The New X-Box

[Master Yoda]

I agree with that and I think that still could be a possibility. I really don't see why they couldn't do it, the infrastructure is already there. The problem with that article was it was too what if on pricing. I don't believe for a second that the price structure for new or used would have changed at all. Used would have gone up if the publisher got a cut and I just don't see them changing the structure of new games. Now if Microsoft would have come out and said new games would be $39 people wouldn't have gone as bananas as they did. With the structure they set up that should have been how it is because of all the cost savings from the DRM and the used games cut that they get. They really promoted it wrong and that let Sony and Nintendo fuel the fire. You just can't restrict people that way and keep your pricing structure the same as the other guy and expect no backlash.

I did not think it would drop the price either. It did on Steam, but it took years to reach that point. We shall see what the future brings. I hope we will be able to opt in at some point and get back the features that checking in and restricted disk sharing gave us.

 

[erasure fan1]

I did not think it would drop the price either. It did on Steam, but it took years to reach that point. We shall see what the future brings. I hope we will be able to opt in at some point and get back the features that checking in and restricted disk sharing gave us.

I see that as a strong possibility. Think about it, what better way to tell your story than to give things 6 to 8 months (after release) for people to kind of forget the debacle that was Microsoft PR. Then like you said have an opt in feature so you could take advantage of said features. If they do it right and adjust pricing, if people see their friends/family/co-workers... using it then people may start to migrate over. Then by the next generation its "just how it is".

 

[muteki]

I think it is generally accepted that digital is the future but really MS just needs to realize they can't grab all the consumers by the collar and drag them there forcibly. It is a big change and will need to be made slowly and with enough enticing reasons why someone would want to go that route.

Creating a set of perks for people that buy digital vs disc is the way to go, but I don't think MS (or Sony, for that matter) really have accepted that concessions must be made to bring the average consumer over to digital. This transition should take a generation, it can't be instant.

 

[bhg469]

I agree with that and I think that still could be a possibility. I really don't see why they couldn't do it, the infrastructure is already there. The problem with that article was it was too what if on pricing. I don't believe for a second that the price structure for new or used would have changed at all. Used would have gone up if the publisher got a cut and I just don't see them changing the structure of new games. Now if Microsoft would have come out and said new games would be $39 people wouldn't have gone as bananas as they did. With the structure they set up that should have been how it is because of all the cost savings from the DRM and the used games cut that they get. They really promoted it wrong and that let Sony and Nintendo fuel the fire. You just can't restrict people that way and keep your pricing structure the same as the other guy and expect no backlash.

You're absolutely right, if they came out and said that digital copies of the games would be cheaper that would have ended all debate. Microsoft did this to themselves and then let the vocal minority dictate their policies. I don't believe they would go that much cheaper or at all though. That is just a pipe dream i guess. Saviing me the time (and shame) of walking into a game stop is worth a bit. Also waking up to a newly launched title will be great as well but the lack of physical media is definitely worth more than said shaming.

 

[erasure fan1]

Looks like Microsoft is backtracking again.

Two months after backtracking on game and online policies for Xbox One, Microsoft has pulled back on another key requirement for its upcoming video game console.

According to IGN, Microsoft's Marc Whitten says the Xbox One will no longer require the Kinect motion sensor to stay connected in order to function.

The Xbox One was originally designed to offer deeper integration of Kinect, allowing users to turn on the device with vocal commands. However, consumers grew wary of the "always-on" functionality of Kinect, sparking concerns over privacy.

The change is the latest in a series of policy adjustments following the unveiling of the Xbox One in May. Among the original policies drawing the ire of video game players: regular online authenticity checks required to play video games offline and restrictions on what players can do with games after purchase.

Microsoft backtracked on the policy changes in June, citing consumer feedback.

The Xbox One launches this holiday for $499. Meanwhile, top rival Sony and its PlayStation 4 is slated for a holiday launch starting at $399.

I think its not a bad idea. I do hope they don't come out with a non Kinect version as we will never see what developers can do with the tech if they do that. Requiring it to be connected and functioning while you are playing a non kinect game just seemed a bit lame. What happens if my sensor breaks? I can't play anymore? So this is a smart move on Microsofts part. It amazes me how bad Microsoft has handled the Xbox one so far. If where they are now was what they started with, the One would be the talk of the town I bet.

 

[erasure fan1]

Well here is the official release date, 11/22/2013. Looks like they now have more day one systems available for pre-sale to get at the release as well. They said the system is now in full production so I would say all the speculation of a delay can go out the window now. I am very curious to see how well the Xbox one and the PS4 actually do outside of the hardcore market. I know they both will sell within that demographic but I wonder if the more casual to hobby type respond. Both systems could potentially see slower starts.

 

[stevehousse]

I can defiantly see PS4 taking te too spot this time around due to the price alone!

If you factor in the console, buying an extra controller, and new Xbox live membership and 3 games to start off with that's about $800 right there!!!

Pretty hefty price tag if you ask me!

Me and the fam are still undecided which new system we want, but we are opting for a PS this time around only because its cheaper...

 

[afar28]

What is the difference between the day one edition and just the normal edition?

 

[bhg469]

What is the difference between the day one edition and just the normal edition?

An achievement and a controller with what looks to be a silk screened 'day one edition' marking. Nothing at all substantial. I are ordered mine but all the games I want are going to be out for 360 first. I'm tossing around the idea of selling it at launch for possible profit but most likely I'll tear it open like a kid on Christmas.

 

[erasure fan1]

I can defiantly see PS4 taking te too spot this time around due to the price alone!

If you factor in the console, buying an extra controller, and new Xbox live membership and 3 games to start off with that's about $800 right there!!!

Pretty hefty price tag if you ask me!

Me and the fam are still undecided which new system we want, but we are opting for a PS this time around only because its cheaper...

I hear you on the price but its that way for both systems. You still need for the PS4 the extra controls, PSN (no longer free), games... $700 is not really all that much better. I am undecided at this point as well but its not based on price but on games. I wouldn't be so sure that the more casual fan may see the extra $100 as a better investment based on Kinect alone. Thats why I still think it is up in the air.

 

[afar28]

Also the ps4 eye (their version of kinect) is 70 dollars so it would only be a 30 dollar difference. I too am undecided. I'm leaning towards Xbox but still have no idea which way I will go

 

[erasure fan1]

Also the ps4 eye (their version of kinect) is 70 dollars so it would only be a 30 dollar difference. I too am undecided. I'm leaning towards Xbox but still have no idea which way I will go

Agreed, as of now to say either system has a stellar lineup that would warrant an early purchase is really stretching it in my eyes. I lean towards the X-box just because I have supported them the last 2 generations. But if Sony comes up with the games I want to play all bets are off.

 

[stevehousse]

We have a xbox360 and used to have a PS2 but in terms of games, especially for younger players like my son, Xbox has better games for his age range I think...idk we will see this Xmas!

 

[WED99]

For me the choice was always Xbox One, but then all my PS friends started convincing all my Xbox friends to buy the PS4. Now I have no idea what to do. Buy the system with all my friends or buy the system with the exclusives I want.

 

[bhg469]

For me the choice was always Xbox One, but then all my PS friends started convincing all my Xbox friends to buy the PS4. Now I have no idea what to do. Buy the system with all my friends or buy the system with the exclusives I want.

I'm going for exclusives and a controller that isn't cross eyed

 

[WED99]

I'm going for exclusives and a controller that isn't cross eyed

Cross eyed?

 

[Master Yoda]

When it comes to the casual crowd I have a feeling that anyone that does even the slightest amount of research will go with the XB1. Yes the PS4 is cheaper, but there is a reason....you get less. To get the same functionality as an XB1 with Kinect you have to buy the eye, move controllers and a myriad of accessories. By the time you are done the $100 price difference is in the rear view mirror. The XB1 is one and done.

It was the same way with the Wii. At the end of the day when we purchased a Wii, all the accessories ended up costing us more than the console did.

Then there is the simple fact that the Kinect just flat out works better and easier. While I have not had any really problem with the move or the Wii, Kinect is much easier for someone that knows nothing to use.

For me the choice was always Xbox One, but then all my PS friends started convincing all my Xbox friends to buy the PS4. Now I have no idea what to do. Buy the system with all my friends or buy the system with the exclusives I want.

You Xbox friends are sheep who are going to be out in the cold when Halo 5 launches. Go with the system that has the games you want. A console unused, is a useless console.

 

[bhg469]

Cross eyed?

Then placement of the analog sticks on the PlayStation controller is the opposite of ergonomic. They are the only console that puts emphasis on the d pad.

 

[WED99]

When it comes to the casual crowd I have a feeling that anyone that does even the slightest amount of research will go with the XB1. Yes the PS4 is cheaper, but there is a reason....you get less. To get the same functionality as an XB1 with Kinect you have to buy the eye, move controllers and a myriad of accessories. By the time you are done the $100 price difference is in the rear view mirror. The XB1 is one and done.

It was the same way with the Wii. At the end of the day when we purchased a Wii, all the accessories ended up costing us more than the console did.

Then there is the simple fact that the Kinect just flat out works better and easier. While I have not had any really problem with the move or the Wii, Kinect is much easier for someone that knows nothing to use.


You Xbox friends are sheep who are going to be out in the cold when Halo 5 launches. Go with the system that has the games you want. A console unused, is a useless console.

Halo never really picked up where I live, so they couldn't care less about that. It's just me and my friends who care about Forza now. I know I'd be happier with an Xbox, I'm just concerned the lack of friends to play with (especially with most next gen games having such an emphasis on merging single player and multiplayer experiences) that it'll end of collecting dust instead of being used everyday like my 360.

Why couldn't we just have one console that everyone loves?

 

[Master Yoda]

Halo never really picked up where I live, so they couldn't care less about that. It's just me and my friends who care about Forza now. I know I'd be happier with an Xbox, I'm just concerned the lack of friends to play with (especially with most next gen games having such an emphasis on merging single player and multiplayer experiences) that it'll end of collecting dust instead of being used everyday like my 360.

Why couldn't we just have one console that everyone loves?

Quite honestly I see much of the current PS4/XB1 turmoil being more emotional that fact based. People are getting upset because they think they should. I have a feeling that a lot of the converts will regret the decision when the dust settles.