is more Powerful than the original Xbox. But it cost Nintendo around $210 per console. Two years in and it's estimated they make well over $100 per console sold.

Microsoft has made money from the 360 despite the lawsuits and the warranty extensions. I do look at the financial statements, and I also know that there is more in the E&D division besides the 360. If it only included the Xbox and games, it would consistently be profitable. At least over the last year and a half. On the other hand, if the PS3 and it's games were in a division by themselves, you would see over 5 billion in loses. The console itself loses money with each sale and most of the first party titles lose money. Killzone still has a ways to go before it is profitable. The PSP ans PS2 are the only thing that makes that division show what little profit it does. And please don't mention lawsuits around Sony. The 90 million they lost to Emersion is more than any Xbox product lost MS to lawsuits. Add the Blu-ray lawsuit ans others and Sony has lost far more to lawsuits than Microsoft has in gaming. And if you look at the profits on the website, they are a 4 billion difference above what Sony expects this year. MS still made over 2.5 billion profit, Sony stands to lose 2.1 billion(according to Sony, I think it will be worse). The other thing you don't seem to understand is about the amount of debt involved for Sony. Last time I checked they had over 12 billion in debt. Do you realize how much it cost to keep from defaulting on that much money. Especially in this type of economy. MS has 0 debt. They have over 30 billion in extra cash.

The PS3 may last 10 years, but it'll be easy to see that it is last generation once the new consoles are a year in. It will be the PS2 compared to the next gen. It'll have some great games, but the graphics won't match up well.

[pshizle]

Holiday 2010

[retro]

against a 2010 release of a new "Xbox console":

1. console buyers are NOT PC-buyers and want long life ciycles.

2. the current financial crisis and stuff is poison for all HDTV stuff, Microsoft would have to stick to a very very (expensive for them) LOW PRICE.

3. earlier than Sony - that's a given, but Microsoft should learn from their bad track record with 1/3 of broken consoles just because of ignoring quality issues.

4. WHY? Microsoft sells more consoles than Sony (except in Japan). Why not make Sony bleed money a little longer?

5. IMHO 2011 is the year we'll hear something about a new Xbox console here in Europe. Everything before is pure speculation.

[Socomer 1979]

I'm so glad my xbox360 killed itself. The reason why microsoft needs a new xbox sooner is because the 360 lost it's identity & respect of hardcore gamers.
Today the 360 compares to the wii.
The ps3 has distanced itself as the last hardcore system left.
Xbox360 old games are way too easy. Outdated graphics & standard formula gameplay just bores the crap out of veterans.

[swinesucker]

Most everyone on here is just pathetic.

HEY LOOK! I'm a 360 fanboy my system is the best.

HEY LOOK! I'm a Sony fanboy my system is the best.

All the while everyone gives their fanboy reasoning why they know more about financials and the future than anybody else.

GET A ******* LIFE fanboys!

None of you have a clue what is in store. You are not prescient and you cannot predict the future so stop trying.