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[RibMan]

Excellent decision. The exclusion of dedicated 360 hardware within the Nextbox means the console price will be reasonable.

 

[Flatline]

Thanks fucking God. Imo Microsoft is abandoning their shitty plans and they released the leak to calm things down. There's some hope for Durango afterall.

 

[Barkley's Justice]

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.

No, the Internet at large reacted to hearsay and rumor. There's a huge difference. Microsoft officially hasn't told anyone anything. Officially speaking, these devices do not exist yet. What the Internet did was some dumb Internet shit.

 

[GavinGT]

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

I don't think those patents preclude anyone else from streaming games over wifi. That'd be crazy. They just have patents pertaining to their particular streaming implementation.

No, the Internet at large reacted to hearsay and rumor. There's a huge difference. Microsoft officially hasn't told anyone anything. Officially speaking, these devices do not exist yet. What the Internet did was some dumb Internet shit.

And hopefully people won't make the same mistake again and treat this rumor as fact. We should talk about the possible consequences of this and the previous rumors, but without jumping to any conclusions. I think we can wait six weeks.

 

[José Mourinho]

Edit: wrong thread.

 

[chris0701]

Don't tease on me

In fact, I think 499 is a good price for XBOX family combo.

 

[InaudibleWhispa]

Seems like a good solution to me. Aside from the pipedream of the Durango being backwards compatible itself, the only other option prior to this rumour was streaming or keeping your 360 plugged in. All this adds is another option: pay to upgrade your 360 to 360Mini for added convenience of playing all content on one machine. If you choose to not do that, you still have the same old solution of keeping your 360 plugged in. It also has to major benefit of creating a super cheap content box for those who don't own any Xbox.

It's not perfect, but it's a decent middle ground.

 

[Oppo]

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.

I just don't get what the big difference is between :

- switch on Durango, tell it to switch on 360 Mini, load game
vs
- switch on 360, load game

Like, you just want to launch the icon from the Durango menu, vs switching video inputs? It's literally the same thing.

You who was so worried about units not being for sale in the future, are about to double-dip on a console to do exactly what you can do now, i.e. play 360 games? just seems kinda crazy.

Like I thought one of the arguments for BC was "too much clutter under my TV, outta inputs" etc and now you want to add this box to replace the old box?

 

[Ploid 3.0]

Crisis averted if true. It's crazy that there seem to have been a good chance that this thing could have required the internet to function.

 

[GashPrex]

Thanks fucking God. Imo Microsoft is abandoning their shitty plans and they released the leak to calm things down. There's some hope for Durango afterall.

Uh I am pretty sure MS didn't change their minds based internet angst

 

[Miles Quaritch]

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.

It'll undoubtedly have more long term market viability than the PS3. Reduced costs, etc whereas the PS3 would still require a BR drive, etc.

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.

Nope. Try again.

 

[Bsigg12]

So how does the required kinect fit in?


Will the mini Xbox require kinect as well?

VGleaks is back tracking on the idea that Kinect will be required to work. They are saying the development kits require it to account for all possible hardware configurations which makes sense. By that, it doesn't mean the consumer version has to have it present, but the developers have to make sure everything they build functions properly with all the hardware on and running.

From the article

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.

 

[Phonomezer]

Crisis averted if true. It's crazy that there seem to have been a good chance that this thing could have required the internet to function.

Chances are that it was never "always online" in the first place and is only "always online" as much as their current console is.

I was told that EDGE were never wrong tho. lol.

 

[Version 3.0]

I like the separate backwards compatibility. It soothes the panic for those weirdos who think it's a solution to DRM (which it isn't), presumably extends the re-download life of games, and doesn't add to the price of the console for those who don't care about it.

Sounds like a win-win...as much as possible while the games are still service dependent, that is.

 

[WrenchNinja]

No, the Internet at large reacted to hearsay and rumor. There's a huge difference. Microsoft officially hasn't told anyone anything. Officially speaking, these devices do not exist yet. What the Internet did was some dumb Internet shit.

What are they doing now exactly?

 

[chris0701]

I just don't get what the big difference is between :

- switch on Durango, tell it to switch on 360 Mini, load game
vs
- switch on 360, load game

Like, you just want to launch the icon from the Durango menu, vs switching video inputs? It's literally the same thing.

You who was so worried about units not being for sale in the future, are about to double-dip on a console to do exactly what you can do now, i.e. play 360 games? just seems kinda crazy.

Plus change the input source on your TV for 2nd operation

 

[Flatline]

And hopefully people won't make the same mistake again and treat this rumor as fact.

Looks like an intentional leak imo. Maybe I'm just being optimistic though.

 

[dragonbane]

I just don't get what the big difference is between :

- switch on Durango, tell it to switch on 360 Mini, load game
vs
- switch on 360, load game

Like, you just want to launch the icon from the Durango menu, vs switching video inputs? It's literally the same thing.

You who was so worried about units not being for sale in the future, are about to double-dip on a console to do exactly what you can do now, i.e. play 360 games? just seems kinda crazy.

He thinks the Xbox Mini is going to be available as long as the Durango exists. Which won't be the case probably.

 

[Squire]

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

Then I should hope a subpoena is on it's way to Sony HQ.

 

[DieH@rd]

I don't see what the problem is if it can still be used without a connection. Have i missed something?

By all accounts Durango will require internet connection. But maybe loosing that connection in local only game [singleplayer] will not result in pausing the game [as was mentioned by Kotaku article].

I dont think that Durango will be able to work in 100% offline enviroment. Even VGLeaks article mentions that.

 

[Puppet Shadow]

I've been following gaming since I got my grubby teenage hands on Pong when it came out, and I don't ever remember such conflicting and confusing info coming out for a new console. I have no issue with MS keeping the info tight until they announce it, but at this point the different rumors going around point to a textbook example of not controlling your message. I hope they move up the date of the reveal.

 

[oVerde]

In fact, I think 499 is a good price for XBOX family combo.

Not just good, It will be game changer with some nice games announcements.

 

[Version 3.0]

Chances are that it was never "always online" in the first place and is only "always online" as much as their current console is.

I don't think "chances are" is fair. Some of those leaks were very specific and left no room for misunderstanding. I'd say it's at least as likely that they changed their minds (if this is even true), if not more so.

 

[KAL2006]

Will developers feel that they need to still concentrate on releasing XBLA games as they can cater to old 360 users, Durango/Mini combo users and Mini only users.

 

[Loudninja]

Chances are that it was never "always online" in the first place and is only "always online" as much as their current console is.

I was told that EDGE were never wrong tho. lol.

Nobody is right or wrong right now since its not announced yet.

 

[something fishy]

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

to stream it? i'd imagine it'll be quite difficult without it?

 

[Arksy]

If you don't need to be online to play games the device isn't always online......

Unless I'm missing something?

 

[Miles Quaritch]

I just don't get what the big difference is between :

- switch on Durango, tell it to switch on 360 Mini, load game
vs
- switch on 360, load game

Like, you just want to launch the icon from the Durango menu, vs switching video inputs? It's literally the same thing.

You who was so worried about units not being for sale in the future, are about to double-dip on a console to do exactly what you can do now, i.e. play 360 games? just seems kinda crazy.

It's not crazy at all. Buying this ensures I have full access to BC. I will of course be keeping my current 360, but it's reliability long term isn't assured, so this is the perfect solution.

It's really not that hard to get.

 

[Flatline]

Uh I am pretty sure MS didn't change their minds based internet angst

I'm pretty sure they did. That internet "angst" ruined Sim City's sales, put EA as America's worst company for 2 years in the row and created horrible publicity for Microsoft.

 

[Phreaker]

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

MS take my money?

 

[Version 3.0]

No, the Internet at large reacted to hearsay and rumor. There's a huge difference. Microsoft officially hasn't told anyone anything. Officially speaking, these devices do not exist yet. What the Internet did was some dumb Internet shit.

And you're now bashing people for reacting to rumor and hearsay, based on new rumors? How does that make any sense?

 

[BlazingDarkness]

I wonder what of those rumours about the 3 minute termination time for single player games? That doesn't fit in with either XBOX Mini or Durango specs mentioned in this rumour.
Who was it that leaked the 3 minute thing, Kotaku?

 

[Miles Quaritch]

I don't think "chances are" is fair. Some of those leaks were very specific and left no room for misunderstanding. I'd say it's at least as likely that they changed their minds (if this is even true), if not more so.

Or the leaks were referencing the mini.

 

[DieH@rd]

Update to the VGLeaks article!!!

----------------

Xbox Mini:​

The “Xbox Mini” is not a 360 add-on, it is a stand alone product that contains Xbox 360 functions for gaming, and alone it is meant to compete with Apple TV. Since it is likely it will not have a disc drive, it is being designed with “always online” in mind, and with internet being required for Live functions. Xbox 360 Games can be played on it by purchasing Games on Demand on Xbox Live (for new purchases) or if already purchased, simply download it. This also applies to music and movies. To further clarify, the Durango will also have these (TV) functions, just with next-genration gaming hardware instead of Xbox 360 at a higher price.

When used with Durango, it offers connectivity with it for backwards compatibility with both disc based and On Demand games, and it’s no more different than what Sony will be doing with Gaikai for playing PS3 games on PS4, only with Xbox it will be done locally and not through the cloud. You can control the Xbox Mini under a single interface and not have to worry about switching between devices in a single display input.

These connectivity functions cannot work with existing Xbox 360 units due to the difference in external interface. The Xbox Mini was designed for this along side Durango.
----------------



So there you go, old x360 boxes will not be connectible to Durango [MS likes money]. Also, old controllers wont work with BC, all data goes through "Durango interface".

 

[Takuya]

It's not crazy at all. Buying this ensures I have full access to BC.

As long as you're online.

I will of course be keeping my current 360, but it's reliability long term isn't assured, so this is the perfect solution.

And the reliability of a yet to be announced piece of hardware is ... higher?

 

[Salz01]

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

I don't see how duct taping all these devices together to play my copy of Gears 3 is good news. It just tells me not to sell my 360 if I want to play old games.

 

[Bsigg12]

And you're now bashing people for reacting to rumor and hearsay, based on new rumors? How does that make any sense?

Circles. Running in circles makes total sense on the internet

 

[dragonbane]

It's not crazy at all. Buying this ensures I have full access to BC. I will of course be keeping my current 360, but it's reliability long term isn't assured, so this is the perfect solution.

It's really not that hard to get.

How is the long term assured for the Xbox Mini?

 

[Oppo]

He thinks the Xbox Mini is going to be available as long as the Durango exists. Which won't be the case probably.

Oh I see.

Well I think I will continue to occasionally push my input select button to keep my existing backwards compatibility (or as I like to call it, "compatibility".)

It's a steep price but I'm willing to pay it.

 

[Phonomezer]

I don't think "chances are" is fair. Some of those leaks were very specific and left no room for misunderstanding. I'd say it's at least as likely that they changed their minds (if this is even true), if not more so.

You don't spend 3 years developing hardware with your own market/focus testing and change your entire strategy at the last minute because of online bandwagoning.

 

[Flatline]

Or the leaks were referencing the mini.

They weren't, they were referring specifically to Durango games.

 

[chris0701]

I wonder what of those rumours about the 3 minute termination time for single player games? That doesn't fit in with either XBOX Mini or Durango specs mentioned in this rumour.
Who was it that leaked the 3 minute thing, Kotaku?

Could be some DEV kit optional feature has been turn on , or some MS stock APP or sample games have been designed at that way...

 

[Reiko]

Chances are that it was never "always online" in the first place and is only "always online" as much as their current console is.

I was told that EDGE were never wrong tho. lol.

lol

 

[Neuromancer]

If you don't need to be online to play games the device isn't always online......

Unless I'm missing something?

Well there are two ways to interpret 'always online'. a) Online required to do anything, and b) the system has the capability to be online at all times but doesn't have to be.

 

[Puppet Shadow]

In fact, I think 499 is a good price for XBOX family combo.

Christ, just imagine NPD threads going forward.

Last month, the ecosystem known as 'Microsoft's Xbox Family' sold 230,00 units, sustaining momentum...

 

[Miles Quaritch]

How is the long term assured for the Xbox Mini?

By the price point. It's not different to the PS2 mini in that regard. Sony may or may not release a $99-$149 PS3, I certainly hope they do but I feel the super slim was the last iteration we'll see from Sony with regards to PS3.

 

[GoofsterStud]

If offline mode and used games are true. +++

Either way, with more rumors supporting that this isn't true.. At least it'll be the first thing on every reporters mind.

At least Microsoft won't be able to side step this at E3. It'll be the first question on every reporters mind now that we have conflicting reports.

Please...Microsoft let this rumor be true.

 

[BlazingDarkness]

Update to the VGLeaks article!!!

----------------

Xbox Mini:​

The “Xbox Mini” is not a 360 add-on, it is a stand alone product that contains Xbox 360 functions for gaming, and alone it is meant to compete with Apple TV. Since it is likely it will not have a disc drive, it is being designed with “always online” in mind, and with internet being required for Live functions. Xbox 360 Games can be played on it by purchasing Games on Demand on Xbox Live (for new purchases) or if already purchased, simply download it. This also applies to music and movies. To further clarify, the Durango will also have these (TV) functions, just with next-genration gaming hardware instead of Xbox 360 at a higher price.

When used with Durango, it offers connectivity with it for backwards compatibility with both disc based and On Demand games, and it’s no more different than what Sony will be doing with Gaikai for playing PS3 games on PS4, only with Xbox it will be done locally and not through the cloud. You can control the Xbox Mini under a single interface and not have to worry about switching between devices in a single display input.

These connectivity functions cannot work with existing Xbox 360 units due to the difference in external interface. The Xbox Mini was designed for this along side Durango.
----------------



So there you go, old x360 boxes will not be connectible to Durango [MS likes money]. Also, old controllers wont work with BC, all data goes through "Durango interface".

Yep, exactly as I suspected.
Xbox Mini as a standalone device is good for TV functionality and downloadable gaming content, only combined with the Durango can it play disc games, via the Durango disc tray.

It's a good way for MS to make money.

 

[Of All Trades]

If you don't need to be online to play games the device isn't always online......

Unless I'm missing something?

The way things are pointing now, the Durango doesn't need to be online but will want to be online, just like the current 360.

The 360 Mini will need to be online if it doesn't allow/use the license transfer to the Mini, which is how things currently work on the 360; DD games require you to be online if you're not using them on the licensed console.

The only part that's unknown is if DD games bought on the Mini will require online to operate. If yes, that's bad.

 

[Slayer-33]

Yep, exactly as I suspected.
Xbox Mini as a standalone device is good for TV functionality and downloadable gaming content, only combined with the Durango can it play disc games, via the Durango disc tray.

It's a good way for MS to make money.

I approve this message.