February 05, 2004
Xbox: The Next Generation
Microsoft is reportedly circulating the specs for the Xbox Next, the follow-up to its Xbox video console.
Microsoft's strategy appears to be controlling the cost of its consoles, and launching before Sony's own PlayStation 3 launch in 2006. Currently, PlayStation outsells the Xbox by a 5 to 1 ratio.
The Xbox Next will launch in fall 2005, and will feature
• Three IBM 64-bit microprocessors, providing Xbox Next with more computing power than most PCs.
• An ATI graphics chip with speeds faster than the upcoming R400 chip for PCs, enabling high-definition TV resolution.
• Since the original Xbox makes use of Intel and Nvidia chips, backward compatibility isn't guaranteed. While this keeps costs down, Sony has always maintained compatibility with older consoles.
• Flash memory to store saved games, unlike the current Xbox which relies on an 8-GB hard drive.
• 256-MB of DRAM, upgradeable to 512-MB depending on PlayStation's specs, compared to 64-MB in the current Xbox.
• Either DVD or Blu-Ray capability will be included. Blu-Ray will hold more data, but may not be ready in time for the launch.
By releasing specs, Microsoft is helping developers begin work on software for the launch, as well as to solicit feedback.
What's the estimated price ... $599?? I wouldn't be surprised.
Posted by Craig at February 5, 2004 08:26 AMNo reliable bits on pricing that I can find yet. The Xbox is a heavily-subsidized $200 machine, so my expectation is that Microsoft will also do similar for the Xbox Next. A big part of the gameplan is still to find a sustainable niche in the entertainment market and then funnel high-value software (and content) through the pipe.
Posted by Sam at February 5, 2004 12:57 PMThree processors is just insane. I'm scared about it.
Posted by Jeramey at February 6, 2004 11:52 PMMicrosoft needs to hold off and wait to see what Sony brings to the table. Sense hype drives a new Sony system if Microsoft brings the Xbox Next out too early it wouldn't be as profitable and may prove highly consequential. That would give Sony more time to make their system that much better and then ride the hype to the number 1 position again. Remember Sega's mistake with the Dreamcast. It had all that innovation and Sony's PS2 was like a dark cloud looming over it before it debuted and the Dreamcast had better textures but still failed. Microsoft should let the Xbox Next be that dark cloud looming over the PS3. Also non-backwards compatibility is a no no. That means Microsoft will have us spend all this money for a new system and then force us to wait for the new crop of games. Meanwhile PS3 owners will have something to tie them over while they wait. That would discourage prospective buyers of the XBOX NEXT. It would be a "grave" mistake to give sony the leadway advantage by not making the system backwards compatible with the current XBOX. If Microsoft wants to win this thing it's smart to invest the extra money to make it backwards compatible. YOU'VE GOT 53 BILLION DOLLARS TO PREVENT A MILLION DOLLAR MISTAKE! Look at what happened to Nintendo when they opted out of online gaming. If you keep out something big it takes away something big. Right now Microsoft is marketing the XBOX NEXT more like Sega did with the Sega Saturn. KEEP THE HARD DRIVE! SONY WILL! I don't want to see Microsoft sink this thing through.
Posted by Darin at March 1, 2004 07:38 PMMicrosoft needs to hold off and wait to see what Sony brings to the table. Sense hype drives a new Sony system if Microsoft brings the Xbox Next out too early it wouldn't be as profitable and may prove highly consequential. That would give Sony more time to make their system that much better and then ride the hype to the number 1 position again. Remember Sega's mistake with the Dreamcast. It had all that innovation and Sony's PS2 was like a dark cloud looming over it before it debuted and the Dreamcast had better textures but still failed. Microsoft should let the Xbox Next be that dark cloud looming over the PS3. Also non-backwards compatibility is a no no. That means Microsoft will have us spend all this money for a new system and then force us to wait for the new crop of games. Meanwhile PS3 owners will have something to tie them over while they wait. That would discourage prospective buyers of the XBOX NEXT. It would be a "grave" mistake to give sony the leadway advantage by not making the system backwards compatible with the current XBOX. If Microsoft wants to win this thing it's smart to invest the extra money to make it backwards compatible. YOU'VE GOT 53 BILLION DOLLARS TO PREVENT A MILLION DOLLAR MISTAKE! Look at what happened to Nintendo when they opted out of online gaming. If you keep out something big it takes away something big. Right now Microsoft is marketing the XBOX NEXT more like Sega did with the Sega Saturn. KEEP THE HARD DRIVE! SONY WILL! I don't want to see Microsoft sink this thing through.
Posted by Darin at March 1, 2004 07:39 PMTo leave a comment or read updated entries, please visit GearBits' current site. Thanks.