XBOX 360 specs revealed

[shelbyGT]

I've seen the specs for the PS3 but, most likely, the games played on one system will look like the games played on the other. XBox is "faster" than the ps2, but in actuality gameplay and game "looks" are not severely hampered enough for people to notice, or care.

And if XBox 360 were compatible with XBox games that would be a plus for MS. (which, imho, won't happen. I think I read somewhere that the graphics engine won't let that happen, or something...)

[shelbyGT]

I would not say Sony is going on name recognition alone.

I meant to say that Sony will still have their dominance even if you JUST went on name recognition alone. No, that is not their only reason. I bet if you just throw a ps3 and an XBox360 into a crowd, they would naturally take up the ps3 quicker than the XBox360, regardless which one is truly "better".

[thor300]

Has anyone here actually PLAYED a PS1 game on a PS2? Probably nice with support for it, but PS1 games suck no matter what. I could imagine that PS2 games are just good enough for someone wanting to play it on a PS3, but very limited, and only in the first weeks of owning a PS3.
Im not interested in Xbox360 supporting old xbox games, i had enough Halo and whatever already. Now its time for a new console for me, not nostalgia (for that i rather use a commodore 64 emulator on the pc)

[shelbyGT]

While I can see your point, I do think there are a good number of people out there that would enjoy the ability of not having to keep their old game system plugged in just in order to play it. If the XBox360 played all XBox games, I for one would be more inclined to purchase it.
Maybe not the majority of players care, but I do think a significant number do. My opinion, though.

[thor300]

I heard that all the time when Xbox was new and Gaycube was just around the corner, thats why im asking if it had real value or was it just "nice to have". I considered PS1-support as a good reason to buy PS2 back then, as one of my sisters had loads of PS1 games. I bought xbox anyway, because i felt too many of the PS2 titles that time was just for kids (this was before the market was flooded with low budget bad xbox games for stupid parents, 1-2 months later the situation would have been the same for xbox). Anyway, one day we hooked the old PS1 up to a tv and it was like "Imagine we used to think this was good?".

[Xylob the Destroyer]

...until I see a press release stating Capcom won't make XBox360 games, then I'm sorry that I don't buy what you're selling...

Namco has stated quite clearly that "Soul Calibur III" will be PS2 ONLY -- NO Microsoft console release, NO Nintendo console release.
Now, this isn't Capcom, & it isn't a statement that Namco won't be making any games for X-BOX 360, but you won't see SCIII on it...
The game is scheduled to release "Fall 2005", and X-BOX 360 is rumored to release November-ish (& definitely before X-Mas!), I'm sure plenty of SC fans will be disappointed that they can't play the latest & greatest on their shiny new console.

[shelbyGT]

Well if your sole reason for getting a next gen console is to play Soul Calibur III, then by all means go for PS3. However, each system has "console specific" games. Yes, that factors into a decision, but it depends on the person and their interest in the available titles.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

I actually have absolutely NO interest in Soul Calibur, but this is a hugely popular franchise, and the fact that the last one released on all 3 consoles with console specific characters for each version was a pretty big deal.

I know a few folks who picked up each version - definitely more hard-core gamers than me (not to mention a more disposable income than me!).

[vitualis]

Completely off topic, but presumable the new Xbox 360 still uses an NT core?

If so, does this mean that MS may potentially have non-x86 based versions of Windows (or can create one) in the wings?

The Cell processor is still somewhat of a mystery in terms of its performance in general computing but unless these PPC chips are signficantly different to existing ones, they are still strong performs in general computing. Given the specs, an Xbox 360 probably makes an awesome workstation if you install a desktop OS on it...

Regards.

[shelbyGT]

Update: MS "made itself popular with current players of its Xbox titles when it announced that the 360 would be compatible with older version games, as well as the high-definition ones being produced especially for the 360."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7878662/

Also, MS announces Final Fantasy deal.

[shelbyGT]

And talking about games available:
http://news.com.com/A+gaggle+of+new+games+for+Xbox+360/2100-1043_3-5709353.html?tag=nl

LOS ANGELES--More than 160 games are on the way for the Xbox 360, with up to 40, including best-seller "Final Fantasy XI," expected to be available by the end of the year, Microsoft announced on Monday.

[vitualis]

Unless Square Enix decides to make standard Final Fantasy games for the Xbox360, I'm pretty certain my next console will be the PS3... FF XI is the MMPORG version and is hardly popular comparatively.

FF XII will be for the PS2 (which means it will play on the PS3).

Regards.

[RottenFoxBreath]

well,we'll all know a lot more in the coming week,and then fact will overcome speculation,hopefully e3 will reveal a lot of gret things in the coming year.

[shelbyGT]

Unless Square Enix decides to make standard Final Fantasy games for the Xbox360, I'm pretty certain my next console will be the PS3... FF XI is the MMPORG version and is hardly popular comparatively.

FF XII will be for the PS2 (which means it will play on the PS3).

Regards.

True. But I just don't like 1 game enough to base my decision on that. At this point I'm really looking for a nice multimedia center in the living room, and both look exceptionally suited to handle that need.

[Hooter Honker]

They seem to be making a big deal of the online accessories. However I don't see the point. I do not own the current version of xbox and I don't see myself owning any version of the xbox. The only game they currently have that looks interesting is Halo. There's one game that hooked me on the ps2, GTA 3, I actually bought the game and a memory card before the system. I just visited my brother's house and borrowed his ps2. The two follow-up GTA games also hold my attention on the ps2. Xbox just doesn't cut it for me, it seems that they're holding something back by calling it xbox v1.5. Sounds like those that buy the 360 are going to be mad that their system will be outdated once the ps3 is released. Why buy two systems (xbox) to make the true next-gen jump when you can get one (ps3).

HH

[smearbrick1]

They seem to be making a big deal of the online accessories. However I don't see the point. I do not own the current version of xbox and I don't see myself owning any version of the xbox. The only game they currently have that looks interesting is Halo. There's one game that hooked me on the ps2, GTA 3, I actually bought the game and a memory card before the system. I just visited my brother's house and borrowed his ps2. The two follow-up GTA games also hold my attention on the ps2. Xbox just doesn't cut it for me, it seems that they're holding something back by calling it xbox v1.5. Sounds like those that buy the 360 are going to be mad that their system will be outdated once the ps3 is released. Why buy two systems (xbox) to make the true next-gen jump when you can get one (ps3).

HH

How can you say that Xbox 360 will be outdated when the PS3 is released? That's just moronic. What it all boils down to is taste. What do you like? I can guarantee you it's not going to align exactly with what I want, but that's ok. That's why we have choices. I personally own both systems (xbox and ps3... had a gamecube for a little while... irritating little machine... damn controllers) and there are things that are likable about both systems. Some may say that the Xbox 360 isn't as powerful as the PS3 is purported to be, but then again, those same people said the same thing about the PS2 compared to the Xbox, and look at some of the cool things they've done with the PS2. They went way beyond what I thought would be capable with those specs. The graphics, in some cases, are on par with Xbox. I think it's all about utilizing the system specs. Did whoever code the game, code the game to utilize the 13 billion teraflops or whatever the hell?

Build a decent system, people will buy it. To not buy a great product because of reservations or vendettas against specific companies is just stupid, especially when you've never had any real dealings with said company. Everybody takes shit too personally.

I don't think anyone ever died if they didn't buy a next gen console. If it's that much of a problem, go back to Atari! (of course that would result in, should I buy the Atari or the Intellivision. I really don't like those Intellivision people, they built those paddles like that just to piss me off...)

[Xylob the Destroyer]

Has anyone here actually PLAYED a PS1 game on a PS2? Probably nice with support for it, but PS1 games suck no matter what...

That's one hell of a generalization...
PS1 games suck compared to what?
I play several PS1 games on my PS2 on a regular basis.

Not everybody is a ******* graphics whore....
Graphics seems to be all anybody (ESPECIALLY younger ppl) cares about when it comes to gaming now.
Gameplay actually matters to some people. I don't care how good the graphics are or how 'pretty' a game is - if the gameplay sucks, the game sucks, no matter how 'good' the graphics are.

I play Need For Speed Hot Pursuit & High Stakes (both for PS1) all the time because the gameplay is dead ******* solid and they are fun games to play.
I also play Tenchu and Nectaris (also both for PS1) quite regularly. Tenchu's graphics are bad, real bad -- and Necratis is a straight port to PS1 of a freakin' TurboGrafx16 game. It doesn't matter because the gameplay on these games is awesome.

There is much more to life than appearances.

Backward compatability is a huge selling point for a lot of people, which is why $ony is including it again, why Nintendon't will include it for GameCube on the Revolution, and as shelbyGT has shown us, Micro$oft will have it in X-BOX 360.

Not all of us have money falling out of our asses or mommy and daddy to buy us new toys all the time. Backward compatability is very attractive from an economic standpoint, and the console manufacturers are realizing this.
The vast majority of "gamers" are the same people that were gamers when the ATARI 2600 ruled. Video games aren't a fad that people outgrow. People who used to be avid gamers but aren't anymore didn't get tired of it, they just don't have the time anymore.
Most games are targeted at the 20 to 35 age group (supposedly), the people who can actually afford to drop $300.00 every few years on a new console, or even $600.00 or $900.00 every few years on 2 or 3 new consoles.
Just because I can afford to do this doesn't mean I want to throw money away. If those new consoles will play the old games, I can save some money by trading the old system(s) in.

**END OF RANT**

[thor300]

Well, personally i dont play old games. Tekken on PS1 just isnt the same after playing DOA on xbox, then tekken just.. sukcs . For me backwards compatibility is like buying a new fast car with a Volvo 240 emulator.
But thanx for answering, good to know someone actually appreciated backwarding on PS2. It still isnt important for me, i cant imagine playing Halo 1 and 2 when i already have a 360 with Halo 3 and 4 in highdef. I do however agree that it has to be good games to be entertaining, and thats where the current xbox failed for me, too many medium quality games. There is still a limit for how simple an entertaining game can be, the 360 is not made for playing pacman. Maybe you dont need a new console?

[Xylob the Destroyer]

oh, I'll definitely be getting a PS3 and a Revolution.
I'll take a 'wait & see' approach to the 360 though...
I appreciate old games as well as the new
I have every home console released in the U.S. from Nintendo, not to mention a TurboGrafx16, and have emulators for most Sega systems as well as Atari Jaguar & M.A.M.E..
I just like fun!
Pac Man rocks, as does Tekken5.

[Nilfennasion]

Ah, yes, the age-old element of gameplay.

I seriously find that a lot of companies have forgotten how siginifican this element really is. I mean, sure, it is one thing if a game has a steep learning curve (Shadow Of The Beast on the Amiga was mesmerising in spite of being outrageously difficult, or possibly because of it). But when a game feels rigged, it ruins the entire experience. As I said in some IMDB comments, if you were to play through EA Games' latest attempt to cruise on their Lord Of The Rings license, and videotape it, you'd find that the number of times you miss outnumber the number of times the AI misses by a factor of twenty to one. Mind you, this is a company that used to be from the good old days when gameplay was all a game had. What a sad fall.

Quite honestly, I wish I could go back to the Amiga and thumb my nose at the new generation of consoles. Games that you have to effectively "rig back", as I put it, suck.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

and I totally left out the bullshit about making games purely because you have purchased the rights to use the license....
most of those not only have horrible gameplay elements, but look like shit too!

[Nilfennasion]

Tell me about it. EA Games have created the range bet, as in put crossbows at the top of a slope, longbows at the bottom, and guess which bowmen will shoot while the others stand around like stunned mullets. I should copyright the term Artificial Inelegance.

[shelbyGT]

Did anyone else read that Nintendo will make it's entire back catalog available for download with the revolution. AWESOME!!!

[Nilfennasion]

Opinions (such as MS sucks, their games aren't worth it) I invalidate from an argumentative standpoint.

That is exactly what Mickeysoft count on. The first rule of MS-style marketing is that what a customer gets is not nearly as important as what he thinks he is getting. Having sat through the devolution of DOS and Windows for more than a decade myself, I can say with confidence that if the market had another choice that was easily implemented (as opposed to the push-crap-up-a-hill-with-a-knife approach of Linux), MS would be out on their ear. The only reason the X-Box even exists is because the PS2 has been expanded to a point where it can make PCs and MS irrelevant to certain market segments (video games, specifically). They thought they could throw enough money at the market and take it over, not realising that quality is a big factor in said market. Not to mention that Sony has pockets just as deep.

[vitualis]

As per Xylob...

I play the games for the gameplay... not for eye candy. I play FF games for the storyline. I still haven't finished the PSX version of FF4 yet and have still to play FF5, FF6 and FF7. I intend to at some stage...

Regards.

[shelbyGT]

Opinions (such as MS sucks, their games aren't worth it) I invalidate from an argumentative standpoint.

That is exactly what Mickeysoft count on. The first rule of MS-style marketing is that what a customer gets is not nearly as important as what he thinks he is getting. Having sat through the devolution of DOS and Windows for more than a decade myself, I can say with confidence that if the market had another choice that was easily implemented (as opposed to the push-crap-up-a-hill-with-a-knife approach of Linux), MS would be out on their ear. The only reason the X-Box even exists is because the PS2 has been expanded to a point where it can make PCs and MS irrelevant to certain market segments (video games, specifically). They thought they could throw enough money at the market and take it over, not realising that quality is a big factor in said market. Not to mention that Sony has pockets just as deep.

[Tidy]

I've seen the specs for the PS3 but, most likely, the games played on one system will look like the games played on the other. XBox is "faster" than the ps2, but in actuality gameplay and game "looks" are not severely hampered enough for people to notice, or care.

And if XBox 360 were compatible with XBox games that would be a plus for MS. (which, imho, won't happen. I think I read somewhere that the graphics engine won't let that happen, or something...)

The specs on the cell say 256 GFLOPS per SPE and they are putting 8 SPE's in the PS/3 which should come out to be more than 2TFLOPS which should make it twice the speed of the XBOX 360.

[shelbyGT]

The specs on the cell say 256 GFLOPS per SPE and they are putting 8 SPE's in the PS/3 which should come out to be more than 2TFLOPS which should make it twice the speed of the XBOX 360.

But does this translate into a better selling console? History shows NO! XBox is better on paper than the PS2, but didn't take off the same. Other factors come into play.

[spooky2k]

you're right, it doesnt matter which console is better on paper.
i guess the term applies here: 'its not how big it is, its what you can do with it'.
The PS3 has already been said to be excellent to develop for, adn the games that have been previewed really sway me towards Sony. I'm not bothered about backwards compatability, but it sure is nice to have it as a bonus.
I LOVE Nintendos plan to have their whole back catalogue downloadable...its realy using the classic games markter to its full extent, no matter how small or niché it is.
the topic of what console is betetr can be debated for a hell of a long time. but in the end, it comes down to personal preference. We have free will, and will use it.
Different people have different needs and opinions. Main point is: this generation, there will be a console for everyone. and thats what matters....we have a choice.

[Xylob the Destroyer]

I think people are getting a little too excited about Nintendo's offering of downloadable games for their previous consoles.
I dig it and can't wait, BUT, keep in mind that it is almost guaranteed to be ONLY games that were developed/published by Nintendo -- so, SuperMetroid = YAY!!!, MegaMan = unlikely....

developers (among those lucky few to have received the EARLY development kits, that is) have indeed stepped forward and stated quite clearly that the PS3 is incredibly easy to develop/program for, obviously $ony learned from their mistakes with the PS2

as far as a console for everyone, I think it will be even harder to choose this time around.....
I got a PS2 fairly early in it's life, waited a while for the GameCube, and still have no interest in X-BOX.
All three of the "next-gen" systems are quite appealling to me this time around tho!