Oof! Still from Pseudo Interactive's Crash Test demo
Reports breaking this morning claim to have nailed the release plans of Microsoft’s Xbox division, dating the launch of the next iteration of its home console across two continents.
According to a piece on IGN today, Xbox 2 will definitely hit US retail at Christmas 2005, with a European launch following early in 2006. No Japanese date was offered.
IGN says, "A major software company already prototyping software for Microsoft's Xbox 2 told IGN today that the publisher '...definitely aims to launch the console in North America for Christmas 2005.' A November time frame was given. A European release will follow in 2006, said the source."
Although this is somewhat obvious news, it is always good to get strong clarification from highly-placed publisher sources.
The news cannot be confirmed however, given Microsoft’s 'We don’t comment on rumour and speculation' mantra. Expect the full skinny no earlier than E3 next year.
According to a piece on IGN today, Xbox 2 will definitely hit US retail at Christmas 2005, with a European launch following early in 2006. No Japanese date was offered.
IGN says, "A major software company already prototyping software for Microsoft's Xbox 2 told IGN today that the publisher '...definitely aims to launch the console in North America for Christmas 2005.' A November time frame was given. A European release will follow in 2006, said the source."
Although this is somewhat obvious news, it is always good to get strong clarification from highly-placed publisher sources.
The news cannot be confirmed however, given Microsoft’s 'We don’t comment on rumour and speculation' mantra. Expect the full skinny no earlier than E3 next year.
Companies:
Microsoft
Read More Like This
Comments
ohms 16 Jun 2004 11:06
1/12
If all 3 next gen consoles appear around late '05/early '06, that's gonna be one hellova ruckus. With desperate price cutting on all sides hopefully. :)
fluffstardx 16 Jun 2004 11:22
2/12
Fight! Fight! Fight!
Well, Nintendo claimed to be aiming for Q3 2005, which would mean it was first out. Sony said Q1-2 2006, So they're last.
Like i care anyway, as i'll probably buy the Nintendo on release, the XBox2 depending on release games and PS3 whenever they finally bring out a good game. So 2007 then.
Well, Nintendo claimed to be aiming for Q3 2005, which would mean it was first out. Sony said Q1-2 2006, So they're last.
Like i care anyway, as i'll probably buy the Nintendo on release, the XBox2 depending on release games and PS3 whenever they finally bring out a good game. So 2007 then.
more comments below our sponsor's message
Brown Force 16 Jun 2004 11:37
3/12
Sad thing is, we'll probably not even see PS3 until December 2006. Knowing how Sony likes to keep us Europeans waiting.
Hopefully Ninty won't be the same. Though can't wait for the Xbox 2. I'm buying on launch. Only just over a year to go as well...and so many games to play before them. Better get cracking!
Hopefully Ninty won't be the same. Though can't wait for the Xbox 2. I'm buying on launch. Only just over a year to go as well...and so many games to play before them. Better get cracking!
ohms 16 Jun 2004 11:50
4/12
Microsoft seem to think that being first is the key to winning the next gen console race. Getting in first was bad for the Saturn, AND the Dreamcast, although I think Micro$oft will definately close the gap with Sony in the next gen, because they're basically not going stop until they win.
That's what kind of worries me, I mean we all know all these guys are out to make money at the end of the day, but Micro$oft's unashamed goal is to dominate the console market, whereas Nintendo only talk about, innovation and new gaming experiences.
That's what kind of worries me, I mean we all know all these guys are out to make money at the end of the day, but Micro$oft's unashamed goal is to dominate the console market, whereas Nintendo only talk about, innovation and new gaming experiences.
Joji 16 Jun 2004 13:11
5/12
Certainly makes you wonder about MS's real motives. I know they are a business and all, but you'd think they would content with already dominating the PC market world wide.
Xbox has had it's problems, but is doing well despite my doubts and "down with MS" banner waving. So much that I plan to buy one for the games on it, not because MS made it.
I feel MS wants too much and are very greedy, they are in the games industry now but where will they stop next?
Nintendo understand where things need to go, perhaps closely followed by Sony, but MS seem sure about the online aspect, and not much else.
Xbox has had it's problems, but is doing well despite my doubts and "down with MS" banner waving. So much that I plan to buy one for the games on it, not because MS made it.
I feel MS wants too much and are very greedy, they are in the games industry now but where will they stop next?
Nintendo understand where things need to go, perhaps closely followed by Sony, but MS seem sure about the online aspect, and not much else.
thiago 16 Jun 2004 14:50
6/12
the ps2 was launched before both the gamecube and the xbox, and they won the race. yeah, great theory.
kinigitt 16 Jun 2004 16:47
7/12
It's all about the games, or at least that's what people are told. No matter what console a game is on, I will buy it if it is good. People like to hate companies and love others, but one thing remains: the companies don't ever love you. They love your money, they want your business and they want their numbers. I really don't care if Microsoft are reviled by cynical games journalists as long as they encourage great software. Will I buy it at launch? I don't think so, but I do know I WILL own the next iteration of xbox, as well as the PS3, providing Polyphony keeps cranking out Gran Turismo games.
I'll believe in the "revolution" when I see it, however. "Innovation" is often confused with "gimmick" IMO. Here's hoping Nintendo delivers.
I'll believe in the "revolution" when I see it, however. "Innovation" is often confused with "gimmick" IMO. Here's hoping Nintendo delivers.
almondVanHelsing 16 Jun 2004 20:12
8/12
XBox 2 launch dates revealed!
Ikea shares soar as they start stocking up on stong tables!
Ikea shares soar as they start stocking up on stong tables!
Pandaman 16 Jun 2004 20:37
9/12
The thing about being "first" is that it oftens leaves you in a bad position. If you're going to be all alone in the market for awhile, you need to PERFORM. You need GREAT games CONSISTANTLY. Otherwise, people will get tired of your brand and move on. In this case, move on to nothing.
It happened to Atari, and it happened to Sega.
But then again, why did the SNES win its little race with Sega? It was, afterall, the "first" of the second generation of games. Well, not only did it constantly release classic games, but it had compitition. In order to keep the pace up, you need someone there to force your moves. Otherwise, you're just going to go about your buisness all willy-nilly and just let your fan base bore off into the distance.
I'm not saying that's whats going to neccesarily happen, but its certainly happened before. And if the 9/9/99 buisness method doesn't sink them, then Halo 3 and KOTOR 3 certainly will. That simply isn't enough to float on your own nowadays, and I wouldn't be suprised if this turns out to be a two horse race from then on.
It happened to Atari, and it happened to Sega.
But then again, why did the SNES win its little race with Sega? It was, afterall, the "first" of the second generation of games. Well, not only did it constantly release classic games, but it had compitition. In order to keep the pace up, you need someone there to force your moves. Otherwise, you're just going to go about your buisness all willy-nilly and just let your fan base bore off into the distance.
I'm not saying that's whats going to neccesarily happen, but its certainly happened before. And if the 9/9/99 buisness method doesn't sink them, then Halo 3 and KOTOR 3 certainly will. That simply isn't enough to float on your own nowadays, and I wouldn't be suprised if this turns out to be a two horse race from then on.
jessestylex 17 Jun 2004 00:50
10/12
Sony and Nintendo always launches in Japan first, so what ever date they claim to launch is for Japan.
And i cant wait for Xbox 2 in 2005! Perfect Dark Zero as a lunch title is gonna rock!
And i cant wait for Xbox 2 in 2005! Perfect Dark Zero as a lunch title is gonna rock!
Brown Force 17 Jun 2004 07:26
11/12
Yup. Basically for the US and Europe Xbox 2 is always going to be released first. Because its a western company and its strongest markets are Europe and US. That and Sony and Nintendo will release their consoles 6 months before US is Japan and another 6 months later they'll release theirs in Europe. Meaning even if Xbox 2 wait for PS3 and Nintendo Revolution...its always going to be released first in the west. Fact.
schnide 17 Jun 2004 12:37
12/12
Brown Force wrote:
>Meaning even if Xbox 2 wait for
>PS3 and Nintendo Revolution...its always going to
>be released first in the west. Fact.
You think Microsoft would take any more chances whatsoever in alienating the Japanese market by launching Xbox 2 there later? Methinks not, but we'll have to wait and see..
>Meaning even if Xbox 2 wait for
>PS3 and Nintendo Revolution...its always going to
>be released first in the west. Fact.
You think Microsoft would take any more chances whatsoever in alienating the Japanese market by launching Xbox 2 there later? Methinks not, but we'll have to wait and see..