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[bitwise]

Promotional page for next week's cable-TV unveiling pegs the month that Microsoft's next-generation console will be released.
http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/05/06/news_6123821.html

On Monday at the convention of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers in Seattle, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates accidentally confirmed that Microsoft's next-generation console was coming this year. Just days later, MTV has apparently confirmed the month the device, which will almost certainly be called the Xbox 360, will hit the market.

Today, MTV's advance schedule began running a listing for "MTV Presents: The Next Generation Xbox Revealed," the special which will see the Xbox 360 shown to the public for the first time. Besides saying how the show will feature "tours of the design labs Interviews with the designers behind-the-scenes" the listing promises to feature "trailers of the newest games that are due out in November for the new Xbox" (emphasis added).

The listing appears to cement suspicions that the next Xbox will launch on the fourth anniversary of the original Xbox's release on November 16, 2001. However despite the clear wording of the MTV listing, Microsoft representatives said they could not comment on it for the time being.

In the meantime, gamers have less than one week to wait until Microsoft and MTV show off the Xbox 360. "MTV Presents: The Next Generation Xbox Revealed" airs next Thursday at 9:30 Eastern Daylight Time and Pacific Daylight Time. Microsoft could not confirm Central or Mountain times for the special (presumably 8:30pm and 9:30pm). GameSpot will have more details on the Xbox 360 next week.

 

[GaimeGuy]

Four years from first territory launch to first territory launch. Jeez. :|

It's usually ~6 years, isn't it?

 

[Redbeard]

Four years from first territory launch to first territory launch. Jeez. :|

It's usually ~6 years, isn't it?

Suck it up.

 

[ManDudeChild]

Well that's still a short time. But as long as the 360's a good system (and has bc) it's all good.

 

[suaveric]

Closer to 5, unless you're Sega

 

[Oracle Dragon]

As a PC gamer who is looking at new video cards every 6 months, I dont feel TOO much sympathy for people who feel that 4 years is too short for a console ... with all these PC upgrades, I feel like I've had my Xbox FOREVER, heh.

 

[midnightguy]

like, DUH

 

[Mrbob]

Bring it on.

It's time for next gen to start!

I actually think 4 years is a good amount of time between cycles.

 

[radrelic]

I prefer 5 years but Perfect Dark Zero is the only reason I'm willing to go next-gen in 4

 

[ourumov]

It will be fun to see which games they will have ready for release. This Dreamc...ehhr Xenon 360 could be interesting.

 

[PhatSaqs]

All of this just to get pwned by Sony again :lol

 

[Speevy]

Bring it on.

It's time for next gen to start!

I actually think 4 years is a good amount of time between cycles.

yep

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

As a PC gamer who is looking at new video cards every 6 months, I dont feel TOO much sympathy for people who feel that 4 years is too short for a console ... with all these PC upgrades, I feel like I've had my Xbox FOREVER, heh.

I don't do the 6 month vid card thing, every two years I buy the fastest PC money can buy, search my post history for my Alienware laptop I got this year for proof. So, this 4 year thing doesn't bother me in the least bit.

 

[mj1108]

The listing appears to cement suspicions that the next Xbox will launch on the fourth anniversary of the original Xbox's release on November 16, 2001.

Fact checking -1000

The original XBox released on November 15th, 2001.

 

[SantaC]

november, now that was a surprise!

 

[bitwise]

november, now that was a surprise!

not a surprise, but it is pretty big that they've basically announced the date publicly now.

now we just need to know prices :0

 

[Solid]

Hopefully this will bite them in the ass. Next-gen seem way to early!*





*E3 might change that statement

 

[etiolate]

4 years is horrible for cycles. Someone should make a list of games that have come out after 4-5 years of a systems life.

 

[king zell]

not a surprise, but it is pretty big that they've basically announced the date publicly now.

now we just need to know prices :0

the only thing I fear

I pray for $199.99

 

[Drexon]

As a PC gamer who is looking at new video cards every 6 months, I dont feel TOO much sympathy for people who feel that 4 years is too short for a console ... with all these PC upgrades, I feel like I've had my Xbox FOREVER, heh.

I'm on my third Xbox (crystal this time, LE transparent green last) so I'm sorta there.

 

[bitwise]

4 years is horrible for cycles. Someone should make a list of games that have come out after 4-5 years of a systems life.

that'll teach em!

 

[SolidSnakex]

I actually think 4 years is a good amount of time between cycles.

"I disagree."

 

[tsp_gatmog]

still too early, but hey, it was too early for the DC :lol

 

[bitwise]

you guys should be happy, this means Sony's gonna put out PS3 sooner that it would have otherwise.

 

[PhatSaqs]

"I disagree."

If MS would have stolen more marketshare i'm pretty sure Sony would have been ready to launch PS3 sooner than they are (4-5 years).

 

[SolidSnakex]

you guys should be happy, this means Sony's gonna put out PS3 sooner that it would have otherwise.

And this is a good idea because...? Have you actually seen the PS2 lineup?

 

[bitwise]

And this is a good idea because...? Have you actually seen the PS2 lineup?

if 360 takes off, you dont think that Sony would want to get a new product out there as soon as they could? Before they lose marketshare in the "next gen"?

is that the ideal business situation?

 

[GhaleonEB]

The generation does not begin again when Sony says it does.

Spoiler

It begins when Michael Pachter says it does.

 

[Andy787]

if 360 takes off, you dont think that Sony would want to get a new product out there as soon as they could? Before they lose marketshare in the "next gen"?

is that the ideal business situation?

You missed his point entirely.

 

[Ramirez]

SolidSnake disagrees,stop the presses :lol :lol

 

[bitwise]

You missed his point entirely.

and you missed mine, apparently.

 

[Firest0rm]

you guys should be happy, this means Sony's gonna put out PS3 sooner that it would have otherwise.

Actually no we shouldn't be happier, its better if companies utilize todays console a bit further. I think there's still a good amount of stuff they can do for it, especially considering developers have gotten comfortable with the consoles now. The graphics a perfectly fine this generation and I honestly see no reason for this rush to better graphics. The only benefit out of this rush is for MS themselves from a business perspective not for us gamers, because their trying to get more marketshare.

 

[SantaC]

not a surprise, but it is pretty big that they've basically announced the date publicly now.

now we just need to know prices :0

I bet it's November 9th. You know why.

 

[Speevy]

And this is a good idea because...? Have you actually seen the PS2 lineup?

Have you actually seen average current generation graphics?

 

[xsarien]

Well that's still a short time. But as long as the 360's a good system (and has bc) it's all good.

Um, I hope you're sitting down...

 

[SantaC]

Have you actually seen average current generation graphics?

you know as well as I that graphics isn't everything. FFXII (if released this year in US) is going to make a big splash, and so will shadow and the collosus.

 

[SolidSnakex]

if 360 takes off, you dont think that Sony would want to get a new product out there as soon as they could? Before they lose marketshare in the "next gen"?

I'm talking from a consumer standpoint, how's it a good idea? The PS2 is basically going to have its best year this year, and now even next year is looking really good.

 

[Andy787]

and you missed mine, apparently.

No, I didn't. Your point had nothing to do with the one you were replying to. He was talking about games. You were talking about business decisions.

 

[bitwise]

No, I didn't. Your point had nothing to do with the one you were replying to. He was talking about games. You were talking about business decisions.

Yes, i've seen the PS2 lineup for this year. Sorry I didnt specify that in my answer.

 

[GhaleonEB]

No, I didn't. Your point had nothing to do with the one you were replying to. He was talking about games. You were talking about business decisions.

NM

 

[GSG Flash]

Have you actually seen average current generation graphics?

I seriously do not see the need to upgrade as soon as this year, the current gen consoles still hold up pretty good compared to PC graphics (see Doom3, HL2, RE4, God of War, Wanda), upgrading next year is better.

 

[Speevy]

you know as well as I that graphics isn't everything. FFXII (if released this year in US) is going to make a big splash, and so will shadow and the collosus.

I'm sure one of those games will sell well. And graphics aren't everything. They're certainly something, though. Every game stands to improve exponentially by employing next generation's technology. And yes, you can do so many things with great art. I just don't understand wanting to stay back with 5 year old technology. Hell, let's just stop buying new consoles altogether. I'm sure Sony's production costs would drop. The Xbox 360 may be launching too soon. But the PS2 has been out a good year longer.

 

[radioheadrule83]

I'm betting a mere handful of games utilise next gens benefits in any meaningful way. The rest will just look prettier.

Consoles can last as long as theres good support. New hardware launches are catalysts for software sales though, and each cycle is a chance to assert greater dominance / acheive more market share... I hope they don't jump the gun so early next time, but I'm not hopeful.

I could have had plenty more fun with Xbox and Gamecube in particular. Ah well.

*opens wallet, bends over*

 

[Speevy]

I seriously do not see the need to upgrade as soon as this year, the current gen consoles still hold up pretty good compared to PC graphics (see Doom3, HL2, RE4, God of War, Wanda), upgrading next year is better.

The problem is that two of those games are seriously taxing the Xbox, and would absolutely murder the 87 million selling, market leading console. There's something wrong with that.

 

[PhatSaqs]

I seriously do not see the need to upgrade as soon as this year

Then dont upgrade....

 

[Andy787]

Yes, i've seen the PS2 lineup for this year. Sorry I didnt specify that in my answer.

You are forgiven.

NM

Nevermind?

 

[Speevy]

Then dont upgrade....

Yeah, I don't see the problem. Microsoft isn't forcing anyone to upgrade. The attitude seriously smacks of "You're not welcome."

I cut my losses with the N64 in 1999, the SNES in 1995, and the NES in 1990. That doesn't mean I bought new consoles. I just got tired of my old ones. I love new generations.

 

[GSG Flash]

Then dont upgrade....

Thanks to fatsacks telling me not to upgrade, I have now changed my mind about upgrading

But seriously, I really am not upgrading this year and you're little smartass comment isn't the cause for it.

 

[Mrbob]

I don't understand the complaints from the PS2 fanbase. PS2 is going to have the best year it has ever had. Enjoy the damn games, be quiet and let those of us who want next gen to start enjoy it! Looking at the PS2 release lists developers/publishers aren't abandoning the PS2 at all. You'll get your games and a ton of good ones too!

 

[Speevy]

But seriously, I really am not upgrading this year and you're little smartass comment isn't the cause for it.

Would you consider buying the Xbox 360 in mid-2006?

Because if you do, it will have even more great games out for it.