Microsoft intends to confuse Console Market even more

[Jonbo298]

A SLIDE from a non disclosure agreement (NDA) presentation seen by the INQ points towards Microsoft launching three versions of the Xbox 2, one of which is a fully functioning PC.

The presentation, understood to have been given to analysts and market researchers in the UK earlier this year, plots a timeline for the introduction of the systems. Xbox Next and Xbox Next HD are planned for Autumn 2005, whereas the Xbox Next PC is pencilled in for Autumn 2006.

The standard Xbox Next will not include a hard drive, which will allow Microsoft to cut costs on this basic unit. Xbox Next HD, as you might imagine, does include a hard drive and will offer increased functionality based on this. Xbox Next PC is, according to the presentation, an entry-level PC that runs Windows and all standard PC software. It also includes CD Burner, Wireless keyboard, mouse and controller and will work best connected to a high-definition TV or PC monitor. Media Center functionality - like movies, music and photos - is also included. The device will also play most available PC games.

System outline specifications note that internet browsing and instant messaging would be key applications, and that the entire unit will be smaller than the current Xbox, although it will not be possible to upgrade the shipping memory or processor.

The year-long gap between the mooted introductions of the 2 standard Xboxes before the Xbox Next PC is an interesting decision, which suggests that Microsoft realises the time that the market needs to acclimatise to TV media functionality. Since the Vole expects to ship Xbox Next before the Sony PlayStation 3, 2 versions of the console allow it to get the first wave out before PS3, but to also spoil the launch of Sony's flagship by concurrently announcing the PC version.

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=19615

:eyes::eyes::eyes::eyes::eyes:

[Blackmane]

Well, I have been figuring that Microsoft would slip farther and farther from straight consoles and push for the computer system.

I don't know why someone would want to buy an un-upgradable computer just to play their Xbox games.

[GT News]

Well, I have been figuring that Microsoft would slip farther and farther from straight consoles and push for the computer system.

I don't know why someone would want to buy an un-upgradable computer just to play their Xbox games.

How about that.
Where were you figuring that Microsoft would slip farther and farther from straight consoles and push for the computer system?
Why does the sun rise?

[Null]

raises a lot of interesting questions. if they make on version into a PC. but say its not really upgradable...... How hard would it be to put an Xbox drive in a normal PC and play xbox2 games?
Thats really what companies should consider doing. making the console in a computer drive form. like buying a DVD drive and installing it in your computer. you could buy an Xbox drive and install it. it would read xbox discs and play the games....

now the part that worries me is the part where they say one will come with a HD and one without.
this idea never works. it'll end up hurting them because they'd be hard pressed to make a game that NEEDS the HD. because not all thier userbase will have one.
Thats one of sonys problems right now with thier HDD.

[Jonbo298]

Good points there Null. The Xbox's strong point is that developers can take advantage of the HD without worrying about the userbase because everyone has one. And Sony has that issue. Also, Nintendo does with the FF Crystal Chronicles game where your forced to play with a GBA.

Not everyone will graps this. Plus, what happens if a game is forced on the Xbox2 to use an HD and you have a non-HD version? Raises alot of questions, possibly.

[Professor S]

The worst part about all this is that the HD isn't even really a cost issue. Out of everything in the Xbox, the HD might be the lest expensive major component. I think that they've been listening too much to idiot criticisms about the size of their console.

Note To Microsoft: No one really cares how big the damn thing is. Those that do care are trying to fond something to criticize. Just make it powerful and STANDARD.

[Null]

if size was an issue, theres plenty of small HD's that store 40 or 60GB. like the ipod itself is a hard drive.

and built right, it doesnt have to be that big with a full size drive. So im not entirely sure what would make them want to sell a version without a HD. seems like a bad idea.
unless they want people to buy that, then sell a HD at a higher price when games come out that need a HD. forcing people to spend even more.

i dunno. something tells me tho they'll re think this idea when it comes time to release it. i think MAYBE what we'll end up with is one xbox with a small hard drive. and another xbox with a much much bigger hard drive.

[Bube]

if size was an issue, theres plenty of small HD's that store 40 or 60GB. like the ipod itself is a hard drive.

Yes, but think about the price of an iPod. Almost as much as a XBox. The more compact, the more expensive they get. Would making a smaller, but much more expensive XBox be a smart move?

Would you rather buy a smaller system for 500$, or a larger one for 300$? I'd go for the larger, cheaper one for sure...

If it was small and cheap, of course it would be better. But I, for one, don't think size is a deciding factor.

[Null]

Yes, but think about the price of an iPod. Almost as much as a XBox. The more compact, the more expensive they get. Would making a smaller, but much more expensive XBox be a smart move?

Would you rather buy a smaller system for 500$, or a larger one for 300$? I'd go for the larger, cheaper one for sure...

If it was small and cheap, of course it would be better. But I, for one, don't think size is a deciding factor.

Theres a lot more to the ipod that makes it the price it is, then just the hard drive tho.
Thats why they only go up like $100 in price from one ipod to another when they're almost doubling the actual storage space.

a compact hard drive is more expensive. but not nearly as much as your thinking. plust MS could easily strike a deal with the maker and get em for cheaper. or just buy whoever makes em out. lol

point i was trying to make tho is that i dont think its based on size of the console. because theres many ways to get the console smaller with a HD.

[Crash]

plus they are releasing a small xbox finally

http://ranobe.com/up/updata/up11393.jpg

[Acebot44]

^^That thing looks weird

I don't like this. The HD is my favorite feature on the xbox and the main reason why it's games are the way they are. If they did this to make it smaller (which I DO think is the case) then they're making a mistake. Like Strangler said, "make it powerful and STANDARD." It would be horrible if some games required you to have the HD xbox.

That said, I would buy the HD Xbox if the two were released. I'm not interested in that PC whatever thing.

[Null]

Crash, that real or confirmed anywhere? It looks pretty slick.

However, the reason im curious if its real or not is MS is American, why would new info on thier hardware be relaesed in Japanese before North Amercia Hears about it?

[GameMaster]

I think it'd be best to just have one system model. The biggest problem will be compatibility. Making games and software that are exclusive to only certain models is a turn-off and will only steer customers away. People want to be able to play anything that comes out. But maybe the the lowest model will play everything? Perhaps the HD and PC version just come with extra features that are unnecessary to playing everything. I think the PC model should be cut. And instead of building a HD model, I think the HD should just be an extra accessory that can be bought and installed on the standard version by the customer. Why make it more confusing for the people buying the system? Especially for parents who are getting it for the children. Parents are clueless for the most part about video games.

[Jonbo298]

Why does the one Xbox side say 64mb and the other say 32mb? :hmm:

[Crash]

Crash, that real or confirmed anywhere? It looks pretty slick.

However, the reason im curious if its real or not is MS is American, why would new info on thier hardware be relaesed in Japanese before North Amercia Hears about it?


the more i think about it, the more it seems fake. where does the game go in... and why is there no power button....looks like the japanese have finally combined video game technology with psychokenesis...

it's gotta be fake

[Null]

lol. i keep picturing the japanese kids on Christmas morning looking at that thing. scratching thier heads and shaking it up side down trying to find out where to put a game in.

Very easy photo to fake tho. all they did basically was chop out the middle section of the xbox put the top and bottom together and rearrange some buttons and plugs.


Would be a cool name for it tho... The Xbox Express

[Professor S]

Null, you may have an idea with trying to push more HD's as a peripheral, but that also goes against all we know about game marketing. Marketing "must have" peripherals for games has never worked. Developers are just not willing to put time and money behind a game that needs you to buy a peripheral to play it. I would think that Microsoft would recognize this.

Now is Microsoft were willing to put their money where their mouth is and develop A+ games for it themselves they may get more support, but thats a big gamble especially with Microsoft trying to position itself to take the lead in the next generation.

[Null]

well part of the reason addons never work, is that it cant really get its foot in the door. too few of people have the addon, and developers are very very weery about making a game that needs it afraid that it wouldnt sell. and so the loop continues that if the games dont need it no one buys it, no one buys it they cant make game sthat need it.


However the difference in this situation would be that lets say half the user base WOULD have it. thats a huge foot in the door to help force others into buying the HD sepreate.

however thats still a very risky move and one i heavily doubt they'd do. i was more or less pointing at them for an evil plot to try and take more money. lol.

i really do think when it actually comes out. they're going to end up having one with a small HD and one with a big HD. cuz that might actually work. you buy the version based on how many games your planning on playing and using the HD and such.

[Blackmane]

But that really doesn't make sense, because as you said, the prices for going to a bigger HD are minor. If they do that and have two models with different size HD's, there is either going to be very little price gap and no reason to buy the small one, or they are going to gouge you for getting the bigger HD.

I think they should can the PC and the no HD version, and stick with the true console.

[Jonbo298]

I think they should can the PC and the no HD version, and stick with the true console.

But this is Microsoft we're talking about ;)