Support NeoGAF

[Miles Quaritch]

You don't get it. Xbox Mini is a 360. Just a new model of the 360. Not an add on. Sony will also make a new model of the PS3 that costs $150 or less. The only new thing here is the streaming feature. Sony can do the same easily.

There's nothing to get. This may be a new console, but it main function for me is that it enables BC through the Durango. Which means I can play games like Viva Pinata, Blood Money, Crackdown, etc as well as any Live Arcade and GoD titles on the Durango.

Let's hope Sony do that then, I'd happily buy a mini model if it enabled BC through the PS4.

 

[something fishy]

So essentially their solution for Durango owners who want to play their 360 games on the console...is to sell you another 360 and attach it to your Durango...

..and people are lapping it up?

Wow...Yep.. Microsoft have won if they can get away with that.

and the alternative "you might be able to stream it one day" is more deserving?

 

[beast786]

Welcome back MS. competition is the best consumer friendly

 

[BobLoblaw]

While this is still more speculation, like most intelligent people have said, wait until Microsoft announces the goddamn system/features before believing anything that you read/hear about it.

 

[Opus Angelorum]

This could be really cool.

A standalone Xbox 360 mini that connects to Durango to download/stream media content and transfer games for BC.

It's like having a 2nd or 3rd cable box in your bedroom.

 

[chris0701]

How? It says it doesn't have a disc drive.

BTW, this info is very good news for the Durango. Things were looking kind of hairy with the kind of stuff we kept hearing about it.

It 's up to if MS will put most acclaimed games into Games on Demand lists.

With 360 mini introduced, I think GoD will be more prevailing.

 

[Robso]

Hope this does turn out true. I want to buy both next gen.

I wonder though, if they changed the always online and no used games due to the backlash. As the console won't be into mass production yet now so changes can still be made.

 

[szaromir]

How? It says it doesn't have a disc drive.

It'll play your purchases from Games on Demand/XBLA/XLIG and also demos.

It'll play the disc version if you insert the disc into Durango.

 

[Black Republican]

im feeling this

 

[Barkley's Justice]

This changes everything if true.

You mean the Internet overreacted and thought they knew everything???

NOOOOOOOOOOO...

 

[GavinGT]

VGLeaks has updated their feature.



So you can play Xbox360 game with 360 mini itself.

Obvious to anyone that uses their brain.

 

[DEADEVIL]

My understanding of the devices;

XBOX360 Mini device
- No disc drive, so it's essentially useless as a standalone XBOX for gaming, but good for TV functionality alone
- Requires an internet connection to function
- Access to the XBL marketplace and whatnot (so it can play downloadable titles)
- Will share some features of the Durango TV (IPTV) functionality (to combat Apple TV)
- Required to play 360 games, when connected with the Durango, can NOT play 360 discs when not connected


Durango
- The new 'new' XBOX
- Plays Durango games etc, uses Kinect functionality
- Will not play 360 games, you must hook up the Mini device once you insert a 360 disk to play (you put the 360 disc in the Durango disc tray, but it runs only when connected with the Mini)
- Requires an internet connection for TV functionality
- Plays used games
- Plays offline games

GAMECHANGER


If this is true Micrsoft pulled it off.

Offline gaming. BAM

BC option for all of those people who claimed BC didn't matter to them as well as people like me who want it. BAM

Kinect isn't the primary focus BAM

Price is competitive with PS4 BAM

Now bring on E3.

 

[Justin]

and the alternative "you might be able to stream it one day" is more deserving?

Are you suggesting that BC on ps4 might require an always on connection???

 

[Eusis]

The rumors of “always online required” comes from the smaller Xbox unit which may not have a disc drive and like Apple TV it would require a network connection and internet to provide any real functionality.

Odd, I wonder if it's being subsidized by ads partially? Still, if the main next-gen console doesn't need it then that'll be a huge, huge relief, then it's just back to Microsoft needing to have exclusives that make me want to get the system. Or, uhh, my 360 dying at this rate.

 

[nopenopenope]

.

 

[Reiko]

GAMECHANGER


If this is true Micrsoft pulled it off.

Offline gaming. BAM

BC option for all of those people who claimed BC didn't matter to them as well as people like me who want it. BAM

Kinect isn't the primary focus BAM

Price is competitive with PS4 BAM

Now bring on E3.

A nice spec bump would be icing on the cake.

 

[Takuya]

I'm so confused. So does it still connect to the Durango?

Here is an example of Durango functionality:

• Put 360 disc into Durango
• Durango says "Please attach the 360mini to play this content"
• Go out and spend $150 on that 360mini and hook it up
• Content plays

If you don't buy the 360mini you cannot play 360 games with the Durango.

The 360mini itself can play 360 games, but from the rumor, it may not have a disc drive so, it may be digital-only (and it requires you to always be online).

 

[eek5]

If the add-on is cheap and let's me carry over my XBLA library I'll be in for durango

 

[Espada]

It 's up to if MS will put most acclaimed games into Games on Demand lists.

With 360 mini introduced, I think GoD will be more prevailing.

It'll play your purchases from Games on Demand/XBLA/XLIG and also demos.

It'll play the disc version if you insert the disc into Durango.

Ah, okay. Depending on the price point that mini-360 is pretty pricey for BC, but I like that it's there for people who want it.

 

[Vigilant Walrus]

http://www.vgleaks.com/microsoft-xbox-roadmap-2013/
We have received new information about the latest Xbox Roadmap. Our source unveils new details for Durango, Xbox mini and the Microsoft strategy; moreover we don’t forget Kinect 2.0.

Microsoft expands its Xbox brand​

Getting to the point there are going to be two console as part of the redesigned “Xbox Line” of products. A repackaged and reoriented Xbox 360 unit and the new “Durango” gaming console, both designed to compete with more than Sony in gaming, but against Apple as well.

When the Durango (game machine) launches, it will not support backwards compatibility for 360 games out of the box. Instead, this functionality will come from the other unit that will be networked with the Durango to provide this (not unlike the DVD add-on for the original Xbox).

The purpose of the smaller Xbox unit is to compete with Apple TV, but also provides XBLA and 360 game support which will give it an edge over Apple TV. The rumors of “always online required” comes from the smaller Xbox unit which may not have a disc drive and like Apple TV it would require a network connection and internet to provide any real functionality. It may be possible they will design both consoles to be stackable.

Durango itself will also always be online like any other device (correct with rumors), but it will not be a requirement to play local content and it will not prevent playing used games. Putting in an Xbox 360 disc into Durango will prompt the user to attach the supporting device that is sold separately. By separating the two devices and their functions it will ensure price competitiveness for both pieces of hardware. Microsoft’s delay in announcing these products from April goes more inline with not having a physical set of devices to show (among specification updates), which should be ready by May or June when this information is officially released.

The price goal of the smaller Xbox is $149 or lower and it is likely to not have a disc drive and would require a network connection. Durango will be priced competitively according to PS4′s price.

Kinect 2.0​

A different department within Xbox handles Kinect hardware and software. The focus was more on developing and networking both consoles with Kinect more of an after thought at that point, considering dealing with it would be less of an issue even with hardware changes to the main console hardware. Kinect isn’t the primary focus.

The development kits required several pieces of hardware as to combine all “potential” hardware which may or may not be required to work with each other, which also includes the potential for any or all devices to required a network connection, which is where most of the “required” rumors are coming from.

sounds like Power Rangers combining their powers. For ultimatation.

 

[Miles Quaritch]

My current 360 is full hardware based BC that is entirely optional.

It's an interesting rumour, but I think it has the potential to be a very confusing strategy, marketing-wise.

I'm thinking long and short term. It's not an issue now, but years down the line when 360's aren't readily available, this is a great option.

Short term, it allows me to pack away my 360 and use this along with the Durango to have full BC. That's a massive boon for me.

Or you could you know, keep your PS3 and Xbox360 the simplest solution. Oh but spotty connections and what not and what if they stop making PS3s and Xbox360s.

If you say so.

 

[TheGreyHulk]

good news for Durango

meh for the 360 mini. sounds like it'll be a small box with no disc drive. all digital content so probably some on board flash or usb flash stick support... $149 though is not good enough if they're aiming to compete with the apple tv. i know it lets you play games too, but they're aiming for the media users since a majority of users spend more time viewing content on 360 vs playing games. i expect them to cash in with ads and ish, but $149 + xbl gold requirement just to watch content isn't going to put a dent in apple tv sales

 

[kittens]

You mean the Internet overreacted and thought they knew everything???

NOOOOOOOOOOO...

We reacted to the information we were given, which was fucking terrible.

Edit : And now we're reacting to new information in kind. It actually seems totally appropriate to me, lol.

 

[XtremeXpider]

What if the $499 rumored price is for a Durango+mini pack?

 

[Bsigg12]

No, you're buying a mini-360... to play 360 games, what's so great about that? It's essentially a 360 revision.

From the rumor, seems like this "mini-360" may not even have a disc drive, so, digital only (rebuy your games) or, coupled with a Durango, you can play your disc games.

They will be appealing to more than just the gaming side with the mini. It's essentially a game playing Apple TV. If you're a gaming enthusiast buying a Durango, you probably already have a 360, so for you (this is assuming a normal 360 won't function like the mini) this is just an addon to gain access to every 360 game on your Durango, disc or digital.

 

[DopeyFish]

Here is an example of Durango functionality:

• Put 360 disc into Durango
• Durango says "Please attach the 360mini to play this content"
• Go out and spend $150 on that 360mini and hook it up
• Content plays

If you don't buy the 360mini you cannot play 360 games with the Durango.

The 360mini itself can play 360 games, but from the rumor, it may not have a disc drive so, it may be digital-only (and it requires you to always be online).

mini will likely be $99

 

[mysteriousmage09]

Main thing I don't buy is "Kinect is a side thing, we swear!". After 3 years of making bank off of Kinect to it taking a back seat seems like bs.

 

[chris0701]

Are you suggesting that BC on ps4 might require an always on connection???

always connection when playing PS3 games.

 

[mavs]

It 's up to if MS will put most acclaimed games into Games on Demand lists.

With 360 mini introduced, I think GoD will be more prevailing.

And retailers won't get pissy about it because they'll be transitioning their shelf space to next gen games.

 

[DragonSworne]

So how does the required kinect fit in?


Will the mini Xbox require kinect as well?

 

[ezekielpacman]

I gotta admit, this re-buy your old console shtick masquerading as "backwards compatibility" is pretty audacious. Credit to them if they manage to pull off selling it as a viable product line.

Considering the WiiU has issues standing out as a solitary hardware upgrade, I'm interested to see how the general public respond to this.

 

[Kyoufu]

Here is an example of Durango functionality:

• Put 360 disc into Durango
• Durango says "Please attach the 360mini to play this content"
• Go out and spend $150 on that 360mini and hook it up
• Content plays

If you don't buy the 360mini you cannot play 360 games with the Durango.

The 360mini itself can play 360 games, but from the rumor, it may not have a disc drive so, it may be digital-only (and it requires you to always be online).

Does this mean XBLA games will carry over and be playable on the Durango provided you have the add-on? If so, very nice.

 

[GavinGT]

I think it would be a mis-step for the 360 mini <-> Durango interface to not work over wifi. It would be great to have them permanently in separate rooms so that someone else (girlfriend, kid) can use the 360 mini while you're playing on Durango.

Does this mean XBLA games will carry over and be playable on the Durango provided you have the add-on? If so, very nice.

Yes, and retail 360 games (disc or DD).

 

[BobLoblaw]

Hope this does turn out true. I want to buy both next gen.

I wonder though, if they changed the always online and no used games due to the backlash. As the console won't be into mass production yet now so changes can still be made.

Or those were always simply rumors/misconceptions just like this...

 

[Takuya]

So how does the required kinect fit in?


Will the mini Xbox require kinect as well?

So they can target ads to you and overlay them on your cable provider's ads.

Does this mean XBLA games will carry over and be playable on the Durango provided you have the add-on? If so, very nice.

Yep, but online-required for BC; i.e. you can't play any of your 360 content, offline.

 

[DidntKnowJack]

This all sounds really weird to me.

 

[Puppet Shadow]

How is there so much confusion? I thought the article was pretty specific and described things well? Is reading really that difficult?

Well, people can be idiots. It's pretty simple really:

You just put a Durango under your TV and play next gen games. For backwards compatabilty you just buy a second box and put under your TV somewhere and hook the two of them together, then take last gen's game and put it in the new gen box, because the newer new gen box doesn't have a disk drive. Oh wait, now it does. Ok, so now put it in either one? Options are good.

This all sounds really weird to me.

Ya think?

 

[DragonSworne]

I think it would be a mis-step for the 360 mini <-> Durango interface to not work over wifi. It would be great to have them permanently in separate rooms so that someone else (girlfriend, kid) can use the 360 mini while you're playing on Durango.

Nintendo has patents on game streaming technology over wifi. MS might not be able to.

 

[Opus Angelorum]

I think it would be a mis-step for the 360 mini <-> Durango interface to not work over wifi. It would be great to have them permanently in separate rooms so that someone else (girlfriend, kid) can use the 360 mini while you're playing on Durango.

It won't be hard wired.

 

[Pitmonkey]

Does anyone have a picture of the HDMI port for the Durango Dev Kits?

 

[P44]

Well, that bodes a million times better for nextbox, though...

I do think even if it did have always online, it would be a minor effect on sales negatively; their main target audience would have their xbox's constantly connected at least in the UK, and would merely shrug off rare outages.

 

[DragonSworne]

So they can target ads to you and overlay them on your cable provider's ads.


Yep, but online-required for BC; i.e. you can't play any of your 360 content, offline.

What do ads have to do with kinect?

 

[dragonbane]

I'm thinking long and short term. It's not an issue now, but years down the line when 360's aren't readily available, this is a great option.

Short term, it allows me to pack away my 360 and use this along with the Durango to have full BC. That's a massive boon for me.

What you are not realizing is that, going by this rumour, this is simply a new model of the 360 that has an optional BC feature. It will be discontinued at some point too, just like the PS3.

 

[oVerde]

What if the $499 rumored price is for a Durango+mini pack?

Don't tease on me

 

[DidntKnowJack]

Ya think?

Heh. Be easy on me. I literally just started reading about all this stuff. It's a lot of weirdness to take in all at once.

 

[Tripolygon]

Oh lord. Nothing about logic is twisted. Perhaps your outlook is too far blinkered to actually see what I'm talking about. I've made my position clear, I simply couldn't make it clearer.

If you have an issue with it, eh. You've said nothing that brings my position into question, all you've done is make it clear that you hadn't actually read the OP and generally acting passive aggressive that someone who can see the benefits in this approach.

As I said, you need to calm down.

No, your position is illogical compared to mine which is simply keeping your existing console since you are required to buy a new device separate from Durango which is essentially an Xbox360 without a disc to play Xbox360 games on Durango (mouthful)

Oh lord indeed. You are either stupid to not see that simple solution or you are twisting your outlook to make this not so solution appear better than it actually it. What is clear about your position is that you are not thinking logically, I couldnt be any clearer.

 

[CassidyIzABeast]

What if the $499 rumored price is for a Durango+mini pack?

 

[BurnOutBrighter]

Getting major Mega CD/32x vibes from this.

So I'd have to buy both consoles just to play 360 games? Ridiculous.

 

[Takuya]

What do ads have to do with kinect?

Always-on, always-kinected, always scanning the room and monitoring the users...
It's Microsoft, they will milk every penny out of their users, and the better they can target how to milk, the better for their pockets.

 

[Version 3.0]

You mean the Internet overreacted and thought they knew everything???

NOOOOOOOOOOO...

Or maybe the Internet "overreaction" (which it wasn't) caused Microsoft to backpedal, remove the BS, and "leak" the good news.