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[ultim8p00]

Not really, nobody sane wanted it to be true.

You got the sane part right. There were people stating it as fact and saying that MS was going to get out of the console business.

 

[GavinGT]

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".

Too bad about current model 360s not working, but in the end it's not needed. I can deal with keeping my 360 hooked up to a separate input. I'd consider getting a 360 Mini just because I think the unified concept is really cool, though. And $150 is peanuts.

And the specificity and speed of these updates really makes it seem like a Microsoft controlled leak.

I guess the only remaining question is whether the 360 Mini really is always-online (in the bad way) or just in the same way that it is when you transfer marketplace content from one 360 to another and try to play it. Can a 360 Mini user purchase content online and play it offline on the same console as they currently can with a 360? Is an internet connection only required if you want to play content purchased on another 360 that's been transferred to the Mini?

 

[Bsigg12]

So there you go, old x360 boxes will not be connectible to Durango [MS likes money].

But, it makes sense as to why it won't work on existing consoles. If they are redesigning major parts of the 360 internals for this to be possible, I get why they would have to exclude existing systems from the feature. It sucks, but for the functionality it's fine.

The reveal can't come soon enough.

 

[Liamario]

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.

I'm finding that wording strange. It seems like a completely unnecessary thing to say. It's basically describing how the 360 functions- which was always online in the same way.

It's online always, unless it's offline- stating the obvious.

 

[GoofsterStud]

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.




Nope. Try again.

Especially if Geikia makes PS3 compatibility via streaming content. You know, like the rumors. PS3 won't be needed anymore.

/rant

 

[Flatline]

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".

So... Xbox mini is practically a redesigned 360?

 

[DidntKnowJack]

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".

So...it still won't be backwards compatible with disc based 360 games. Unless they provide some way that you can prove you have the disc so you can download the digital version...?

 

[ezekielpacman]

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".

So we've gone from rebuying HD collections to rebuying consoles. Praise the sun.

 

[kingocfs]

"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."

That's a pretty significant difference. Why would I want to stream games over the cloud when I can play them off a HDD?

 

[dragonbane]

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.

You seriously think Sony will discontinue the PS3 before dropping the price to 150-100 dollars? Sorry but this doesn't make any sense. Why would they research 25nm Cell if they don't plan to use it? What about China and third world countries? There is still plenty of money to be made there. Sony isn't that dumb.

 

[infinityBCRT]

So...it still won't be backwards compatible with disc based 360 games. Unless they provide some way that you can prove you have the disc so you can download the digital version...?

I would assume it would be able to read the disc from the Durango drive.

 

[Takuya]

So...it still won't be backwards compatible with disc based 360 games. Unless they provide some way that you can prove you have the disc so you can download the digital version...?

Hence the "online requirement" for the 360mini.

When you connect to Durango you have access to a drive bay that can read your 360 disc and "validate" that it is always in the tray so you can play that game.

 

[Miles Quaritch]

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

The original source (EDGE) didn't state it was for Durango games. Only that it was always online and no used games.

I'm not entirely sure where the always online for Durango games requirement came from.

 

[chris0701]

Too bad about current model 360s not working, but in the end it's not needed. I can deal with keeping my 360 hooked up to a separate input.

And the specificity and speed of these updates really makes it seem like a Microsoft controlled leak.

Now all spotlight has been focus on Durango,pretty good result for MS.

Dunno if there are any MS PR mastermind behind this. Just one week within..

 

[BlazingDarkness]

So... Xbox mini is practically a redesigned 360?

It's basically a 360 without a disk drive, all of the content is downloadable stuff from the XBL marketplace - and it also will offer the TV functionality of the new Durango. If you want to play your 360 discs, you need the Durango unit as well, put the disc in the Durango and connect it with the XBOX Mini and play it that way.

 

[CassidyIzABeast]

So... Xbox mini is practically a redesigned 360?

One of the HD twins has finally hit that $99 sweet spot(without having to get a subscription)

 

[DidntKnowJack]

Hence the "online requirement" for the 360mini.

When you connect to Durango you have access to a drive bay that can read your 360 disc and "validate" that it is always in the tray so you can play that game.

Ah ok. Got it.

 

[KAL2006]

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?

Isn't it obvious, for convenience and less clutter, and a better looking shelf. It would look better as the mini would look like an extension perhaps making the illusion of one console, putting the mini right next to Durango could make it look like a slightly more rectangle console. Less clutter meaning, one power plug to socket as the Durango would pass through power to mini, as well as one HDMI input to TV. Other convenience would be through software, switching between Durango and old content easily wether your shopping or suing for old or new content. Finally another convenience of using the same controller for BC games, I am guessing Durango controller would work, no need to have old 360 controller Liebig about just for 360 games. Anyway again this is just an option you can always use your old 360 to play old games. Finally in the future I can see them continue to produce the mini where as 360 s would stop getting produced.

 

[Owzers]

So...it still won't be backwards compatible with disc based 360 games. Unless they provide some way that you can prove you have the disc so you can download the digital version...?

Maybe Microsoft will make an optical disc reader add-on for the Xbox Mini.

 

[link1201]

I apologize in advance if this is a redundant/silly question but here it goes:

I am assuming these devices will "stack" not so much in a physical sense but will have BC capabilities and "stack" if the devices are on the same network? (Old Xbox in study/office new Xbox in Living room)

 

[BlazingDarkness]

So...it still won't be backwards compatible with disc based 360 games. Unless they provide some way that you can prove you have the disc so you can download the digital version...?

The only way to play 360 discs is to have BOTH the XBOX Mini and the Durango.

 

[t00t]

Still sounds totally over the top.

 

[Bsigg12]

It's basically a 360 without a hard drive, all of the content is downloadable stuff from the XBL marketplace - and it also will offer the TV functionality of the new Durango. If you want to play your 360 discs, you need the Durango unit as well, put the disc in the Durango and connect it with the XBOX Mini and play it that way.

That should say disc drive not hard drive. It'll have some sort of storage as to be able to save the digital content as a standalone product.

 

[InaudibleWhispa]

As long as you're online.

As far as I can tell, you don't have to be online to play 360 games in a dual set-up. You have to be online if you're using only the Mini 360 since it relies entirely on streaming/downloads. There's no reason why the Durango disc-tray utilizing the local power of the mini unit would require an internet connection that I can see.

 

[Miles Quaritch]

You seriously think Sony will discontinue the PS3 before dropping the price to 150-100 dollars? Sorry but this doesn't make any sense. Why would they research 25nm Cell if they don't plan to use it? What about China and third world countries? There is still plenty of money to be made there. Sony isn't that dumb.

Possibly. They need to recoup massive losses on the PS3, it's not like the PS2 where they were literally swimming in money in its latter years. It's still a weight around their necks and one I'm sure they'd love to see put behind them as quickly as possible.

 

[ultim8p00]

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

Yeah, I don't think that's how developing projects that take 3 to 5+ years works. You don't just suddenly change things around in 1 week.

What probably happened is that someone leaked incomplete and potentially misleading information, and a bunch of people on GAF started acting like idiots rather than wait. This is still just a rumor, but it makes more sense. I am still waiting for an official info release.

 

[gofreak]

These connectivity functions cannot work with existing Xbox 360 units due to the difference in external interface.

I wonder if that's a reference to a proprietary hardware interface.

Maybe it's designed to sit under Durango, and slot into it, ala the Game Boy player for Gamecube. Not to connect over the local network.

Sort of a shame it isn't a more general network based solution for all 360s, but I guess it wasn't possible.

 

[BlazingDarkness]

That should say disc drive not hard drive. It'll have some sort of storage as to be able to save the digital content as a standalone product.

Yes, typo, my bad!

 

[Beer Monkey]

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".

Thank goodness old controllers don't work with it, I want one set of Durango controllers and to use one input on my TV. This is perfect! Will sell my Slim and all my controllers and buy the Mini day one!

 

[pants]

I'm finding that wording strange. It seems like a completely unnecessary thing to say. It's basically describing how the 360 functions- which was always online in the same way.

It's online always, unless it's offline- stating the obvious.

Yeah I'm having difficulty parsing this sentence too.

 

[DataStream]

Would be much nicer if I could keep a mini on my bedroom TV and stream it over my router to my durango for BC needs.

 

[Bsigg12]

I apologize in advance if this is a redundant/silly question but here it goes:

I am assuming these devices will "stack" not so much in a physical sense but will have BC capabilities and "stack" if the devices are on the same network? (Old Xbox in study/office new Xbox in Living room)

So, we don't know exactly how or where the Mini would have to be in order for the 360 game stuff to work but having a Durango and a Mini allows you to play every 360 game disc and digitally based on the Durango.

 

[Slayven]

Seems like more trouble than it's worth.

 

[mavs]

Possibly. They need to recoup massive losses on the PS3, it's not like the PS2 where they were literally swimming in money in its latter years. It's still a weight around their necks and one I'm sure they'd love to see put behind them as quickly as possible.

They'd love to not have any products in the $100-$200 price range while their main competitor does? Is this sarcasm?

 

[DidntKnowJack]

So...how does this differ from keeping your old 360 and keeping it hooked up? Because it's smaller...? This just seems like a strange way to cobble together a new system.

 

[Ol No Bones]

So a new 360 cheap without a disk drive of course would need an Internet connection to download games. The new 360 kinects to the Durango only for purposes of playing through the Durango dashboard. Interesting. It must have been costly to put the 360 soc in the Durango box. I like the strategy. Both the Durango and ps4 are always online but playable single player while offline. This is all good news.

 

[Bsigg12]

Yes, typo, my bad!

No worries, just trying to avoid confusion.

 

[SirIgbyCeaser]

We the people of the internet allowed the xbox 720 to play used games. Its all because of us.

Mission accomplished.

 

[GavinGT]

The only way to play 360 discs is to have BOTH the XBOX Mini and the Durango.

Yep. Or just hit the input button on your TV and grab your 360 controller.

We the people of the internet allowed the xbox 720 to play used games. Its all because of us.

Mission accomplished.

I don't think we'll ever know the truth about this one. Seems likely, though.

Also, these rumors lead to another question: is Kinect 2 backwards compatible with Kinect 1?

 

[Ol No Bones]

That would be feasible.

 

[Oppo]

Isn't it obvious, for convenience and less clutter, and a better looking shelf. It would look better as the mini would look like an extension perhaps making the illusion of one console, putting the mini right next to Durango could make it look like a slightly more rectangle console. Less clutter meaning, one power plug to socket as the Durango would pass through power to mini, as well as one HDMI input to TV. Other convenience would be through software, switching between Durango and old content easily wether your shopping or suing for old or new content. Finally another convenience of using the same controller for BC games, I am guessing Durango controller would work, no need to have old 360 controller Liebig about just for 360 games. Anyway again this is just an option you can always use your old 360 to play old games. Finally in the future I can see them continue to produce the mini where as 360 s would stop getting produced.

It's such a semantic difference. Why do you think this mini 360 won't require it's own power? I guarantee you it will. And you have the same number of HDMI cords in your example as me.

So rather than 360 + Durango plugged in, you've got Xbox mini + Durango plugged in, and saved a controller. Just seems like a lot of rigamarole to me.

 

[Mortimer Brewster]

Hopefully this is 100% true so that it all becomes about the games as the main deciding factor on whether I buy a Durango.

 

[Bsigg12]

So...how does this differ from keeping your old 360 and keeping it hooked up? Because it's smaller...? This just seems like a strange way to cobble together a new system.

Everything available on 1 console just with an add-on. It'll change the controllers to all Durango controllers as well so you don't have to have multiple sets of controllers that don't work together laying around.

 

[JABEE]

I hope the no Always-Online requirement news is true. Anything else would be a shitty move for gamers.

 

[Dug]

We the people of the internet allowed the xbox 720 to play used games. Its all because of us.

Mission accomplished.

Can't tell if sarcastic or not.

 

[Nostremitus]

I wonder if IBM refused a new contract for BC for Durango after MS went with AMD for the main CPU.... So MS found was way to use their existing 360 contract to do it anyway...

 

[Beer Monkey]

Seems like more trouble than it's worth.

If true, Durango approach to BC:

1) buy some extra stuff and plug it in, once. From then on use your existing Durango controllers, your existing Durango interface, and a single input on your TV.

Versus Sony approach:

1) Wait a few months until they get Gakai up
2) Pray they license the titles you want for Gakai
3) Rebuy your games on Gakai
4) Stream them, online-only, with latency

 

[NullPointer]

So... Xbox mini is practically a redesigned 360?

But does the mini require a persistent connection to play single player games? If so, its'd be better just to keep the old xbox plugged in and skip the mini entirely.

 

[Takuya]

But does the mini require a persistent connection to play single player games?

Yes.

 

[Road]

wait, why are people acting like this an option right now? My understanding is that this is "planned" at some point...and certainly not at launch.

Yep.

Sony wishes to one day make PS3 games playable through Gaikai. Not only is it a wish that is likely years away from realization, it also doesn't mean, when and if it ever happens, it will work for the PS3 games we already acquired or for all PS3 games or even the majority of them.

Microsoft wins this round by simply offering an option that is better than nothing (being nothing what the PS4 has).