IGN: E3 2009: 360 to Stick Around Until 2015

IGN Writes:
The Xbox 360's recently unveiled motion control technology will help extend the console's life span into 2015, according to Microsoft executive Shane Kim.

[Foxgod]

That would make it a 10 year life span, not bad for a console.

[BadboyCivic]

just like the 10 year life the original xbox had...i say 2011 a new box will be here and the 360 will be laid to rest.

[SupaPlaya]

that they're supporting their console longer this time around, but it probably has a lot to do with the cost of marketing a new console too. Let's hope they stay true to their word.

After all, as long as the games are good I could careless if it isn't run at 1080p/60.

Alan Wake and the newer Chipset might make me finally plunge for a 360.

** BadboyCivic, that was uncalled for.

[irish-leprecaun]

uncharted 2 is only the beginning!!
they will have regretted not having blu-ray by 2015!!

[JsonHenry]

I love my 360, so much so that I have bought 3 of them even after the first two broke. But the machine is REALLY starting to show its age. I guess this would not be so noticeable to me if I did not own a gaming PC rig. But it is hard for me choose to buy a game for the PS3 or the 360 when the PC has such a lead over the consoles in terms of visuals. Not to mention the fact that the PC version of the games are usually $10-15 cheaper. I just can't see the 360 or the PS3 hanging in there for a full ten years. Maybe they can co-exist like the PS2 and PS3. But surely not as the sole console from that manufacturer.

If it were not for a select few exclusives (and Netflix and Blu-ray) I would probably have sold both my PS3 and my 360 a while ago.

[Sitdown]

to tell BadboyCivic why Microsoft abandoned the original xbox....or should I?....cause hopefully then he will see how the situations differ.

[ShabzS]

i'm saying 2012/ 13.... the consoles technological capabilities will not be questioned but ... the dvd wont last that long...

[Tito Jackson]

I think another console will have come out by that time, and if its backwards compatible, especially with Natal(or if something better has come along) then I believe the majority of gamers will have moved onto the next console from MS. I know I will.

I think the 360 will go strong until they announce something new. Then console sales will steadily drop, until the new console is released.

[Genesis5]

Going to be a tight squeeze for DVD9 and no dedicated hard drive.

[Blaze929]

Um...first of all a "life cycle" was never announced for the Xbox 1; damn well not a 10 year one. Besides that, Microsoft was in a really bad situation with the Xbox 1 and loosing way too much money for what it was worth so they had no option but to bail and start new early in.

Xbox 360 is actually successful this generation, believe it or not which is why Microsoft gets so much media attention; the underdog came out of no where and actually are doing a good job compared to the position they were in last gen. With Natal coming for the xbox 360, Microsoft made it clear the 360 would be here for many years to come and will just find work-a-rounds for their short comings.

10 years and 1 more day than Sony, Microsoft isn't kidding. And the way the economy is now, would be complete idiocy to introduce a new console over $400 any time soon.

[Syronicus]

By 2015, the 360 will be the Wii/ps2 of tomorrow but with HD graphics. It will be cheap, have great graphics for what it is, and have both motion and standard controllers. At about 2011/2012 we will see the new Xbox come out and cater to the hardcore for a few years before introducing some casual games. It in some way follows the same path as the PS2 but will have the hands free controller that the casuals will want. Not a bad idea actually.

[DelbertGrady]

But...Only teh PS3 can be future proof.

[Daoshai]

cloud gaming?, who knows what Microsoft can come up with to extend the lifespan of the 360, only thing we can do as gamers is wait and see.

@Below
Yeah, broadband has a good chance of being overhauled to support some major speeds in the next few years. Obama has given 8.2 to overhaul states. Cant wait.

[DeadlyFire]

I agree with Bad Boy Civic and Blaze.

I believe in both ways. Its to early to know for certain, but Sony and Nintendo have plans for new era to launch in 2011. Hardware is already falling into place for Sony. Cell 2, XDR2, USB 3, HDMI 1.4,and all the other small things all aimed at 2010. Even Larrabee which is rumored to be coming to PS4. Plenty of time for 2011 release window. Microsoft is traveling a risky road if the 720 isn't at E3 2010 conference. Natal is nice and great idea to keep X360 out there. Price point dropping and new hardware and games supporting Natal are sure to be awesome if they are done right. I myself prefer Sony and Wii design of holding a Wiimote or Playstationsaber. haha.

I will be shocked if Microsoft doesn't announce a new console by 2011 E3 though. Natal is nice and all and great for X360, but disc sizes are getting bigger and bigger. Why not add one of them to the platform as well? HVD and Blu-Ray both aiming for 100-400 GB discs by 2010. 1 TB in 2011-2014. Graphics will be hindered. Dare I say Wii 2 could match Xbox 360 graphics? There are three graphics chips makers out there. ATI, NVIDIA, Intel now. All three want one of their a High powered CPU/GPGPU/GPU in a console. Its likely Nintendo might get a great graphics chip deal out of it. Not saying that's a bad thing though. PS2 and Wii thrive even without powerhouse graphics. Could be great idea from Microsoft and add more years to the next generation of console life cycles as well.

Microsoft could be traveling the long road to say their next console will be all digital as plans for most areas of the world to expand broadband to support at least 50 Mbps for homes by 2016-2020. In Some countries up to 150 Mbps or more will be set as standard by then.

[PtRoLLFacE]

BY 2015 U PROBABLY NOT GOING TO NEED BLUE RAY LOL

[DeadlyFire]

This is true. Streaming Worlds, OnLive, and other in-development and patented Cloud gaming platforms to come about soon. 2015 maybe is little early for them, but maybe decent timing. Unsure just yet.

[cereal_killa]

Sitdown your right but M$ could have continued to develop games for the xbox and gave people some time to enjoy the xbox for a while, instead they abandoned the whole thing entirely and basically forced people who wants to play xbox games to buy a 360 if you wanted to play any new games.

[dragunrising]

The PS4 will have cell ver 2.0 and not Larabee. Larabee is a CPU and GPU on a chip...overkill when you already have a very competent CPU.

As to Microsoft releasing their next console in 4-5 long years later...doubtful.

I predict that Microsoft will release dual 360/720 versions of each game within a couple of years. In other words, games will be forward compatible, kind of like minimum and recommended specs for PC games. I don't take credit for the idea, but believe it.

Forward compatible games should allow Microsoft to release the Xbox 720 without hemoraging its 360 business. Natal can and will keep the 360 relevant even as its successor is released. Just think- the Xbox 720 will probably use Natal AND a controller for its games. As to when the 720 will be released, its too soon to say. Personally, I wish it comes out later than sooner. In this way we can look forward to a larger storage medium, better RAM, larger hard drives, and much more advanced CPU/GPU tech.

@ cereal killer and badboycivic

The reason the original xbox was killed was because it was bleeding Microsoft dry. 3 billion dollars were lost...the cost of components in the Xbox couldn't be reduced. The success of the PS2 forced Microsoft do cut the retail price to stay competitive despite its already substantial losses. If Microsoft didn't kill the Xbox, we wouldn't have the 360. It regrettable that the death of the Xbox forced us to upgrade, however the reasons are very logical. This is not a justification but a paint by the numbers explanation.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

What happened to Greenberg mocking the whole "10 year life span" thing?

[ChampIDC]

He's just an outspoken idiot. A 10 year lifespan is a great thing to shoot for in a console if you can pull it off. Tech gets cheaper and cheaper, and if it keeps selling, you can make a huge profit. All you need to do is take a look at the PS2.

[xwabbit]

just imagine how many RROD's will be generated by that time, they'll probably get a 360 Ripley s world record on most unreliable hardware.

[Game13a13y]

can the Xbox 360 out there last that long without killing itself with RROD?

[Black Maverick]

Exactly. Hypocrites to the end.

[ChampIDC]

The Jaspers will probably last just fine. Falcons are up in the air, leaning toward no (mine is still kicking, so I haven't lost hope yet). Launch 360s, no way.

[raztad]

This is sad, it isnt even funny MS's lack of originality. Why 10 years? could be 8 or 12? I wish them the best luck, but they need to put a better hardware, and push gaming boundaries. It's not only to sell more units than Sony, and talking about sales, lets see how things turn out after the upcoming PS3 price drop.

[mcgrawgamer]

that msft has bought the onlive guys????

think about it onlive cancels their showing at E3

msft announces games on demand???

[No FanS Land]

ah nice thought! I wondered what happened of this gadget. Also I believe sony has patented something similar, through the FCC?

[DeadlyFire]

PS Cloud, OnLive, Streaming Worlds all way to early. 2016-2020 would be perfect timing for such a thing to exist, but right now = no way. Maybe it will partly work with some input lag experienced, but as you get more bandwidth it would get better and better. Still almost 10 years away from perfection though.

I do like the idea of Xbox Live and Games 4 Windows Live on one service with keyboard + Mouse and controller optional. That would be awesome with Natal also an option for all the games.

[kewlkat007]

The competition is stiffer now, so companies can't become as stagnant like before. That R&D department is always working unless your short on funds.

[SupaPlaya]

the $$ invested and the cost of marketing is much greater this time around though. Also the tools and making the engine for the next gen system is considerable more expensive than before. Therefore, I believe this gen will actually stay around longer. It's not too good with the developers if you push a new console too soon.

Unless if MS just want to try to increase their market share again no matter the cost by introducing a new system early again.

[Omega4]

When you got something like Natal you can always find new innovative ways to advance gaming which will make the 360 have seriously long legs. Since graphics can only take you so far.

[hatchimatchi]

It all depends if natal is successful, if it tanks it's gonna be bad news for the 360.

[Marty8370]

DVD9 is already looking dated, good luck. 360 users have fun juggling games with 5+ discs in future.

Blu-ray is the future.

[Montreafart]

But the lifespan wont even last long enough till next year.

99% of its games are multi platform games. The console does not seperate itself from its competitors.

With PC/ PS3 or PS3/ Wii you get to play absolutely 99% of everything out there.

With a 360, you get to play 1% exclusives and everything else is available on other consoles too.

The hidden costs of the 360:

- RROD headaches
- ERROR 74 headaches
- disc scratching headaches
- can burn down a house
- DVD9
- Dead HD DVD support which is a format that died out
- ancient controller and controller battery
- ancient microphone that dies out in less than 2 months (everything about the 360 is CHEAP ass plastic)
- 50 bucks a year can really add up. For instance, the console was released in 2005. If you bought one from the start like the loyal xbot you are, you are rewarded with: RROD, TWO HUNDRED bucks of XBOX Live costs, lies about HDMI not needed, lies about harddrive not needed etc.
- HDMI not needed lies. Suddenly they added HDMI (version 1.1 rofl) on all console screwing the first 10 million users which still make up 45% of the current install base.
- harddrive lies. Suddenly they added harddrive on the newer models screwing again, the early and loyal install base.
- their arrogant lies about the competitors.

I can go on and on but clearly if you got a 360 in 2006 or 2007, you got massively SCREWED. These are facts.

It is therefore hilarious to see them try to claim how 360 will last till 2015 like the PS3 (everything they do, is aimed at "catching up" with the PS3). Of course it will last that long. But the console is OUTDATED and therefore every game on it, will show OUTDATED experience.

Where as on the PS3, things will just get SWEETER and SWEETER. PS3 can afford to slowly stretch its muscles. And the games will keep coming.

360, its Halo year in year out. Spin off after spin off, multi platform after multi platform. And they will try to bribe developers with a few days of exclusivity for DLC (which is hilariously SAD).

And the development is clear. 3rd party exclusives dont really exist. All these franchises that are still not on the PS3, WILL move to PS3 eventually.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall. When Mass effect 3 comes to PS3, the internet will explode.

It is clear to anyone who is not a stupid bot that PS3 is the WAY better deal. Only those who cannot afford a PS3 is stuck on the 360.

[PStu'rd]

lol, this poor guy s been melting down for the last two days. Damn sfags, I always knew ps3 having the best looking games out there meant a lot to you with 360 besting ps3 in all other aspects an all, but DAMN! Chill out there is always next-next gen.

[talltony]

if my 360 will last that many more years. :(

[BlackIceJoe]

This is good news. I love that if there is to be a new Xbox system in a few years and I don't update right away I can still look forward to new 360 games.

[TheColbertinator]

Excellent.I don't plan on getting new consoles yet.

[badkolo]

all this is done ina attempt to shed the way they killed off the first xbox.

So now they have natal to give the 360 more legs which is great and now they will keep touting how the 360 will be around for many years to come.

TO me this means we will see a new xbox in 2 years max.

[silvacrest]

i guess time will tell

[No FanS Land]

I knew it!! This gen would be MUCH longer! Yet people disagree saying no it's always been 5 years or so and will be. DRM, XBL upgradable firmwares, PSN, DRM again, people won't want to sell their consoles anymore, not me at least, plus companies can pull in more profit no need to sell hardware only software. I'm glad this gen will be much longer.

[Model]

at the end of 2015 microshite is going to spread the new virus called SRROD (super RROD) into every x360 so that everyone would buy their new console

[saimcheeda]

the xbox 360 price makes it impossible!!

[PLAYSTATIONGENRATION]

xbox 360 and ps3 came out to early...i wish they both would have waited a year

[PStu'rd]

With graphics like AW and conviction there's no need of a new xbox for 10 more years.

[MOE2FREAKY]

Good news indeed. No need to spend on next gen machine just yet.

[CypH]

Mind controlling technology?

[CypH]

The future

[badkolo]

its obvious all they are doing is laying the groundwork for the new xbox.

lets let everyone know the 360 is doing well and will be around for years to come, so when we introduce the new xbox it will be like what sony did with the ps2.

next year is to early but the year after that a new xbox will be introduced.

on xbox 360 6th year a new xbox will be here

[tudors]

worked with PS2.

[badkolo]

nothing at all but next year is to early for that to happen, xbox 1 lasted 4 years, i doubt ms wants to kill the 360 in gamers mind by only having it last 5 years, but if they can go 6 years before introducing the new xbox it will help in many ways but not leaving a bad taste in peoples minds.

[tdogchristy90]

I am a xbox and ps3 owner, I see quit a bit of age in my xbox vs my ps3. I enjoy my xbox and do hope it stays around for another 5 years, one because of great games, and two because I don't want to spend $400 every five years. I hope it lasts and I'm praying it does but I do see the wear and tear and it does concern me.

[ApocalypseShadow]

they already failed once...no wait......

ps1 lasted 10 years of production.ps2 will last 10 years of production.it's why sony talks about 10 year life cycles because they have done it TWICE.psp is going on 5 years and ps3 is going on 3 years.

so obviously,microsoft picks up on sony's ideas and says "we can do it too."but sony already knew that the console life cycle has to be extended so that devs can make their money and first parties can make their money back on console R&D investment.

but when has it not been this way of microsoft copying sony and their ideas?

forza,lips,scene it,vision cam?live anywhere and iptv?dvd and high def disc mediums?hard drives(og ps2 supported HDD)?

some say microsoft started the whole digital download thing.nope.just copying sony's ideas again.

http://news.cnet.com/2100-1...

looks like the CNET hater talking about sony and digital downloads.but sony saw that ps2 was just not powerful enough to deliver digital content.so they made the HDD standard this gen.

microsoft is just a "MII TOO COMPANY."they saw this:

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

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

AND THIS:

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

and thought,"let's try to get this stuff out before sony like our silly avatars and media sharing."

sad really that they don't innovate.they imitate and use dollars to try and make the public believe they thought of something first.we'll see if microsoft drops the 360 when 720 hits and games cost between 30-50 million to make.

while sony thought ahead and told devs they can still make money on ps2 while supporting next gen development for any system.

apocalypse...................

[ChozenWoan]

The only ones who have been looking forward to a new console has been xbox gamers. Every since last year they have begun declaring victory this gen and calling for the next. lol

The next gen consoles wont come out anytime before fall 2012. First of all, Devs are just now starting to master this gen's systems. And with it taking at least 2-4 years to release a game worth playing, there is no need to rush another system out the door. Only after the Devs studios give us the best experiences possible on these consoles will they be ready to move onto the next. It's impossible to expect them to start fresh with next gen specs, when they haven't mastered what this gen has to offer.

Two, the US is in transition into the digital age, and many people still haven't invested into a HDTv yet. What good will next gen graphics due for gamers if they can't even enjoy the best of this one. That would just defeat the purpose of investing into next gen content. Also, as sales would be so slow due to this gen still going strong, the entire industry would take a loss on each game sold instead of just each console.

Three, MS and Sony have learned that it's better to make an economically sound console using affordable next gen tech. By waiting just a couple years longer, the price of parts will be Drastically reduced allowing them to introduce their consoles at more reasonable prices. I believe this is the last gen that will feature a console over $400 (not accounting for inflation of coarse), due to the general population exhibiting such a great reluctance to embrace such a product.

This gen has taught the entire industry a lot and we gamers will benefit from it all. So enjoy this gen and all the great games, experiences, and innovation it is bringing.

[Dick0]

shane kim should really teach those ps3 fanboys a lesson

[KingKionic]

Well this is interesting. Obviously this involves the natal. Maybe they have seen games or features that they no people will want. but this is good news for consumers ethier way.

[MajesticBeast]

That KO was so epic from the dude with eye toy.

[badbond1]

The 360 doesn't have six years left for 2nd place in this race. This is going to be great! If we are going on terms of longevity, the PS3 is going to smack the h*ll out the 360. Let's just hope that the PS3 continues to develop great exclusive titles like MLB 09', Killzone 2, Infamous, Devil's Soul, Uncharted 2, R&C, quantum theory, and MAG. 2010 is shaping up to be a hardcore doggystyle with no vaseline! GOWIII, Heavy Rain, FFXIV online, XIII verses, GT5 1st/2nd qtr. OOOOWWWWEEEEE! Not going to be nice 360. See ya, wouldn't want to be ya!

[nitcorp1]

onlive service will be making its way to the xbox360 thats y on demand was implemented i got this from a very good source

[MajesticBeast]

your ass?

[360DownINflames]

Get to know it 360 users... Either that or multiple discs! OWNED

[DevastationEve]

you mean, like having more than one disc?

if i hold up 5 games in my hand isn't that the same as multiple discs?

if i have 10 dvds in my movie collection isn't that like multiple discs too?

if i have all of mariah carey's albums isn't that like multiple discs as well?

...wow. you guys act like there can be only one disc in my hand, on my shelf, or on my desk at any given time. lame. even with bluray you're still going to get off your asses and switch a disc every now and then.

you want convenience? how about NO disc. as in netflix.

you want high quality games? try talking about ACTUAL GAMEPLAY, instead of touting lossless audio or 1080p video files, since that's what devs use all that extra space for anyway.

[divideby0]

yea...but the 720 will be out in 2 years

[Solotov]

Considering the underpowered Wii is still around, the 360 can definitely last

[badkolo]

i think ms will follow nin this time, if nin tries to introduce a new wii in a year or 2 so will ms

[Pootangpie]

I'm starting to wonder if it was the PS3 haveing faulty hardware instead of the 360 would you sony fanboys would still be complaining

[witchking]

Just like the PS2 remains a profitable console for Sony, MSFT is looking for the 360 to stretch its lifespan. That doesn't mean that the next Xbox won't arrive until 2015; it just means that MSFT expects that the 360 will be supported (with games) for that long.

I suspect that the 720 or whatever it will be called will be here in 2011 or 2012. Of course, by then there could be 75 million 360s sold, and that's a lot of software potential for MSFT and 3rd party publishers.

[JustOne]

I totally agree with you @Apocalypse , M$ known by stealing others ideas, look what it did with Apple ...

Natal, yeah looks ok to me, but it's nothing new, Sony already did that years ago with eyetoy on PS2 and PS3Eye, Eye pet..

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

and now M$ making it like something revolutionary and never happened !?

Natal = PS3Eye + Voice + Hype .

[Chaos Striker]

Basically what Mr. Kim is implying is that the 360 will most likely reach a point of maximum profitability aka a cash cow, similar to the PS2. I'm guessing they will most likely adopt the PS2-PS3 strategy in order to absorb some of the losses that will incur with the release of their new system.
Additionally, I believe the longer life means that the next generation console will not come for some time because they are probably utilizing a lot more R&D compare to this generation to design something that strays away from pushing graphical capabilities and more towards uniqueness to differentiate their product from the rest (similar to what the Wii has done, but not to that much of an extreme).

[Figboy]

i seriously can't believe what i'm reading here.

you goddamned HYPOCRITES.

when Sony touted the Playstation 3 as having a 10 year life cycle (like the Playstation 1's 10 year life cycle, and the PS2 is going to hit 10 years next year), people scoffed. people laughed. people MOCKED them. despite the PS3 having upgradable firmware, interchangable hard drives (it'll always be able to expand it's HDDs to whatever the latest, largest drives are), the built in Blu Ray drive (there are talks of 200+gig Blu Ray discs, capable of being read by current machines, ie, the PS3), people jeered.

everyone said Sony was just blowing smoke up our asses, and that the PS3 would never last 10 years because Microsoft would release a new console that would force Sony to abandon the PS3 and make a PS4, despite the fact that the PS1 was supported WELL AFTER the PS2 launched, and ditto with the PS2 now that the PS3 is here.

BUT NOW, oh man, Microsoft says the 360 will have a 10 year lifespan, despite it's lack of a standard hard drive, reliance on 7.5gigs of DVD space, and terrible failure rate, and people are like, "hey, it's great that Microsoft is going to support the 360 for 10 years!"

the hypocrisy present here is PATHETIC. you guys seriously make me f*cking sick with this sh*t.

personally, if Microsoft thinks they can support the 360 for 10 years, GREAT. i hate having to buy new consoles every 4-6 years. i'm not made of money.

but to see all the 360 fans suddenly hopping on the 10 year bandwagon makes me angry. why? because EVERYTHING that Sony has said and done this year has been right on the frigging money.

1080p games
HDMI standard
Blu Ray being the best option for HD movies and gaming
HD video service
Full game releases on the network (ie, Warhawk, Burnout Paradise, Gran Turismo Prologue, etc)
built in HDD standard for all SKUs
even motion controls (which they cribbed from Nintendo to take the wind out of their sales)
hell, even the friggin EYETOY has been proven to be important to this whole motion control movement.

and all Microsoft has done this generation is FOLLOW. outside of LIVE, i've yet to see them bring a single relevant thing to gaming since they entered the gaming industry. Project Natal is GREAT, but it's also an amalgamation of ideas that were birthed by Nintendo and Sony.

Facebook, Twitter integration? 1080p video services? music services? i thought the 360 was "all about the games?" i thought all 360 owners bought 360s so they could play GAMES. not watch movies, surf the net, and listen to music?

god damned HYPOCRITES.

considering i was one of the people that was burned by the original Xbox (i bought one, only to have them drop it a year or two later in favor of the 360), so i'm a little skeptical about Microsoft's claims to support the 360 for 10 years, but if they do it, i'll be genuinely happy, but this rant was more for the hypocrites that snorted in derision everytime Sony mentioned "futureproofing" their console, and "10 year life cycle for the PS3."

how does it feel to know that the company you hate so frigging much was damn near right about EVERYTHING this generation, and now that Microsoft has copied practically everything Sony has introduced this generation (1080p games, hdmi standard, larger HDDs, video and music services, etc), you have to pretend that you thought they were great ideas all along.

the 360 and PS3 can coexist, and they both deliver some great gaming (and other multi-media services/features), but you hypocritical fanboys are pathetic.

[Says you]

The XBox and look what happened!.

[Cacic]

That's kind of hard to believe but it's enough time for Gears 3 to come out.