Microsoft to release three separate versions of Xbox 2?
Impressive rumour suggests multi-option stance
A bull terrier named Rumour remains unconvinced at time of press - And he should know...
According to a report on The Inquirer Microsoft is planning to release three different version of the next iteration of Xbox console, catering for three different markets.
This site claims to have seen a slide taken from an analyst meeting held in the UK this year which details three hardware options.
Specifically, Xbox Next, Xbox Next HD and Xbox Next PC are all mentioned, slated for release in the autumn of 2006.
In the words of the Inquirer, “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.”
This rumour remains unconfirmed by Microsoft, as you may imagine, with the firm sticking to its policy of not commenting on anything that isn’t officially announced by its press office; though SPOnG believes it to be unlikely. The plan outlined above talks of splitting the Xbox user-base into two distinct sections – those who have access to hard drive storage and those who don’t. This would necessitate a multi-layered development process for all games for the new system, seeing increased development costs in the next generation that current estimates already place at 50% more expensive than current platform development.
And surely any shared-component PC iteration may as well come branded with the Jolly Roger on the side of the case…
We’ll bring you updates as and when.
This site claims to have seen a slide taken from an analyst meeting held in the UK this year which details three hardware options.
Specifically, Xbox Next, Xbox Next HD and Xbox Next PC are all mentioned, slated for release in the autumn of 2006.
In the words of the Inquirer, “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.”
This rumour remains unconfirmed by Microsoft, as you may imagine, with the firm sticking to its policy of not commenting on anything that isn’t officially announced by its press office; though SPOnG believes it to be unlikely. The plan outlined above talks of splitting the Xbox user-base into two distinct sections – those who have access to hard drive storage and those who don’t. This would necessitate a multi-layered development process for all games for the new system, seeing increased development costs in the next generation that current estimates already place at 50% more expensive than current platform development.
And surely any shared-component PC iteration may as well come branded with the Jolly Roger on the side of the case…
We’ll bring you updates as and when.
Companies:
Microsoft
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Comments
ohms 11 Nov 2004 12:36
1/8
Interesting. An optional HD, just like the PS2. :)
There were rumours like this at one point about the PS3, there being a basic console and also a beefed up PSX style version. Might not be a bad idea tho' for both companies, choice is usually a good thing.
There were rumours like this at one point about the PS3, there being a basic console and also a beefed up PSX style version. Might not be a bad idea tho' for both companies, choice is usually a good thing.
Kaxxx 11 Nov 2004 12:47
2/8
Good idea i reckon. Gives players a choice and thats whats important. An Xbox to suit your wallet.
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ozfunghi 11 Nov 2004 13:19
3/8
Personally, i think it's suicide. Of course I'm no annalyst. But console manufacturers usually make these decissions for the customers, not the other way round. And gamers that want these choices, will just buy a PC in the first place. It also shows MS how insecure they are about all this. And console gamers might just want to buy an other system because of the fact that they know what they are getting. What if they buy the standard xbox and regret it later, will they be able to upgrade at an affordable price? etc...
And what about developers? They will need to make games for the low-end version so everybody will be able to play them. Then what's the use of the HD in the first place? They won't be able to use it to store textures on etc like they did with the xbox. And like i said, when a game makes use of the HD like FF on PS2, will the low budget gamers be able to upgrade or not?
It's all one huge question mark and console gamers don't like that, that's why they buy consoles and not PC's.
My two cents of course.
And what about developers? They will need to make games for the low-end version so everybody will be able to play them. Then what's the use of the HD in the first place? They won't be able to use it to store textures on etc like they did with the xbox. And like i said, when a game makes use of the HD like FF on PS2, will the low budget gamers be able to upgrade or not?
It's all one huge question mark and console gamers don't like that, that's why they buy consoles and not PC's.
My two cents of course.
Joji 11 Nov 2004 13:24
4/8
I like the idea but the confusing thing is MS were so against people modding their Xboxs to meet their personal needs, so why put out another HD version if that is the case?
I do feel it's a good move though and add some means of flexibility to everyone, even the japanese. If it's smaller and sweet then that helps too. Still, will it be backwards compatible though? That is the big question.
Another dilemma for MS is whether this would work effectively, The idea of having to put up with the spec bull that plagues PC games would make me think twice about investing in Xbox2, while the current Xbox offers a level playing field of plug and play gaming. Developers having to make their games like those of the PC hitting spaces between each ones specs, and then also be doing PS3, GC2. PC and hand held systems. I would bring cost and workload up as well as big delays, surely.
Nice idea but if it's gonna delay games and bring up cost of making them that could put more developers out of work, amongst other things. Perhaps an external HD would be better option to keep costs down like PS2. Mouse and Keyboard are welcome too though.
I do feel it's a good move though and add some means of flexibility to everyone, even the japanese. If it's smaller and sweet then that helps too. Still, will it be backwards compatible though? That is the big question.
Another dilemma for MS is whether this would work effectively, The idea of having to put up with the spec bull that plagues PC games would make me think twice about investing in Xbox2, while the current Xbox offers a level playing field of plug and play gaming. Developers having to make their games like those of the PC hitting spaces between each ones specs, and then also be doing PS3, GC2. PC and hand held systems. I would bring cost and workload up as well as big delays, surely.
Nice idea but if it's gonna delay games and bring up cost of making them that could put more developers out of work, amongst other things. Perhaps an external HD would be better option to keep costs down like PS2. Mouse and Keyboard are welcome too though.
tyrion 11 Nov 2004 13:36
5/8
I have to agree that this would be a very, very bad idea.
Look at the fun that the memory pack caused the N64. Imagine that multiplied by ten, at least.
As ozfunghi said, the games are going to have to work without the hard drive, so what do you get by having it? Additional content (tracks, cars, players, etc) is all I can think of. Maybe in five to 10 years time when broadband is everywhere this would become viable, but not in the next two years.
And the XBox Next PC version? Roll on the "media centre" trojan horse jokes from everybody else. Wasn't it just a few months ago that MS re-iterated their "concentrate on games" mantra?
Can't see this happening, but if it does MS are in for a tough time.
Look at the fun that the memory pack caused the N64. Imagine that multiplied by ten, at least.
As ozfunghi said, the games are going to have to work without the hard drive, so what do you get by having it? Additional content (tracks, cars, players, etc) is all I can think of. Maybe in five to 10 years time when broadband is everywhere this would become viable, but not in the next two years.
And the XBox Next PC version? Roll on the "media centre" trojan horse jokes from everybody else. Wasn't it just a few months ago that MS re-iterated their "concentrate on games" mantra?
Can't see this happening, but if it does MS are in for a tough time.
ozfunghi 11 Nov 2004 13:56
6/8
tyrion wrote:
I have to agree that this would be a very, very bad idea.
Look at the fun that the memory pack caused the N64. Imagine that multiplied by ten, at least.
As ozfunghi said, the games are going to have to work without the hard drive, so what do you get by having it? Additional content (tracks, cars, players, etc) is all I can think of. Maybe in five to 10 years time when broadband is everywhere this would become viable, but not in the next two years.
And the XBox Next PC version? Roll on the "media centre" trojan horse jokes from everybody else. Wasn't it just a few months ago that MS re-iterated their "concentrate on games" mantra?
Can't see this happening, but if it does MS are in for a tough time.
Look at the fun that the memory pack caused the N64. Imagine that multiplied by ten, at least.
As ozfunghi said, the games are going to have to work without the hard drive, so what do you get by having it? Additional content (tracks, cars, players, etc) is all I can think of. Maybe in five to 10 years time when broadband is everywhere this would become viable, but not in the next two years.
And the XBox Next PC version? Roll on the "media centre" trojan horse jokes from everybody else. Wasn't it just a few months ago that MS re-iterated their "concentrate on games" mantra?
Can't see this happening, but if it does MS are in for a tough time.
And we still haven't even adressed manufacturing processes/costs and the fact they intend to make a proffit next time around. Of course it won't cost them 3 times as much, but maybe double or close to. All for the 'same' console, because people that get once version, won't get the other, meaning they only get payed once, but put in double the amount themselves. Their xboxes will be in direct competition with each other keeping sales per different unit 1/3 as low as when they would just release one console. Meaning higher manufacturing costs AGAIN.
ohms 11 Nov 2004 14:13
7/8
tyrion wrote:
Look at the fun that the memory pack caused the N64. Imagine that multiplied by ten, at least.
doubtful, if this story is even true, most likely the basic unit will be the XBOX2, the others will play the games it can, plus do more stuff. one will give you more of the functionality of a PC and the HD one can give you space for installing games to make them load quicker maybe, or for mp3s, homebrew games.
...or hacking :)
Autobot 11 Nov 2004 14:28
8/8
I agree that this story sounds fake. I thought there were 3 important features that Microsoft was trying to accomplish here. They wanted the next XBOX to connect to the PC and to the TV and have the next XBOX like a digital hub of media. They also said that they were interested in making an IPOD type device that held you music and allowed you to save your game and content and take it with you. Finally they said that they wanted to SAVE on manufacturing costs. Having 3 consoles is not a smart way on saving on production costs. Everyone knows that the system with the Harddrive will sell better than the one without it because almost surly you would have to buy a hard drive later on to play your games like sony does witht he memory cards. You can buy a PS2 without a memory card but the system is almost imposible to play without it. BTW isn't XBOXNEXT like unofficially not used anymore. Almost everywere I look uses the name Xenon. Xenon has been the official production name for like forever.