New Xbox to be unveiled May 12th

[Gamereviewgod]

On MTV!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050411/en_nm/tech_microsoft_xbox_dc

Still way too soon for a console launch in my opinion. One look
at the new Splinter Cell shows how much life is left.

[Half Japanese]

The saddest thing is having to tune into MTV to see it, which means that I probably won't, but instead I'll see all the pics and such that leak onto the net after said special. And what's up with Elijah Wood hosting? Ever since LotR he's been the trophy geek of Hollywood, not that he's all that bad or anything...actually...after seeing more than an hour of G4 and their "TOTALLY HOT" clueless bimbos run their mouths about whatever they've been told to run it about, I'm ready for someone who may have some knowledge of what they're talking about, hairy-footed or not.

[Lady Jaye]

Elijah Wood as the darling geek of Hollywood... I guess that Wil Wheaton is now too passé for their taste.

[CitizenWhite]

I really really hope that this thing is not called the Xbox Next. I mean, yeah, it beats Xbox 360, but it's like saying losing all of your fingers is better than losing you hand.

And yeah, I also say that it's been a really short period of time, but the more these things become like computers, the faster, I believe, new ones will be made. The turnover of technology in the PC market is way faster than consoles, so a combination of the two is going to, of course, accelerate the console side.

[GrandAmChandler]

I wonder if it will be backwards compatible. I sure hope so. Hopefully this will cause the current Xbox software to drop in price somewhat too.

[buttasuperb]

Live better be backwards compatible too, I want to be able to play SF3 online as long as MS has a console in the mix.

[allsport11]

Elijah Wood as the darling geek of Hollywood... I guess that Wil Wheaton is now too passé for their taste.

Check out Elijah Wood in Sin City, don't think Wil Wheaton could have pulled it off as creepily. ;) As for the next Xbox the last I heard they still haven't figured a way to make it backward compatible or if it was even going to have a hard drive but they were working on it. Not sure how much they can get done in a month, unless the unveiling will be just with in game video not actually anything playable. We'll know soon enough. :)

[njiska]

On MTV!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050411/en_nm/tech_microsoft_xbox_dc

Still way too soon for a console launch in my opinion. One look
at the new Splinter Cell shows how much life is left.

Hey SC: CT is a great game and it shows the pure raw power of the xbox, but there's one problem. It looks good and runs well,but at the cost of HD. Now i'm not an HD owner, but truth be told, it's an important feature. Chaos Theory has pretty well hit the max of what the Xbox can do and it's time to start moving on. Assuming the stable of developers have some idea what they're doing, this is not a bad year to launch a new console.

As for the MTV thing, which is what this threads about, i think it's an interesting move, but i don't know if it'll pay off. Normally it's quality over quanity, but if there going with a half-hour special they'd better have a lot of content. I think it'd be a waste if we had 25 mins, of bullshit and then only 5 of new info.

[Kejoriv]

Its gonna be lots of fluff and a huge commerical, in my opinion.

[Jibbajaba]

Wow. You know what I would like to see? Microsoft spending more time working on Longhorn so that I can have an operating system that isn't full of security holes. Instead they develop a new gaming system while the one they are currently selling is far from being obsolete. They are obviously just trying to get the jump on Sony and Nintendo. Gee, I remember when Sega did that. Worked out real well for them, too.

Thnaks, Microsoft! <goes back to scanning for viruses, trojans, and spyware>

Chris

[Reverend JagDiesel]

I don't get their need to speed an Xbox replacement when the current system still owns all the competition. Aren't they still in the red on the whole Xbox side? More asinine decisions from Microshaft.

[Tachikoma]

Unveiling a new console on something like MTV? More proof that videogaming has turned into hollywood bs aimed for the masses and is now viewed as the "cool" thing to do. :roll:

[Joelius]

I'm not listening to rumors or press conferences. Everyone seems to lie about that. Like pushing back GT4 to re-add online play? Phooey, I only have LAN play in my copy. If Microsoft wants to stay in the race, they know they need a hard drive and backwards compatibility. If not, well, then they're sunk in the video game market. T'would be a shame in my opinion.

[sisko]

I wonder if it will be backwards compatible. I sure hope so. Hopefully this will cause the current Xbox software to drop in price somewhat too.

Several previous reports and Xbox reps have indicated that the Xbox 2/next/whatever will not be backwards compatable, though no statements were iron clad.

Likewise, if Xbox 2 is not backwards compatible, its only logical to assume Xbox Live 2 will not be either. Live 2 will however, feature several upgrades. I refer you to the news article in DPWire 2.06.

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[Uzi 9mm]

I don't get their need to speed an Xbox replacement when the current system still owns all the competition. Aren't they still in the red on the whole Xbox side? More asinine decisions from Microshaft.


Ummm... Last time I checked Sony was in the lead...

[rxdoga]

I don't get their need to speed an Xbox replacement when the current system still owns all the competition. Aren't they still in the red on the whole Xbox side? More asinine decisions from Microshaft.


Ummm... Last time I checked Sony was in the lead...

I think he was referring to the capabilities of the Xbox, not its sales.

[Skueeee]

MTV? The hell? What happened to G4?

Bad move in my humble opinion. Who would think of putting a freaking preview of a new console on a station that plays all the music videos you can think of? @_@

Good jaerb there, Microshit! :angry:

[goatdan]

Video games are mainstream. Revealing the new Xbox on MTV means that a lot of mainstream people will see it, and a lot of people that are interested in video games that don't usually watch the channel will tune in. It's a win-win situation for them. Makes sense to me.

I for one will also not be watching though. I close on my new house on the 12th, and due to that new house I won't be spending much money on my collection for the next few years...

[Sothy]

then after the xbox commercial you can watch 179 straight hours of rap videos about weed, bitches and hos with a sprinkling of some reality shows about overly dramatic and unoriginal 20 somethings with cookie cutter personalities cheating on eachother and arguing about who ate all the peanut butter without asking! COUNT ME IN YAYAYA

[swlovinist]

Too soon if you ask me to launch a system, but if it is backwards compatable and 300, sign me up. Gosh I hope they have a clue with this new system, and not screw it up!

[goatdan]

then after the xbox commercial you can watch 179 straight hours of rap videos about weed, bitches and hos with a sprinkling of some reality shows about overly dramatic and unoriginal 20 somethings with cookie cutter personalities cheating on eachother and arguing about who ate all the peanut butter without asking! COUNT ME IN YAYAYA

Uhhhh... Hate to burst your bubble ;) , but MTV really doesn't play music videos like... ever anymore. Except about three AM. Instead, you'll have 179 straight hours of reality TV about weed, bitches and hos. :roll:

Personally, I'd rather have the music videos. Then again, I haven't had cables for years, so I guess I don't count.

[slip81]

Definately too soon for a new Xbox. The haven't even come close to squeezing all they can out of the current one IMO.

But if its backward compatible, and I can get it for around $100 after trading in my current box I'll get it.

[Mr.FoodMonster]

Fail,Fail,Fail,Fail,Fail,Fail,Fail.


What? :D

[Sotenga]

To avoid the indignation of having to change your channel to MTV, I've done y'all a favor and sneaked in a premature screenshot of the new 'BOX!

BEHOLD!!!

http://www.giftsofwoodtreasures.com/images/J%20Box%20with%201%20drawer%20and%20mirror%20No.%2 0509.jpg

It is chock full of... woody goodness. LOL

[Algol]

Woohoo! Woodgrain's making a comeback! :)

Anyway though, I find it interesting how overwhelmingly negative the reaction is to Microsoft releasing a new console so soon. They've been hemorrhaging money on the Xbox since almost the very beginning, and unless the next console catches on in a HUGE way, their about to lose some BIG money.

I'm also one who is less than enthusiastic about upgrading anytime soon. This generation seems to be the first where no truly significant advances have been made, and it doesn't seem like there will be one anytime soon, at least from Microsoft.

[Dobie]

To avoid the indignation of having to change your channel to MTV, I've done y'all a favor and sneaked in a premature screenshot of the new 'BOX!

BEHOLD!!!

http://www.giftsofwoodtreasures.com/images/J%20Box%20with%201%20drawer%20and%20mirror%20No.%2 0509.jpg

It is chock full of... woody goodness. LOL

Wow, looks like it'll be totally wireless. That's gotta be the most high tech box I've ever seen. No wires, no plugs, no ANYTHING! How does MS do it? LOL

[john_soper]

Woohoo! Woodgrain's making a comeback! :)

Anyway though, I find it interesting how overwhelmingly negative the reaction is to Microsoft releasing a new console so soon. They've been hemorrhaging money on the Xbox since almost the very beginning, and unless the next console catches on in a HUGE way, their about to lose some BIG money.

Remember IIRC, Micro$oft has tens of billions the bank and they're playing for the long term. Heck, my company sweats over raising another 4 million in financing.

[DTJAAAAMJSLM]

I guess I'll actually have to tune in to MTV on the 12th...

[Push Upstairs]

Bad move in my humble opinion. Who would think of putting a freaking preview of a new console on a station that plays all the music videos you can think of?

Wait...MUSIC TV actually plays music videos? O_O

Shocking!

I do have to commend (yup i said it) MS for putting this up on a channel they know millions of mainstream teens are going to see it.

[Crazycarl]

i see this as a bad thing since i hate mtv now, well eversince they took out MTVX and replaced it with MTV Jams O_O (great we need another rap network like 50 needs a bullet...nevermind 50 dose need another bullet.). but i probly will tune it to look at it and tune out...just need the exact time.

[felix]

The saddest thing is having to tune into MTV to see it, which means that I probably won't, but instead I'll see all the pics and such that leak onto the net after said special. And what's up with Elijah Wood hosting? Ever since LotR he's been the trophy geek of Hollywood, not that he's all that bad or anything...actually...after seeing more than an hour of G4 and their "TOTALLY HOT" clueless bimbos run their mouths about whatever they've been told to run it about, I'm ready for someone who may have some knowledge of what they're talking about, hairy-footed or not.

Hi!!! MY NAME IS FELIX FROM PROVO UTAH!!! I WANNA SEE THE NEW XBOX CUZ ITS REALLY HOT AND LOVE MARIO!!! OMG!!! I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUTOUT TO ALL MY GIRLS BACK AT BYU MELISSA, JEN, AND THE REST OF MY GIRLAKDSFJQLWERKJQWEIFAJSDFLKDJ!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
WHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!


please.. somebody shoot me now.. why mtv?...

[LiquidX01]

please.. somebody shoot me now.. why mtv?...

Because they appeal to a wider range of people. If I was Microsoft, I would rather use MTV to promote Xbox 2 then G4TechTV since they have the ability to appeal to a much wider audience. Most gamers already know certain things about Xbox 2. It's all about appealing to a greater audience besides the "Gaming Circle".

[Zubiac666]

mtv? x_x

k.

...oh,and I thought they(ms) were joking when saying they release the xbox"whatever" this year....oh well :hmm:

*Beats Peter Moore and co with "make new MS-OS safer FIRST"-stick*

[Big Papa Husker]

Smells like the Dreamcast. But unlike the Dreamcast, I probably wont buy one.

[kainemaxwell]

Sure Microsoft is smart to release it, but their X-Box does have quite a bit of life left in it, along with Live becoming more popular. I just hope MS makes it backwards compatible and not alienate their existing userbase. Why show it on MTV? Proably to get all the fanboys to see it and watch MTV... :hmm:

Why do i have a feeling a Halo title (or heck a X-Box2 version of halo 1 & 2 combined) may be a release title...

[TougherToast]

Check out Elijah Wood in Sin City, don't think Wil Wheaton could have pulled it off as creepily. ;)

Yea no kidding, I about crapped myself @_@

Oh yea and Xbox 2, Next or whatever they are going to call it sounds like it will be pretty cool.

[ManciGames]

MTV? The hell? What happened to G4?


It's my experience that G4 isn't concerned about video games so much as it is concerned about making money.

[zmweasel]

MTV? The hell? What happened to G4?


It's my experience that G4 isn't concerned about video games so much as it is concerned about making money.

What experience do you have with G4? Did you pitch them on a show, ask them to co-promote your 'zine, something of that nature?

-- Z.

[ManciGames]

MTV? The hell? What happened to G4?


It's my experience that G4 isn't concerned about video games so much as it is concerned about making money.

What experience do you have with G4? Did you pitch them on a show, ask them to co-promote your 'zine, something of that nature?

-- Z.

Isn't it the focus of any "for profit" business to make money, above all else?

[GrandAmChandler]

They better have some ridiculously good games on launch for me to even considering getting before the end of the year..... I'm talking solid smash hits. Something thats says I GOTTA have that system, kinda like they had with Halo. Hopefully we will hear more announcements at E3..

[lendelin]

A late 2005 release for the next Xbox makes all the sense in the world. I don't know if it's possible (enough units manufactured, enough games ready for launch), but I predict an earlier release than PS3 for two years now.

The Xbox has momentum (improved image, good game library, third party support). MS can't give the PS3 a headstart anymore. Neither the Xbox nor GC could catch up with very different marketing strategies, established consumer support, technical specs, and images.

If the launch happens this year, we'll see an aggressive PR strategy by Sony: They will hype the cell processor capabilities of the PS3, and try to let the Xbox2 look outdated soon after its launch (similar to the PR strategy against the Dreamcast).

For MTV: well, from a gamers standpoint questionable, from an economic standpoint a very good move. Let's face it: they have guys like us already, they try to get new customers and reenforce the 'cool' factor. Keep the customers you have, and add new ones, that's the golden rule.

[zmweasel]

MTV? The hell? What happened to G4?


It's my experience that G4 isn't concerned about video games so much as it is concerned about making money.

What experience do you have with G4? Did you pitch them on a show, ask them to co-promote your 'zine, something of that nature?

-- Z.

Isn't it the focus of any "for profit" business to make money, above all else?

Your post was phrased in such a way that it sounded as if you'd had a personal experience with G4. Had I realized you were just stating the obvious, I wouldn't have replied. Sorry about that.

-- Z.

[goatdan]

For everyone complaining that Microsoft is releasing this console too early, a few things to note:

1) The lifespan of the most successful console has always been around five years or less. Microsoft releasing a new Xbox this year puts them at about what... four years? The Playstation 2 came out in 2000 making the cycle right at the five year mark. When the SNES came out in 1991, people weren't pissed that the Playstation came out in 1995.

2) Microsoft wanted to push up the release because Sony kept saying that they wanted to make the console life-span at least 10 years now. Microsoft knew that consumers would want to upgrade before that point, and so they started putting together the Xbox 2. On top of that, if Sony wants to keep pace with the Playstation 3 now they are going to have to rush it together -- which is supposedly what they are doing. In fact, Sony looks like it will be going for May 16th -- http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/11/sony_ms_ps3_xbox2_launch/ -- which was broke just hours before Microsoft announced the MTV showing.

3) Sony plans on releasing the PS3 right now in Q1 2006. The lesson that Sony might have seen from the PSP is the fact that a non-Christmas rush console doesn't do quite as well as they had hoped. I see the PSP release as a success, but when Sony is saying that "they will sell out of 1 million units in a day" and gets about half of that sold, that might not be so hot in their eyes.

4) Don't want to upgrade? You don't have too. Until just last spring, the newest console I had was my Dreamcast. I picked up an Xbox and GameCube last year knowing that the new gen would start launching soon and I could get games for cheap. If Xbox 2 and PS3 (and Revolution for that matter) come out in the near future, I'll be happy waiting until 2008 or 9 for a new console.

[InsaneDavid]

I posted some comments under another topic that seem to work here as well...



yet companies like Microsoft WILL cut short their support for the original Xbox looong before its time.

Hate to tell you but from what I've heard from the inside, the XBox was really just to test the waters and build an installed base, it had nothing to do with being a solid console. It was really just the hook on the XBox2 lure. That's why Microshaft started jumping ship on XBox development more than a year ago, in fact it looks as if 90% of ALL internal development has already shifted over to the next XBox. Halo 2 was your opus XBox, the well has run dry.


Sure maybe you will still be able to play Xbox one online for a few more years but from all of the comments and press statements Ive seen in print and on the net Microsoft is now full steem on for the Xbox2 and wants to dump the still very viable and still very alive XBOX1l like so much dead wait.

And they will, however I think that XBox Live support for the first generation XBox may stick around longer than you think. If there's one thing that Microsoft wants the XBox to go down in gaming history as it's that it was the console that made online gaming accessible to the masses. Hopefully it won't be anything close to what happened with the SegaNet.

[PapaStu]

You guys are all forgetting one important thing. This system like the PS and PS2 isnt being aimed at 'The Gamer', its being aimed at 'The Consumer'. That person who just plunked down 250 for a PSP or who will go to their parents (or save on their own) to get a system. You do that by putting something like this on a channel or show that is going to hit as much of a target audience as they possibly can. Come on, think business now, not what we'd like to see happen cause it isn't gonna work that way.

We all tend to forget that despite what a good number of us do here or how we play games, we are a very small minority to these developers and Production companies. They are worried about market saturation and sell thru rates, not when most of the gamers here will plunk down on a PS2 or XBox when its selling for like 99 bucks (or less, as I know ive seen a fair number of posts that will say even thats too much x_x ).

[ManciGames]

Your post was phrased in such a way that it sounded as if you'd had a personal experience with G4. Had I realized you were just stating the obvious, I wouldn't have replied. Sorry about that.

-- Z.

If I had, do you think that I would:

a) Post details in a public forum

b) Confide in you?

Just asking...

[zmweasel]

Your post was phrased in such a way that it sounded as if you'd had a personal experience with G4. Had I realized you were just stating the obvious, I wouldn't have replied. Sorry about that.

-- Z.

If I had, do you think that I would:

a) Post details in a public forum

b) Confide in you?

Just asking...

So you were just stating the obvious to build up your Meseta? :) Tell you what--I'll give you enough to buy back your title and avatar if you promise to withhold generic "insights."

-- Z.

[ManciGames]

Tell you what--I'll give you enough to buy back your title and avatar if you promise to withhold generic "insights."

-- Z.

Sounds good to me. How do you go about donating? I don't really have the time to figure the whole system out (or randomly post long-winded items just to earn meseta). Heck, I wouldn't even have known that's why my avatar and title were missing if you hadn't just said it.

Just let me know. Thanks for the offer!

[zmweasel]

Tell you what--I'll give you enough to buy back your title and avatar if you promise to withhold generic "insights."

-- Z.

Sounds good to me. How do you go about donating? I don't really have the time to figure the whole system out (or randomly post long-winded items just to earn meseta). Heck, I wouldn't even have known that's why my avatar and title were missing if you hadn't just said it.

Just let me know. Thanks for the offer!

Each post in a thread lists the poster's Meseta count, along with a "Donate" link below it. I just clicked on it and gave you 100 Meseta, which should be enough to purchase your avatar and title from the Shop.

-- Z.

[ManciGames]

MTV? The hell? What happened to G4?


It's my experience that G4 isn't concerned about video games so much as it is concerned about making money.

What experience do you have with G4? Did you pitch them on a show, ask them to co-promote your 'zine, something of that nature?

-- Z.

Isn't it the focus of any "for profit" business to make money, above all else?

Your post was phrased in such a way that it sounded as if you'd had a personal experience with G4. Had I realized you were just stating the obvious, I wouldn't have replied. Sorry about that.

-- Z.

So, I take it you agree with what I said.

Zach, being a vet of the industry, what are your feelings on G4? Do you think they care more about making money than promoting games, designers, fringe elements, etc.?

[le geek]

On the Xbox 2, I'm not sure what X2 will have to offer that will make me salivate, but I'm looking forward to seeing what they have to offer. I am looking forward to picking up a cheap Xbox though (finally!)

On G4, I'm starting to like the channel a lot. They've cut the fat and have a pretty good line up of shows now. I mostly like to watch Judgement Day and Xplay, but I'm curious about the artitst previously known as Screen Savers...

Cheers,
Ben

[CullJeff]

How about Xbox XTREME or Xbox Xcaliber for a name?

[alexkidd2000]

How about Xbox XTREME or Xbox Xcaliber for a name?

haha god I hope not.

I like XBOX HD personally.

[zmweasel]

Zach, being a vet of the industry, what are your feelings on G4? Do you think they care more about making money than promoting games, designers, fringe elements, etc.?

It's TV, dude. TV sucks. Like everything else on the glass teat, G4 caters to the unwashed masses, and the unwashed masses don't give two shits about Shigeru Miyamoto.

-- Z.

[ManciGames]

It's TV, dude. TV sucks. Like everything else on the glass teat, G4 caters to the unwashed masses, and the unwashed masses don't give two shits about Shigeru Miyamoto.

-- Z.

lol. Well said.

Don't get me wrong. G4 has some quality stuff. The aforementioned Judgement Day and X Play are both quality, but I'd love to see more in-depth and edgy programming.

[James]

On MTV!

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050411/en_nm/tech_microsoft_xbox_dc

Still way too soon for a console launch in my opinion. One look
at the new Splinter Cell shows how much life is left.

I agree, Microsoft doesn't have to release a new system now as the Xbox hasn't been fully tapped yet but the reason they are releasing one this year is to get a jump on Sony and Nintendo which makes sense from a business standpoint. Now in terms of releasing a new system this year, well for Sony it's too late, they needed a new system about 2 years ago now, hell the Dreamcast is more powerful than the PS2 ever was and it failed because people are generally stupid and went with the inferior PS2 because it included the name Sony. The PS2 was pretty much tapped after the release of Final Fantasy XI and it requires the Hard Drive which was never really supported. I'm sure most of us have seen how pitiful God of War is in terms of stability or running well, it's too bad SCEA developed this game, it could have looked and ran amazingly if it was on the Xbox. I hope Sony does the smart thing and releases it on the PC. It looks like were going to see another year and a half of lousy titles due to the PS2's inability to execute software properly.

[kainemaxwell]

Don't get me wrong. G4 has some quality stuff. The aforementioned Judgement Day and X Play are both quality, but I'd love to see more in-depth and edgy programming.
Cheap bells and whistles are no substitute for actual facts.

[calthaer]

Sony proved with the PS that a system can have a really long lifespan - what's it been, now, 10 years? I agree that the Xbox still has a lot of growing left to do. They're just starting to get some "killer apps" for it - games that makes it unique, like Fable.

If it's backwards compatible, that's a good thing...but devs are going to drop the old XB like a hot potato and pick up the new one because it's the latest & l33test. Not the greatest idea - maybe they're trying to get a head start like Sega did on Nintendo back in the Genesis era?