Xbox 2 out in Nov 2005?!!

[folken001]

I have been away from all the system war issues, topics, arguments for a while now. It has to do the fact that I am playing ffxi mostly know and other real life stuffs. And, most importantly, the war was over a long time ago. It's been over. PS2 won, easy and simple. All the arguments we see nowadays are either ps2 fans trying to gloat or Xbox supporters trying to save face. GC users are just in constant denial and always live in the false hope that the NEXT Nintendo console will be better. But whatever, that's all beside the point now. HOwever, I just saw the news today indicating the possible arrival of Xbox2 as early as this Nov. When I read it, I couldn't stop smiling and somehow feel sorry for the people who bought a Xbox.

Xbox might be the most technolgical advanced console of the three, but it has the least to offer in many ways. It has PC ports, left over ports from other consoles. It seriously lack of rpgs and other various of genres. Xbox's userbase is mostly consisted FPS zombies that would get excited over just shooting at anything that moves in a game and sports zealots that will play even a stick as long as it has the name of a famous athlete. Only a few original titles on xbox were decent and rest of them were worse than a pile of doggie poop. Worst of them all is the fact that it came out later than PS2 and perhaps GC and its successor will come out the earliest.

Who really care to change the sountrack for any xbox games? Is there anyone really that bored? Just how many games out of entire xbox library are supported by players online? And how many multiplayers games does Xbox have that people want to play over and over? I think most of you know the answers.

If I were a xbox owner, I would feel pretty pathetic right now. Since I am not one of those losers, I'll just laugh and laugh and laugh.

[Glockstar]

I have been away from all the system war issues, topics, arguments for a while now. It has to do the fact that I am playing ffxi mostly know and other real life stuffs.

Yeah, how's that typing class going?

.
...I just saw the news today indicating the possible arrival of Xbox2 as early as this Nov. When I read it, I couldn't stop smiling and somehow feel sorry for the people who bought a Xbox.

Hey, don't feel sorry for me.

I suppose you could've felt sorry for me about a month after I bought it if you wanted too... because that's when they lowered the price by $100. D'oh! Still, I would've told you then what I'm telling you now: Save it. Don't feel sorry for me; I (already) got my money's worth!

And oh btw, I bought and enjoyed more games for my Xbox than I had for my Genesis, SNES, Playstation, N64, Dreamcast, PS2 and GameCube - put together!

[tekbit]

And oh btw, I bought and enjoyed more games for my Xbox than I had for my Genesis, SNES, Playstation, N64, Dreamcast, PS2 and GameCube - put together!

You have to imagine how hard that is to believe. I'm almost tempted to ask for a list.

[PapaSmurf]

Yeah, how's that typing class going?

.


Hey, don't feel sorry for me.

I suppose you could've felt sorry for me about a month after I bought it if you wanted too... because that's when they lowered the price by $100. D'oh! Still, I would've told you then what I'm telling you now: Save it. Don't feel sorry for me; I (already) got my money's worth!

And oh btw, I bought and enjoyed more games for my Xbox than I had for my Genesis, SNES, Playstation, N64, Dreamcast, PS2 and GameCube - put together!
You're joking right? :D

[Jupiter_x]

I have been away from all the system war issues, topics, arguments for a while now. It has to do the fact that I am playing ffxi mostly know and other real life stuffs. And, most importantly, the war was over a long time ago. It's been over. PS2 won, easy and simple. All the arguments we see nowadays are either ps2 fans trying to gloat or Xbox supporters trying to save face. GC users are just in constant denial and always live in the false hope that the NEXT Nintendo console will be better. But whatever, that's all beside the point now. HOwever, I just saw the news today indicating the possible arrival of Xbox2 as early as this Nov. When I read it, I couldn't stop smiling and somehow feel sorry for the people who bought a Xbox.

Xbox might be the most technolgical advanced console of the three, but it has the least to offer in many ways. It has PC ports, left over ports from other consoles. It seriously lack of rpgs and other various of genres. Xbox's userbase is mostly consisted FPS zombies that would get excited over just shooting at anything that moves in a game and sports zealots that will play even a stick as long as it has the name of a famous athlete. Only a few original titles on xbox were decent and rest of them were worse than a pile of doggie poop. Worst of them all is the fact that it came out later than PS2 and perhaps GC and its successor will come out the earliest.

Who really care to change the sountrack for any xbox games? Is there anyone really that bored? Just how many games out of entire xbox library are supported by players online? And how many multiplayers games does Xbox have that people want to play over and over? I think most of you know the answers.

If I were a xbox owner, I would feel pretty pathetic right now. Since I am not one of those losers, I'll just laugh and laugh and laugh.

It is rather funny in fact! yep I think it is really funny. Good post!

This is just a hunch, I think I know who will win the next war too!...(hint: P ? 3) :confused:

[King of Arcadia]

LOL The more things change....the more they stay the same.

[Gadfly2317]

And oh btw, I bought and enjoyed more games for my Xbox than I had for my Genesis, SNES, Playstation, N64, Dreamcast, PS2 and GameCube - put together!

The only possible way this makes any sense is that you have a much better income now than in the genesis, SNES, Ps2, N64 era.

If you are actually suggesting that the Xbox has a deeper, more diverse, unique and enjoyablelibrary than all those systems put together PLUS Ps2 and GC. . . . sorry, that would be more idiotic than anything old Moody ever said.

It's actually a pretty stupid statement in general. Would you please go ahead and make a list of all these Xbox games you purchased and ENJOYED more than those other 7 systems put together?

[slade]

Wow, this brings back memories from 2001. This site has just never been as good since the ole' days of DC vs. PS2.

[Glockstar]

The only possible way this makes any sense is that you have a much better income now than in the genesis, SNES, Ps2, N64 era.

Well, yeah. And, I'm a lot more open minded.

.
Would you please go ahead and make a list of all these Xbox games you purchased and ENJOYED more than those other 7 systems put together?

Uh, no. I already made my big list for the week. If VGR would allow us "Members" to list and track our games (and ratings scores) like another certain site does then you could see it. (Hint hint, VGR. ;) ) But otherwise, like I said, no; I'm behind on my replies as it is. But maybe, if you're nice, I'll post the link to that aforementioned list.

[Darwin]

blah, blah, blah

So despite the fox's best efforts, he still could not reach the grapes. As he walked away, he was heard to say, "Ah ... they're probably sour anyway."

[Darwin]

You're joking right? :D

He's probably not. I myself have more Xbox games than all the other next-generation systems combined (PS2, Dreamcast, Gamecube).

[ThaMaskedGamer]

I just realized he is right. I wasted this entire generation playing XBOX. What a fool i've been. In fact, I'm selling my XBOX consoles and games and buying a new PS2. I mean, what a loser I've been. When I think back to all the great PS2 titles, I mean, the best games of this generation have all been on the PS2. And all i've done is lose tons and tons of money playing on XBOX LIVE, I mean XBOX LIVE what a freakin' joke. All thats online anyway is jerks. And I don't care what the game is, playing by myself is just better than playing with other people online. The future is single player and the future is now.

MS is just stupid, they have lost this generation and now they are ready to start the next generation. They should know that you can't start the next gen, until Sony says its OK. And I feel stupid for playing XBOX since 2001. I mean now MS is going to force me to throw away my XBOX for XBOX2. Come this October MS is going to send code via the internet that will shut down all XBOX units, and we will all have no choice but to buy a new XBOX2. Forget it, I am excited about playing my new PS2 until Fall 2006. That is going to be great.

And the XBOX is just up to its same old tricks, stupid games. Look at all the games this spring XBOX has, and they are all the same, stupid FPS. Well, they aren't all FPS, but they are all stupid. Jade Empire, Doom3, SC:CT, BIA, and who cares about FORZA, what a rip that will be, everybody knows gamers don't care about good AI, and car damage, and oh yeah racing online. Nah, i'll be skipping Forza and I can't wait to get my hands on GT4. I can even hook up my PC to its, if I ever decide I want to race stupid humans online, yeah like I'll ever need to do that.

[tekbit]

He's probably not. I myself have more Xbox games than all the other next-generation systems combined (PS2, Dreamcast, Gamecube).

Yeah but you're not saying that they're better then all your other games put together. And Glock took it all the way back to SNES What a crock...

[folken001]

See, Xbox fans are out here and trying to save face again. For a so called the most capable console that is Xbox, its performance is lamer than a monkey typing up a novel. Pffffffft. TheMaskedGamer made this whole thread into a PS2 vs Xbox thread. Yet, I clearly stated that Xbox has lost. It's a undebatable fact, not an opinion. This thread is about how xbox failed to deliver and it's about M$'s pathetic attempt to continue this pointless comedy. Glockstar said Xbox is better than all the other consoles combined. I only have one thing to say to that. Taste, can I have it?

[Darwin]

Funny thing is this: if you look at each of the console-specific message boards on VGR ... which one console has had the most discussion on the most number of games over the last few years? It's clearly the Xbox forum. In fact, I dare say there are more Xbox games discussions than PS2 and GC combined. If someone were to look in on our little micro-cosm of gaming, they might assume that Xbox has the best library of games. Good thing Folken is here to set us all straight.

[Horngreen]

Welcome to 6 months ago Folken. No need to feel sorry for us Xbots we can afford it. As for soundtracks don't knock it till you try it. Yes I do like changing the music. your generations music is crap and you know it and unfortunately it fills every game out there. I hate RPGs but I guess KOTOR (game of the year on many list) or Jade Empire or Morrowwind don't count at all? The online games number well over 100. You may want to research at least a few of your comments before running your mouth, jeez you sound like this fool named Folken who used to come in here!

[folken001]

Funny thing is this: if you look at each of the console-specific message boards on VGR ... which one console has had the most discussion on the most number of games over the last few years? It's clearly the Xbox forum. In fact, I dare say there are more Xbox games discussions than PS2 and GC combined. If someone were to look in on our little micro-cosm of gaming, they might assume that Xbox has the best library of games. Good thing Folken is here to set us all straight.
Hehe, Xbots spend too much time talking about stuff and spend too little time to play games. One reason that comes to my mind, the only explanation I can find, is that they afraid to face the reality. In a forum, they can write what they think the game could've been and dream on. Playing the game realtime is nothing but torture to them. It's like waking up from a dream which you were about to make love to a hot chick over and over. It's nothing short of pure horror. No wonder you guys here all day typing. :) Trust me, if I were in you guys' shoes, I would too.

[folken001]

Welcome to 6 months ago Folken. No need to feel sorry for us Xbots we can afford it. As for soundtracks don't knock it till you try it. Yes I do like changing the music. your generations music is crap and you know it and unfortunately it fills every game out there. I hate RPGs but I guess KOTOR (game of the year on many list) or Jade Empire or Morrowwind don't count at all? The online games number well over 100. You may want to research at least a few of your comments before running your mouth, jeez you sound like this fool named Folken who used to come in here!
Ahh, so you are one of those xbots that's really bored. I guess xbox games arent enough to keep you interested huh?

My generation? What generation is that exactly? meh....

[Horngreen]

Ahh, so you are one of those xbots that's really bored. I guess xbox games arent enough to keep you interested huh?

My generation? What generation is that exactly? meh....
LOL I'm going to guess 18-30ish?

[Zilla Man]

I just realized he is right. I wasted this entire generation playing XBOX. What a fool i've been. In fact, I'm selling my XBOX consoles and games and buying a new PS2. I mean, what a loser I've been. When I think back to all the great PS2 titles, I mean, the best games of this generation have all been on the PS2. And all i've done is lose tons and tons of money playing on XBOX LIVE, I mean XBOX LIVE what a freakin' joke. All thats online anyway is jerks. And I don't care what the game is, playing by myself is just better than playing with other people online. The future is single player and the future is now.

MS is just stupid, they have lost this generation and now they are ready to start the next generation. They should know that you can't start the next gen, until Sony says its OK. And I feel stupid for playing XBOX since 2001. I mean now MS is going to force me to throw away my XBOX for XBOX2. Come this October MS is going to send code via the internet that will shut down all XBOX units, and we will all have no choice but to buy a new XBOX2. Forget it, I am excited about playing my new PS2 until Fall 2006. That is going to be great.

And the XBOX is just up to its same old tricks, stupid games. Look at all the games this spring XBOX has, and they are all the same, stupid FPS. Well, they aren't all FPS, but they are all stupid. Jade Empire, Doom3, SC:CT, BIA, and who cares about FORZA, what a rip that will be, everybody knows gamers don't care about good AI, and car damage, and oh yeah racing online. Nah, i'll be skipping Forza and I can't wait to get my hands on GT4. I can even hook up my PC to its, if I ever decide I want to race stupid humans online, yeah like I'll ever need to do that.

Glad to see you've finally come to your senses, MG! :p

[MoNkEy MaN X]

How are you going to call XBOX owners losers when you have this in your sig:

"FFXI: Lv 37 War, Lv 72 PLD, Lv 23 MNK, Lv 16 THF , Lv 20 BLM, Lv 43 WHM, NIN Lv 12, Lv 7 RNG"

Just thought I would point that out.

[folken001]

How are you going to call XBOX owners losers when you have this in your sig:

"FFXI: Lv 37 War, Lv 72 PLD, Lv 23 MNK, Lv 16 THF , Lv 20 BLM, Lv 43 WHM, NIN Lv 12, Lv 7 RNG"

Just thought I would point that out.
You are reading in a videogame forum. What do you expect? Are you saying you are better than the rest of us?

[folken001]

Glad to see you've finally come to your senses, MG! :p
I think we all have been waiting for this day, zilla :)

[folken001]

LOL I'm going to guess 18-30ish?
You would be correct. My age is somewhat close to Slade's and, frankly, I don't see anything wrong with that.

[PapaSmurf]

You would be correct. My age is somewhat close to Slade's and, frankly, I don't see anything wrong with that.
well folken, its nice to have proper villains back in the mix

[slade]

Hehe, Xbots spend too much time talking about stuff and spend too little time to play games. One reason that comes to my mind, the only explanation I can find, is that they afraid to face the reality. In a forum, they can write what they think the game could've been and dream on. Playing the game realtime is nothing but torture to them. It's like waking up from a dream which you were about to make love to a hot chick over and over. It's nothing short of pure horror. No wonder you guys here all day typing. :) Trust me, if I were in you guys' shoes, I would too.

Don't forget that they're all trying to hook up with each other on X-box Live. I must read one thread by Daman every month going, 'I'm lonely and I need to play with someone.' To which the response ususally is, 'I'm busy at the moment, let's try hooking up on [insert random day here],' and then Daman ususally responds with, 'I was looking for you but nobody showed up.' The thread either goes dead at that point or they change the topic.

[MoNkEy MaN X]

You are reading in a videogame forum. What do you expect? Are you saying you are better than the rest of us?

Did I say I was better than anybody? I enjoy playing games too. I've found though that people that play MMORPG games in depth are usually people that are so into it, they only seem to interact well with other people that are like them. Example, a bunch of the Navy guys I work with play EQ2 and that is all they talk about. They go home, ignore everything but EQ2 and put in more hours playing EQ2 than hours they put in at work even.

Anyway, calling all XBOX owers losers is just stupid, much like me assuming you are some MMORPG junkie and loser is stupid... But stupid posts demand stupid replies.

[Horngreen]

What I enjoy most about Folken and Slade is that these extra features are just "dumb" in their eyes. The say we are trying to "save face" or grasping at straws when we mention LIVE or custom soundtracks or voice in all online games. If Folken had a car with three wheels and mine had four he would still say his was better.

[Gadfly2317]

Welcome to 6 months ago Folken. No need to feel sorry for us Xbots we can afford it. As for soundtracks don't knock it till you try it. Yes I do like changing the music. your generations music is crap and you know it and unfortunately it fills every game out there. I hate RPGs but I guess KOTOR (game of the year on many list) or Jade Empire or Morrowwind don't count at all? The online games number well over 100. You may want to research at least a few of your comments before running your mouth, jeez you sound like this fool named Folken who used to come in here!

Seriuosly. Custom soundtracks is the #1 thing I miss most having sold my Xbox. Of couse, you can do what I used do in the mid 90's with Ps1, go into the sound settings and turn off the game music, and have a boombox or stereo with your music in it, but its not quite the same as having the game cue, play and shuffle your music timed with game events, like the race starting.

Whatever generation Folken's in, the music that is mainstream right now is BAD BAD BAD VOMIT BAD. And I'm not some curmudgeon set in his ways listening to "oldies". . . there's a LOT of brilliant new music being made, its just that little of it is being put on the radio, and NONE of it is being put in videogames, which pander to the turds of humanity.

There are many things you could knock about Xbox, but custom soundtracks sure as hell isn't one of them, and it better be THE feature the other guys rip off next gen.

[Superior Beatslayer]

See, Xbox fans are out here and trying to save face again.

Yeah, either that or your gloating.

[Wan-Fu]

I have been away from all the system war issues, topics, arguments for a while now. It has to do the fact that I am playing ffxi mostly know and other real life stuffs. And, most importantly, the war was over a long time ago. It's been over. PS2 won, easy and simple. All the arguments we see nowadays are either ps2 fans trying to gloat or Xbox supporters trying to save face. GC users are just in constant denial and always live in the false hope that the NEXT Nintendo console will be better. But whatever, that's all beside the point now. HOwever, I just saw the news today indicating the possible arrival of Xbox2 as early as this Nov. When I read it, I couldn't stop smiling and somehow feel sorry for the people who bought a Xbox.

Xbox might be the most technolgical advanced console of the three, but it has the least to offer in many ways. It has PC ports, left over ports from other consoles. It seriously lack of rpgs and other various of genres. Xbox's userbase is mostly consisted FPS zombies that would get excited over just shooting at anything that moves in a game and sports zealots that will play even a stick as long as it has the name of a famous athlete. Only a few original titles on xbox were decent and rest of them were worse than a pile of doggie poop. Worst of them all is the fact that it came out later than PS2 and perhaps GC and its successor will come out the earliest.

Who really care to change the sountrack for any xbox games? Is there anyone really that bored? Just how many games out of entire xbox library are supported by players online? And how many multiplayers games does Xbox have that people want to play over and over? I think most of you know the answers.

If I were a xbox owner, I would feel pretty pathetic right now. Since I am not one of those losers, I'll just laugh and laugh and laugh.

I brought this up in another thread, but I'l do it again here. Few things about system wars bring me more amusement than the "pot-calling-the-kettle-black" assesment of the XBOX crowd. Its a freakin riot. FPS junkies and sports zealots?? May I remind you the game(s) that had the biggest impact on the ps2's success was not ico, or katamari, or xenogears, or FF or any of the creepy Jacko-bait androgeny that make up Jrpgs, it was madden and GTA. Sports and wanton violence at its zenith. Its that simple. That's right, the bottom of the barrel, lowest common denominator knuckle dragging, hip-hopping, MTV watching xtreme crowd that you ps2'ers never lay claim to. You know, the same lemmings who can't resist advertising and really think the PsTwo's are more "capable" and trade Old Ps2's for new Slim Ones!!

And, the box may not have as Many rpg's, but it sure as hell has the BEST rpg this generation, and Jade Empire may well end up being rpg GOTY this year. Add in other categories the box owns- racing and FPS (tactical to run and gun) and the action opus that is Ninja Gaiden and the brutally underrated Otogi series and all of a sudden, its clear that Microsoft has had several genre-defining titles-- not bad for a first run. Throw in the console revolution that is Live and its okay to admit the box hasn't done bad at all and in fact has kicked a lot of ass.

Since imitation is the greatest form of flattery, us Xbots will be quite flattered when the PS3 has their own Liveish sevice and customizable soundtracks and 5.1 and who knows what else the Box pioneered. Now that the box will be premiered on MTV, will the cultureless hordes that ensured the ps2's victory stay faithful? Accept them in your heart, Folken, do not forsake your mall-rat brethren.

[Glockstar]

I brought this up in another thread, but I'l do it again here. Few things about system wars bring me more amusement than the "pot-calling-the-kettle-black" assesment of the XBOX crowd. Its a freakin riot. FPS junkies and sports zealots?? May I remind you the game(s) that had the biggest impact on the ps2's success was not ico, or katamari, or xenogears, or FF or any of the creepy Jacko-bait androgeny that make up Jrpgs, it was madden and GTA. Sports and wanton violence at its zenith. Its that simple. That's right, the bottom of the barrel, lowest common denominator knuckle dragging, hip-hopping, MTV watching xtreme crowd that you ps2'ers never lay claim to. You know, the same lemmings who can't resist advertising and really think the PsTwo's are more "capable" and trade Old Ps2's for new Slim Ones!!


Thank you!

Why just at look at what the number one selling games for any given month (per NPD) over the course of this generation were...

When it was a PS2 game it was all either: Madden, or Grand Theft Auto, or Spiderman, or NCAA Football, or Enter the Matrix, or Gran Turismo, or The Sims, or Medal of Honor, or NFL Street, or Need For Speed Underground, or Fight Night, or MLB Baseball, or Red Dead Revolver.

But when it was an Xbox game leading the way it was: Ninja Gaiden, Fable, and Halo 2!

[folken001]

Yeah, either that or your gloating.
Oh, yes sir. I am gloating. :)

[folken001]

I brought this up in another thread, but I'l do it again here. Few things about system wars bring me more amusement than the "pot-calling-the-kettle-black" assesment of the XBOX crowd. Its a freakin riot. FPS junkies and sports zealots?? May I remind you the game(s) that had the biggest impact on the ps2's success was not ico, or katamari, or xenogears, or FF or any of the creepy Jacko-bait androgeny that make up Jrpgs, it was madden and GTA. Sports and wanton violence at its zenith. Its that simple. That's right, the bottom of the barrel, lowest common denominator knuckle dragging, hip-hopping, MTV watching xtreme crowd that you ps2'ers never lay claim to. You know, the same lemmings who can't resist advertising and really think the PsTwo's are more "capable" and trade Old Ps2's for new Slim Ones!!

And, the box may not have as Many rpg's, but it sure as hell has the BEST rpg this generation, and Jade Empire may well end up being rpg GOTY this year. Add in other categories the box owns- racing and FPS (tactical to run and gun) and the action opus that is Ninja Gaiden and the brutally underrated Otogi series and all of a sudden, its clear that Microsoft has had several genre-defining titles-- not bad for a first run. Throw in the console revolution that is Live and its okay to admit the box hasn't done bad at all and in fact has kicked a lot of ass.

Since imitation is the greatest form of flattery, us Xbots will be quite flattered when the PS3 has their own Liveish sevice and customizable soundtracks and 5.1 and who knows what else the Box pioneered. Now that the box will be premiered on MTV, will the cultureless hordes that ensured the ps2's victory stay faithful? Accept them in your heart, Folken, do not forsake your mall-rat brethren.
I know Madden is popluar accross the plaftform, not just PS2. One counter argument i can offer here is there are 70+ million PS2 around the world and how many of these people have Madden? How many Xbox are out there and how many of them have madden? I don't think it will be a difficult task to know that percentage of madden owners in Xbox will be greater. Xbox has much less userbase and less selection of games and many sport zealots. MGS2 sold 5 million around the world. GT3 sold well as well. I think FFX did too (FFX sold 2.3 or 2.4 milion copies in japan alone). Need for Speed would be another fine example. The point is, when you want to look for a good game on PS2, you can look at several genres. On Xbox, your best bet is either sports or fps. Ninja Gaiden is overrated, imo. Its fame is purely coming from Xbots since ninja gaiden looks better than other action based games and xbots really don't have much to cheer about. It's kinda same with Splinter Cell. I still remember, in this one part of Ninja Gaiden, you have beat ONE HUNDRED of the same enemies in order to proceed to the next area. Wow, that's ton of fun, isn't it? Yawn....

[folken001]

What I enjoy most about Folken and Slade is that these extra features are just "dumb" in their eyes. The say we are trying to "save face" or grasping at straws when we mention LIVE or custom soundtracks or voice in all online games. If Folken had a car with three wheels and mine had four he would still say his was better.
Is your car made by M$? :)

[folken001]

Did I say I was better than anybody? I enjoy playing games too. I've found though that people that play MMORPG games in depth are usually people that are so into it, they only seem to interact well with other people that are like them. Example, a bunch of the Navy guys I work with play EQ2 and that is all they talk about. They go home, ignore everything but EQ2 and put in more hours playing EQ2 than hours they put in at work even.

Anyway, calling all XBOX owers losers is just stupid, much like me assuming you are some MMORPG junkie and loser is stupid... But stupid posts demand stupid replies.
I gave a reason why Xbots can be considered as losers. I didn't assume.

Think about it. PSX lasts 6 years and it was doing alright up until PS2 came around. Xbox launched in Nov 2001. Xbox2 is coming out Nov 2005. That is barely 4 years. More so, looking at how Xbox was built, I bet Xbox 2 will just be the samething with faster clock speed.

[slade]

I brought this up in another thread, but I'l do it again here. Few things about system wars bring me more amusement than the "pot-calling-the-kettle-black" assesment of the XBOX crowd. Its a freakin riot. FPS junkies and sports zealots?? May I remind you the game(s) that had the biggest impact on the ps2's success was not ico, or katamari, or xenogears, or FF or any of the creepy Jacko-bait androgeny that make up Jrpgs, it was madden and GTA. Sports and wanton violence at its zenith. Its that simple. That's right, the bottom of the barrel, lowest common denominator knuckle dragging, hip-hopping, MTV watching xtreme crowd that you ps2'ers never lay claim to. You know, the same lemmings who can't resist advertising and really think the PsTwo's are more "capable" and trade Old Ps2's for new Slim Ones!!

Odd, considering that neither Madden nor any of the games in the GTA series are the best selling titles on PS2. The true best selling game is Gran Turismo 3. Furthermore, you're missing the point my misguided chinese friend. PS2 has those games and true, they are successful but that is not all the PS2 has nor do other games get ignored based solely off the hype of these games. That's the argument, not the one your jaded eyes want to see.

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

I have been away from all the system war issues, topics, arguments for a while now. It has to do the fact that I am playing ffxi mostly know and other real life stuffs. And, most importantly, the war was over a long time ago. It's been over. PS2 won, easy and simple. All the arguments we see nowadays are either ps2 fans trying to gloat or Xbox supporters trying to save face. GC users are just in constant denial and always live in the false hope that the NEXT Nintendo console will be better. But whatever, that's all beside the point now. HOwever, I just saw the news today indicating the possible arrival of Xbox2 as early as this Nov. When I read it, I couldn't stop smiling and somehow feel sorry for the people who bought a Xbox.

Xbox might be the most technolgical advanced console of the three, but it has the least to offer in many ways. It has PC ports, left over ports from other consoles. It seriously lack of rpgs and other various of genres. Xbox's userbase is mostly consisted FPS zombies that would get excited over just shooting at anything that moves in a game and sports zealots that will play even a stick as long as it has the name of a famous athlete. Only a few original titles on xbox were decent and rest of them were worse than a pile of doggie poop. Worst of them all is the fact that it came out later than PS2 and perhaps GC and its successor will come out the earliest.

Who really care to change the sountrack for any xbox games? Is there anyone really that bored? Just how many games out of entire xbox library are supported by players online? And how many multiplayers games does Xbox have that people want to play over and over? I think most of you know the answers.

If I were a xbox owner, I would feel pretty pathetic right now. Since I am not one of those losers, I'll just laugh and laugh and laugh.

Do you realize that in your first paragraph you say that you've been away playing a PC port (one that you have to pay monthly but screw Xbox live).

Then you go on to critize the Xbox for having a bunch of PC ports. Funny!

Oh and Slade even though GT3 may be the number one best seller on the PS3 Madden is in the Top 5 every single yearl

Folky I have to admit I do miss your unique dialogue.

[folken001]

Don't forget that they're all trying to hook up with each other on X-box Live. I must read one thread by Daman every month going, 'I'm lonely and I need to play with someone.' To which the response ususally is, 'I'm busy at the moment, let's try hooking up on [insert random day here],' and then Daman ususally responds with, 'I was looking for you but nobody showed up.' The thread either goes dead at that point or they change the topic.
Hehe, sorry. I usually don't pay attention to what most of Xbots do. I mean, there's so little they can do with their Xboxes. It's either Halo or Halo2 or some titles no one really care about. I am not surprise that Daman can't find someone to play his niche game.

[folken001]

Do you realize that in your first paragraph you say that you've been away playing a PC port (one that you have to pay monthly but screw Xbox live).

Then you go on to critize the Xbox for having a bunch of PC ports. Funny!

Oh and Slade even though GT3 may be the number one best seller on the PS3 Madden is in the Top 5 every single yearl

Folky I have to admit I do miss your unique dialogue.

Hmmmm. FFXI was released on PS2 first. So, it's ported to PC, not the other way around.

[folken001]

well folken, its nice to have proper villains back in the mix
Thank you, papa.

/em salutes Papa

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

Hmmmm. FFXI was released on PS2 first. So, it's ported to PC, not the other way around.

You might want to check your facts Folky the game was released first on the P.C. (for a $50 cheaper I might add).

[folken001]

You might want to check your facts Folky the game was released first on the P.C. (for a $50 cheaper I might add).
http://mysterytour.web.infoseek.co.jp/ffxi/us/index.html

And check the top

JP Playstation2 : 1066 days
JP Windows: 891 days

[Renzatic Gear]

The PC version came out in the US first, but in Japan the PS2 version saw first release.

[folken001]

The PC version came out in the US first, but in Japan the PS2 version saw first release.
Still playing WoW, Renzatic Gear? hehe.

FFXI > WoW O.o


j/k

[Gadfly2317]

Folken, there's just something super cool to me about your avatar. ... just straight up ballsy.

I still miss your AoE avatar, the pornographic rice-cake humping thing. Sys Wars would be SO much better if it were completely (or nearly compleletely) uncensored.

[folken001]

Folken, there's just something super cool to me about your avatar. ... just straight up ballsy.

I still miss your AoE avatar, the pornographic rice-cake humping thing. Sys Wars would be SO much better if it were completely (or nearly compleletely) uncensored.
Hey, I still have that picture. Maybe I'll try to put it on. You think mods will do anything to me? (ie. hit me with ugly stick and turn me into Daman? Ahhh, the horror...)

[slade]

Oh and Slade even though GT3 may be the number one best seller on the PS3 Madden is in the Top 5 every single yearl

It's there for X-box too. Madden is a popular game across both consoles. To say that it is the reason for PS2's success when there is no time exclusivity involved only shows how shortsighted the argument in question really is.

[PapaSmurf]

You might want to check your facts Folky the game was released first on the P.C. (for a $50 cheaper I might add).
FFXI came out in Japan on the PS2 first, but eh two others have already adressed that so whatever, I guess you just got served! (so corny I know)

[MoNkEy MaN X]

I gave a reason why Xbots can be considered as losers. I didn't assume.

Think about it. PSX lasts 6 years and it was doing alright up until PS2 came around. Xbox launched in Nov 2001. Xbox2 is coming out Nov 2005. That is barely 4 years. More so, looking at how Xbox was built, I bet Xbox 2 will just be the samething with faster clock speed.

Well, essentially all game systems are just something with faster clock speeds when you look at it from a very basic level and leave out the gaming experience. Game consoles have always just been computers that arn't upgradable, well some were but failed horribly.

O, XBOTS? So you are saying not all XBOX owners are losers? Or yes? Well, I guess it doesn't really matter, I still have fun playing games on it regardless of somebody elses opinion of my games, system, and myself. I also still enjoy Gamecube despite it's lack of games on the horizon... Just finished RE4 also, which was the best RE to date...

[T.Tashi]

Wow, this brings back memories from 2001. This site has just never been as good since the ole' days of DC vs. PS2. Yeah I haven't read a good ole fashioned thread like this in a long time... *Sniffle* Folken is even doing your Jet Li technique.

[Gadfly2317]

Hey, I still have that picture. Maybe I'll try to put it on. You think mods will do anything to me? (ie. hit me with ugly stick and turn me into Daman? Ahhh, the horror...)

I would not want to live in a world where some bizarre character humping a rice-cake is considered inappropriate. . . I mean, it's not like it's Janet Jackson's breast, which sent infantile puritanical America into a tizzy.

Oh yeah, and to stick with the thread, or where-ever its sort of wandered to now, I agree with most of what you say about Xbox and its library which is why I sold mine back--it's got some stellar games, but lacks depth and diversity. . . I got what I wanted out of it. But what you said about Ninja Gaiden, it's not just Xbot fanboys, I'm a GC/DS freak (though currently Ps2 is my main console) and I LOVED Ninja Gaiden, one of the most badass fun action games I've ever played. It wasn't just beautiful graphics, it was a deep combat system implemented so well it was like being able to channel your inner baddass through that character on the screen.

I'm just trying to help. I'm not too keen on the Xbox, but you'll do better dissing its weaknesses, which will repeat themselves next time around. It's still OK to acknowledge that a few of the Xbox's games are among the best of this generation.

And the Xbots that are dismissing the Ps2's greatness by pointing out that it isn't the "Ico's, Amplitudes and Katamari's" that define its success but GTA/Madden. . . .

well, as a Gamecuber its always nice to revel in the fact that Animal Crossing sold nearly a million copies in NA, but on Ps2, the point isn't that Ps2 gamers are have overwhelming great taste, but that the Sony and Friends have put forward these types of games which do draw in gamers with taste, as well as games that draw in the bread and butter.

The depth and diversity on Ps2 simply shames the other systems. It's not just that there's every genre, but also stuff outside existing genres, games that bend and blend genres, and it's not just full of RPG's, but entire sub-genres like the tactics-rpgs.

You are right, Xbox and its 3 1/2yr lifespan is laughable and embarassing, it's a cut-and run from failure.

I can't really write off any next-gen system out of hand, but I feel burned by Xbox this time around and I'm not into what they seem to deem important. If Xbox can actually get a real lineup of both big and little games, I might at least LOOK at it would be a miracle for me to get Xbox2.

[Horngreen]

I gave a reason why Xbots can be considered as losers. I didn't assume.

Think about it. PSX lasts 6 years and it was doing alright up until PS2 came around. Xbox launched in Nov 2001. Xbox2 is coming out Nov 2005. That is barely 4 years. More so, looking at how Xbox was built, I bet Xbox 2 will just be the samething with faster clock speed.


LOL yes because the PS2 was so FARRR ahead of the PS1. I loved the PS1 and planned to buy a PS2 until I saw my nephews. People waiting in line for days to plop down 300 clams for a sub Dreamcast system? No thanks. Sony did not get where they are by taking chances nor did MS but the Xbox was/is a better system for the same money. I don't have to have ANY Japanese games in my library. One of the reason I cut waaay back on gaming in the 80s was the heavy Asian influence in gaming. Nintendo and Sega games were chock full of spikey haired heros or animal heros that just didn't connect with me. I have no problems with the PS2 but lordy I do hate the MS hating for hating sake fanboys.

[slade]

Yeah I haven't read a good ole fashioned thread like this in a long time... *Sniffle* Folken is even doing your Jet Li technique.

Yeah, it really is like watching your son take his first baby steps.

'Sniff' Papa is so proud of you, boy.

[Darwin]

you have beat ONE HUNDRED of the same enemies in order to proceed to the next area.

Yeah, that is pretty lame. Team Ninja must have gotten that idea from the Devil May Cry games.

[Darwin]

You are right, Xbox and its 3 1/2yr lifespan is laughable and embarassing, it's a cut-and run from failure.

I wouldn't necessarily call that embarrasing. The PC gamers have been doing this type of hardware upgrading for a long, long time. Every couple of years, a PC gamer will get a new rig altogether, or at least plop down a couple hundred bucks for a new grahpics card (which will be necessary to run the latest games).

I'm perfectly fine with getting only 3 years worth of gaming from a machine ... as long as the next machine is going to bring us games with bigger and better gameplay.

No. What was really embarrasing was when Nintendo released their superior version of the GameBoy Advance (the GBA-SP) only a year after their first iteration, rendering the original GBA (pretty-much) obsolete. And how many years apart was the release of the GBA-SP and the Nintendo-DS?

[Gadfly2317]

I wouldn't necessarily call that embarrasing. The PC gamers have been doing this type of hardware upgrading for a long, long time. Every couple of years, a PC gamer will get a new rig altogether, or at least plop down a couple hundred bucks for a new grahpics card (which will be necessary to run the latest games).

Yeah, but that's part of the whole anti-xbox gripe, is that MS is PC-ifying console gaming. Which, I guess, is fine . . .kind of like a simplified PC for Kiddys :D

[Horngreen]

Do you actually think MS is going to try and permanently change the life cycle of consoles? The reason they are doing this is because they feel they did "ok" in the last gen and want to be all alone in their launch on this gen. Whether it will work or not is anybodys guess but I know what won't work, launching alongside the PS3. They should have waited to launch their first console during Xmas of 2004. That way they could have had a much better hardware than the PS2 instead of just better hardware. Certainly a better launch lineup couldn't have hurt but I doubt they have any plans to design, build, test, release and market a new console every 3-4 years. You think they lose money now just imagine if they cranked each gen out that fast everytime. The PS3 is king and the only thing worse than launching alongside it would be launching after it. That said, God be with you Nintendo. :^)

[Darwin]

Yeah, but that's part of the whole anti-xbox gripe, is that MS is PC-ifying console gaming. Which, I guess, is fine . . .kind of like a simplified PC for Kiddys :D

You ever had a PC program that won't run, despite your best efforts to install, patch, etc? Yeah, that freakin pisses me off. And it happens a lot to me for some reason. I can't get half of my PC games to even boot up and run on my PC for some unknown reason.

I am damn proud to be playing on a simplified PC (a.k.a. Xbox). It's removed all the extemporaneous bull **** that causes my PC games not to work properly. It's also a lot more comfortable to play with my controller than a mouse and keyboard. Case-in point: Doom 3. I own both versions. Yes, the PC version has a lot higher resolution and more detailed graphics. But my Xbox version has a more consistent framerate (it's a lot easier to aim with a constant framerate) and I can control my marine a lot better. I'll take simplified grahpics in place of gameplay enhancements anyday.

As I've said before:

PC gaming: the gaming for gamers who don't actually play games, because their games won't play.

[Gadfly2317]

You ever had a PC program that won't run, despite your best efforts to install, patch, etc? Yeah, that freakin pisses me off. And it happens a lot to me for some reason. I can't get half of my PC games to even boot up and run on my PC for some unknown reason.

I am damn proud to be playing on a simplified PC (a.k.a. Xbox). It's removed all the extemporaneous bull **** that causes my PC games not to work properly. It's also a lot more comfortable to play with my controller than a mouse and keyboard. Case-in point: Doom 3. I own both versions. Yes, the PC version has a lot higher resolution and more detailed graphics. But my Xbox version has a more consistent framerate (it's a lot easier to aim with a constant framerate) and I can control my marine a lot better. I'll take simplified grahpics in place of gameplay enhancements anyday.

As I've said before:

PC gaming: the gaming for gamers who don't actually play games, because their games won't play.

Oh hey, you're preaching to the choir. . . it's why I'm primarily a console gamer. When I game on PC it's not for a high-end graphical experience, its for stuff like Roller Coaster Tycoon.

But I expect a full life span out of a console. I don't got for high-end graphical games on my PC, but even still I'm usually upgrading something on the thing every so often. But the thing about PC, I can play all my old games on it.

If MS is going to slash the traditional console lifespan (and they can CLAIM they are supporting it with games thru 2007, but seriously, how much true support do you think it will get). . .it OUGHT to be backward compatibile.

I didn't answer your question about the GBA/SP. Those are both essentially the same system with some new features, not a new generation of hardware, and they are inexpensive (sub-$100). It is a choice to upgrade, and trading in your old system for the SP cut the cost even more, and the "new" system still played your library. . .and if you didn't upgrade it wasn't like game developers were abandoning the system you owned for a new system. It wasn't a short-lifespan cut-and-run leaving your recent adopters high and dry situation.

Even the DS is backward compatible despite also being a completely different type of gaming system. . .it's a pretty amazing little bit of engineering and OS--and damned generous to the consumer.

I'm not really clear on why, since the Xbox systems are so PC like in architecture, that Xbox2 can't offer backward compatibility. I'm not trying to exagerate this feature's importance, but it's a damn nice incentive to be an early adopter. Without this feature, there isn't much motivation to buy a new system at launch. With B/c you can trade in your old system and still have a lot of games to play (since on the new system the new games are expensive, and likely only a few you want to play the first year anyway.)

[folken001]

Well, essentially all game systems are just something with faster clock speeds when you look at it from a very basic level and leave out the gaming experience. Game consoles have always just been computers that arn't upgradable, well some were but failed horribly.

O, XBOTS? So you are saying not all XBOX owners are losers? Or yes? Well, I guess it doesn't really matter, I still have fun playing games on it regardless of somebody elses opinion of my games, system, and myself. I also still enjoy Gamecube despite it's lack of games on the horizon... Just finished RE4 also, which was the best RE to date...

RE4 is fun, but not scary. So, it wouldn't be my candidate for the best RE ever. I still think RE2 is the best. And, what's up with that crappy story? Some cult in europe, wth?

[folken001]

Yeah, that is pretty lame. Team Ninja must have gotten that idea from the Devil May Cry games.
I dunno man. I can't see how Ninja Team could've gotten any idea from DMC consider how boring NG is. Then the lame outfit that Ryu always wears.

[The Prince of Darkness]

I dunno man. I can't see how Ninja Team could've gotten any idea from DMC consider how boring NG is. Then the lame outfit that Ryu always wears.

Wow you are worried about Ryu's outfit in NG. I have just the game for you then. How about Dead or Alive Extrem Beach Volleyball. Then you can play dress up until your widdle heart is content. LolLolLol.

[Darwin]

I'm not really clear on why, since the Xbox systems are so PC like in architecture, that Xbox2 can't offer backward compatibility. I'm not trying to exagerate this feature's importance, but it's a damn nice incentive to be an early adopter.

Oh absolutely. I beleive this is very important. Without it, you will be essentially splitting your gaming audence into two camps. There is no way that MS can fully support both iterations of their Xbox ... but by having backwards compatability, at least new Xbox2 owners (who don't own Xbox 1) can still get in on the action. This way MS can "get away" with spreading themselves thin between two consoles, because, "Hey, at least if you own an Xbox 2, you can play any of the upcoming Xbox 1 games as well." I can afford to support both systems, but most console gamers cannot.

I think the hardrive is the barrier to the backwards compatability. So many Xbox 1 games depend on it, and without it in the newer console it's just not possible to have backwards compatibility. The new console may have a way to cache data using flash memory, but I'm not sure if the console can "emulate" a hardrive using it's flash memory sticks.

Another interesting point .... if Xbox 2 were backwards compatible, would you be able to system link Xbox 2 to Xbox 1? Will Xbox 2 have a slot on the controller to recognize memory cards? Can I connect to Live on my Xbox 2, while playing an Xbox 1 game? See, backwards compatability with Xbox is a bit more complex than it was with PS1/PS2.

[shogun]

Oh absolutely. I beleive this is very important. Without it, you will be essentially splitting your gaming audence into two camps. There is no way that MS can fully support both iterations of their Xbox ... but by having backwards compatability, at least new Xbox2 owners (who don't own Xbox 1) can still get in on the action. This way MS can "get away" with spreading themselves thin between two consoles, because, "Hey, at least if you own an Xbox 2, you can play any of the upcoming Xbox 1 games as well." I can afford to support both systems, but most console gamers cannot.


XBox 2 having backwards compatitibilty would be the ONLY reason I'd look at getting it. Selling my PSX made PS2 cheaper the same way selling my GBA made my SP cheaper. It's a discount for your loyal customers. I think MS not making the system b/c is a telling commentary on how much they're going to support XBox once the new system is out. I definately see the barriers to making it work, but in the end, I think it's kinda...owed to us 'Box owners that got shafted out of a year and a half of the system's life for this thing.

[Glockstar]

RE4 is fun, but not scary. So, it wouldn't be my candidate for the best RE ever. I still think RE2 is the best. And, what's up with that crappy story? Some cult in europe, wth?

The cult in Europe thing I can get over. But the whole send-a-single-fruitcake-to-go-and-save-the-President-of-the-United-States'-abducted-daughter thing makes me want to yack. How friggin stupid can you get?! Gawd, how embarrassing. I mean, that's almost Metal Gear Caca stupid.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

MS has said all games will be LIVE aware, and we believe the XBOX360 will not ship with a hardrive. This means a hardrive won't be necessary for LIVE. Allard basically backed this up by saying, he doesn't care where his data is stored, online, offline, hardrive, hinting that XBOX LIVE subscribers will get some kind of storage space on MS servers. So, if this is true, where does the stand-alone HD fit in? Probably b/c. By selling it as a peripheral, MS can dump in the royalty fees for Nvidia, cost of the hardrive, and cost of developing b/c to the customer who wants it, without increasing the cost of the system for those who don't want it.

Myself, I think it is one of the most overated features a console can have, also one that will be utilized less than any other feature on the system. Definitely no bang for the buck, it is ashame MS is being arm-twisted into supporting this. And, ironically, it is the people on this site who don't have XBOX or are biased against it, who are clamoring for B/C the most. If the nextgen consoles' games aren't good enough to make you want to stop playing your old games, then keep your old system, or wait until enough games come out for you. Why pay for a feature that will only be used by most people for about 3-6 months and yet add in permanent cost, this is the case for all the consoles, not just XBOX360.

And for those crying about MS shortening this generation. Oh give it up. What should MS do? They have 3 options. First, they can launch head to head with Sony. Second they can launch after Sony. And last they can launch before Sony. If you can not understand why it is better to launch before Sony, then you have no business acumen. Also, the time span is not that great considering Sony will launch the PS3 about 6 months after XBOX360 for Japan. This is why those hoping for a massive tech difference are dreaming. The PS3 specs are set, and there is little room for change, maybe a ram increase. But these systems specs are set, and it appears the major differences will only be the 3 G5 cores against the Cell Chip.

[Glockstar]

And for those crying about MS shortening this generation. Oh give it up. What should MS do? They have 3 options. First, they can launch head to head with Sony. Second they can launch after Sony. And last they can launch before Sony. If you can not understand why it is better to launch before Sony, then you have no business acumen. Also, the time span is not that great considering Sony will launch the PS3 about 6 months after XBOX360 for Japan.

Personally, I'd rather like to see them get another year out of the Xbox before starting up the next-generation. But that's because I've seen so many GREAT games come out for it lately. It's amazing. The Xbox hasn't just hit its stride, it's flying along at warp factor 5! I just think it sucks to throw the brakes on this and quash it, you know?

But... it's not going to happen. Not with Sony working on their next machine right now.

The more I've thought about it, the more I think you're right, launching before Sony - a good six months before Sony - would be big. So if you're MS, that's what you have to do.

And you're right, this whole thing about the Xbox living too short a life has been blown too far out of proportion. Looking at the average lifespan of the consoles of yore - from Atari, Nintendo, Sega, and Sony - from one generation to the next - from the Atari 2600 to the GameCube - the number we see is less than 5 years. When the Xbox 2 (or whatever) comes out it will make it 4 for the Xbox. But when you consider the fact that Sony's going to be releasing theirs just 6 months after - the longest the Xbox could make it is 4.5 years. So what's 4 years versus 4.5 years?! I mean really. Big whoop.

The important thing is beating Sony to the punch. (But not by too much.)

And having a decent launch library. (Though no system ever has before.)

[Darwin]

The cult in Europe thing I can get over. But the whole send-a-single-fruitcake-to-go-and-save-the-President-of-the-United-States'-abducted-daughter thing makes me want to yack. How friggin stupid can you get?! Gawd, how embarrassing. I mean, that's almost Metal Gear Caca stupid.

Yeah, and that idea (plus a lot of the Metal Gear Solid's "feel") was kinda borrowed from that John Carpenter's Escape from LA movie.

[theWacoKid]

Oh absolutely. I beleive this is very important. Without it, you will be essentially splitting your gaming audence into two camps. There is no way that MS can fully support both iterations of their Xbox ... but by having backwards compatability, at least new Xbox2 owners (who don't own Xbox 1) can still get in on the action. This way MS can "get away" with spreading themselves thin between two consoles, because, "Hey, at least if you own an Xbox 2, you can play any of the upcoming Xbox 1 games as well." I can afford to support both systems, but most console gamers cannot.

I think the hardrive is the barrier to the backwards compatability. So many Xbox 1 games depend on it, and without it in the newer console it's just not possible to have backwards compatibility. The new console may have a way to cache data using flash memory, but I'm not sure if the console can "emulate" a hardrive using it's flash memory sticks.

Another interesting point .... if Xbox 2 were backwards compatible, would you be able to system link Xbox 2 to Xbox 1? Will Xbox 2 have a slot on the controller to recognize memory cards? Can I connect to Live on my Xbox 2, while playing an Xbox 1 game? See, backwards compatability with Xbox is a bit more complex than it was with PS1/PS2.

All right more gossip on b/c and the harddrive. From some site called kotaku.

"Filed under Gossip: Xbox 2

I’m hearing that rumors of an Xbox 360 removable hard drive that doubles as a media player, nicknamed the Xpod, is just that. Apparently, even Microsoft hasn’t decided if they want to create such a beast. But if they do, rest assured that it won’t be selling for the $100 upgrade price that will get you a hard drive, backwards compatibility and WebTV at launch.

I also found out a little more about the whole backwards compatibility issue. The reason Msoft is going with two Xbox 360s at launch is because they wanted to save money on their new system by removing the hard drive, but the box needs a hard drive to guarantee backwards compatibility.

Interestingly enough, nVidia still owns patents on some of the original guts of the Xbox, so Msoft would have to pay royalties to the graphics company to use backwards compatibility. By moving this functionality to a $100 add-on, Msoft only has to pay royalties on that smaller amount of cash, instead of the full price of a new unit. Clever little buggers aren’t they?

On the design side of things, it sounds like the removable hard dive will be designed to fit into a port near the top (or left side if you stand it on end) of the Xbox 360 and will easily slide in and out of the console.

Stay tuned for more Microsoft state secrets as we near the MTV kick-off of the Xbox 360.

Also from gameindustrybiz, which also references this site.

Xbox 360: multiple versions planned, WebTV to ship on premium edition?

Rob Fahey 15:50 19/04/2005

Two different Xbox 360 bundles to hit retail in time for Christmas

Microsoft's is still planning to ship two different versions of its Xbox 360 console at launch, according to sources close to the company - while reports suggest that the high-end version may feature the firm's WebTV system.

It's long been thought that Microsoft plans to ship two different Xbox 360 bundles, one with a hard drive and one without, and give users the option of upgrading the low-end system with a hard drive accessory.

Sources close to the firm have confirmed this week that there's much talk of two distinct price points, which seems to indicate that this is still the plan for launch - while a report on well-connected gaming blog Kotaku gives an indication of how the two different models will be differentiated.

The site reports that the basic edition of Xbox 360 - the version without the hard drive - will not have backwards compatibility, while the "premium" version with the hard drive will ship with Microsoft's WebTV functionality built-in.

WebTV is Microsoft's effort at bringing internet communication and media functionality to the living room, and includes basic functionality such as web, e-mail and IM access along with the ability to stream music and video channels from the 'net or from local PCs.

Integrating the system with Xbox 360 would be a logical move, and a major land-grab for Microsoft in this space - which is tipped to become more important in the coming years as increasing amounts of content are broadcast over the Internet as opposed to over traditional TV networks.

A major question mark over the possibility of a the two-tier Xbox launch, however, lies with the question of customised content - one of J Allard's most vaunted goals for the new system - and how that would tie in with a low-end Xbox 360 without a mass storage device.

One part of the answer to that question is the inclusion of a high-capacity solid state memory device with the system, which wouldn't be large enough to store music or movies in any significant volume - or to act as a cache for Xbox games, as the existing Xbox' hard drive does - but would be able to act as a cache customised game assets.

Indeed, last year Israeli flash memory specialist M-Systems confirmed that it is working on a memory solution for Xbox 2, with CEO Dov Moran stating that "when users want to save their e-mail messages, copy music, or anything like that, the only storage they’ll have is what we give them."

Another part of the answer to that question may come from Kotaku's sources, who indicated to the site that around 80 per cent of the systems produced for launch would be the "premium" version - suggesting that the lower-end model is, more than anything else, a concession to launching a competitively priced "games only" system.

Sony is also widely expected to launch multiple versions of the PlayStation 3 console, which is due to arrive in 2006, with both "home media server" and stripped down "basic console" versions believed to be on the cards.


Well, that second to last paragraph sounds ugly, so it bears repeating.

Another part of the answer to that question may come from Kotaku's sources, who indicated to the site that around 80 per cent of the systems produced for launch would be the "premium" version - suggesting that the lower-end model is, more than anything else, a concession to launching a competitively priced "games only" system.

So, what's it going to cost for b/c is the question. The reports are a little confusing. It would appear that $100 is going to be the upgrade price for the hd which by the time xbox 360 shows is what an xbox will probably be selling for. The xpod will be a different beast altogether and may or may not show and will cost a lot more than $100.

The bulk of the systems sold will be the premium version. This is where the ugliness kicks in. Launch time could be dicey, with people complaining they were forced to buy a premium system. Basically, you could be lookig at $299 price point for base and $399 for the premium. By this xmas the ps2 which is still selling strong will be $99 and the psp should have a $199 price point. I think MS may find its not so easy being the most expensive system out there. They better have some killer apps on hand and something beside a gussied up version of madden 2006 or PGR3.