Natal consumes just 10 to 15 per cent of the Xbox's computing resources

Long but interesting article.

It really shows Microsoft has put a lot of work into Project Natal. I personally don't have the space in my room for anything really phsyical. I guess the living room will be where most people use it, like in the E3 video.

As for it being software enabled rather than hardware, it makes sense from a cost stance. You don't have to buy new hardware since it can be updated, and as many developers have stated, few if any games even take 100% of the system so far. Either way, I'll be one of the first to try the demos in stores like Best Buy when it comes out.

I'm not going to knock what Natal is in principle, because I'm sure it means something to someone, but I have zero interest in it.

Does anyone feel it will hurt peripheral based games like Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Band Hero, Tony Hawk Ride and others being you can probably simulate those instruments and devices "for free" with Natal?

It that really does happen, I could see people easily buying the disc version of those games, unless they'll only make the package bundle to avoid that all together. Then again they could add Natal exclusive features to these games which might considerably reduce costs if you did in fact only need to buy the disk (assuming you had Natal to begin with).

I'm excited after learning that Johnny Lee is working on the Natal team. If you don't know who he is, then check out his work http://www.johnnylee.net/projects/ Funny how Microsoft nabbed the guy who spent so much time making awesome mods to the Wii-mote.

Does anyone feel it will hurt peripheral based games like Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Band Hero, Tony Hawk Ride and others being you can probably simulate those instruments and devices "for free" with Natal?

It that really does happen, I could see people easily buying the disc version of those games, unless they'll only make the package bundle to avoid that all together. Then again they could add Natal exclusive features to these games which might considerably reduce costs if you did in fact only need to buy the disk (assuming you had Natal to begin with).

Sophette

15% is to much. The 360 already has a hard time running most games at 30 FPS, and is ussually on full load. now they are adding another 15% of work? Natal reeks of suck.

15% is to much. The 360 already has a hard time running most games at 30 FPS, and is ussually on full load. now they are adding another 15% of work? Natal reeks of suck.

painguy1

Everything you said there is 100% wrong

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

15% is to much. The 360 already has a hard time running most games at 30 FPS, and is ussually on full load. now they are adding another 15% of work? Natal reeks of suck.

Jaysonguy

Everything you said there is 100% wrong

15% is to much. The 360 already has a hard time running most games at 30 FPS, and is ussually on full load. now they are adding another 15% of work? Natal reeks of suck.

painguy1

Can we please wait til it comes out before we jump to conclusions. kthx.

Does anyone feel it will hurt peripheral based games like Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Band Hero, Tony Hawk Ride and others being you can probably simulate those instruments and devices "for free" with Natal?

It that really does happen, I could see people easily buying the disc version of those games, unless they'll only make the package bundle to avoid that all together. Then again they could add Natal exclusive features to these games which might considerably reduce costs if you did in fact only need to buy the disk (assuming you had Natal to begin with).

Sophette

I'm still only seeing this work with a very small number of games, mostly geared for people who love the Wii. Games that push the 360's sales (shooters, RPG and sports) will see no benefit from this tech.ForeverNHim

One thing I am worried about though is the inevitable flood of really aweful gimmicky games. I like the Wii, I've had one since launch, but it has a LOT of really aweful games.

One thing I am worried about though is the inevitable flood of really aweful gimmicky games. I like the Wii, I've had one since launch, but it has a LOT of really aweful games.

Toribor

Do you live somewhere that you're forced to buy them?

The 360 has the strongest library of any console, extra games that you don't have to buy does what exactly?

One thing I am worried about though is the inevitable flood of really aweful gimmicky games. I like the Wii, I've had one since launch, but it has a LOT of really aweful games.

Toribor

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

15% is to much. The 360 already has a hard time running most games at 30 FPS, and is ussually on full load. now they are adding another 15% of work? Natal reeks of suck.

Jaysonguy

Everything you said there is 100% wrong

y is that? last time i checked FarCry 2 was running at 15fps without optomizations. CPU was under 80% idle, and 98% when being pushed, and GPU at 100% load because the Dunia engine had physics proccesses to intensive for the 360's GPU.

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

15% is to much. The 360 already has a hard time running most games at 30 FPS, and is ussually on full load. now they are adding another 15% of work? Natal reeks of suck.

dlindenb2000

i agree, and thats where the issue comes in. They have to dumb down the games. I dont want that happening.

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

15% is to much. The 360 already has a hard time running most games at 30 FPS, and is ussually on full load. now they are adding another 15% of work? Natal reeks of suck.

painguy1

Everything you said there is 100% wrong

y is that? last time i checked FarCry 2 was running at 15fps without optomizations. CPU was under 80% idle, and 98% when being pushed, and GPU at 100% load because the Dunia engine had physics proccesses to intensive for the 360's GPU. everything i siad is 100% true, except the "reeks of suck" part, thats my opinion.

Wrong

I have no idea where you came up with this but you're wrong

The idea that 30 fps is somehow hard for the 360 would make 60 impossible yet the 360 does 60 fps so right there I've shown you to be wrong

[QUOTE="Toribor"]

One thing I am worried about though is the inevitable flood of really aweful gimmicky games. I like the Wii, I've had one since launch, but it has a LOT of really aweful games.

Jaysonguy

Do you live somewhere that you're forced to buy them?

The 360 has the strongest library of any console, extra games that you don't have to buy does what exactly?

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

[QUOTE="Jaysonguy"]

Everything you said there is 100% wrong

Jaysonguy

y is that? last time i checked FarCry 2 was running at 15fps without optomizations. CPU was under 80% idle, and 98% when being pushed, and GPU at 100% load because the Dunia engine had physics proccesses to intensive for the 360's GPU. everything i siad is 100% true, except the "reeks of suck" part, thats my opinion.

Wrong

I have no idea where you came up with this but you're wrong

The idea that 30 fps is somehow hard for the 360 would make 60 impossible yet the 360 does 60 fps so right there I've shown you to be wrong

the 360 has a GPU the equivalent of a Nvidia 7300. Pierre Rivest said it himself. Most 360 games run at 30 fps. Halo 3 doesn't even run in 720p it runs in 640p at 30fps. In order to get anything to run on consoles the engine has to be heavly optomized. At first getting the game to run on the 360 seemed like an impossobility, but after dumbing some things down they got it at 15fps then 30fps at a native resolution of 720p. here is the link if you dont believe me. http://www.vg247.com/2008/10/06/far-cry-2-720p-but-no-60-frames-a-second/

Long but interesting article.

It really shows Microsoft has put a lot of work into Project Natal. I personally don't have the space in my room for anything really phsyical. I guess the living room will be where most people use it, like in the E3 video.

As for it being software enabled rather than hardware, it makes sense from a cost stance. You don't have to buy new hardware since it can be updated, and as many developers have stated, few if any games even take 100% of the system so far. Either way, I'll be one of the first to try the demos in stores like Best Buy when it comes out.

Sophette

But you do have to buy hardware for Natal, you have to buy the camera. Just like any other hardware, it could be updated by software. I really don't understand what you mean by "You don't have to buy new hardware since it can be updated" Hopefully Microsoft passes along the savings to consumers, if it costs more than $100, you know M$ is pocketing the savings.

Also the hardware has been dumbed down. The Zcam, which Natal is based off of, ran at 60hz, now it runs at 30hz. So basically to make it cheaper, they had to use more of the 360 power and make the hardware less acurate. So the price better be less than $100 for consumers because Zcam back in 2008 said they were going to charge $100.

I'm not going to knock what Natal is in principle, because I'm sure it means something to someone, but I have zero interest in it.

Large_Soda

Pretty much my thoughts but I am doubtful as to how successful it will actually be.

15% is to much. The 360 already has a hard time running most games at 30 FPS, and is ussually on full load. now they are adding another 15% of work? Natal reeks of suck.

painguy1

source....oh wait? none?

Judging the Wii and how it appeals, a watered-down game is acceptable as long as it delivers. Wii has proven people aren't interested in just graphics, Xbox can obviously output better than that with a 15% resource cut.

I think the Natal will be versatile, possibly enabling controller and controller-free gaming with the motion-sensing.

Anyways, I'm not interested, I tried the Wii, doubt this will be my type of thing.

[QUOTE="Sophette"]

Long but interesting article.

It really shows Microsoft has put a lot of work into Project Natal. I personally don't have the space in my room for anything really phsyical. I guess the living room will be where most people use it, like in the E3 video.

As for it being software enabled rather than hardware, it makes sense from a cost stance. You don't have to buy new hardware since it can be updated, and as many developers have stated, few if any games even take 100% of the system so far. Either way, I'll be one of the first to try the demos in stores like Best Buy when it comes out.

LoserMike

But you do have to buy hardware for Natal, you have to buy the camera. Just like any other hardware, it could be updated by software. I really don't understand what you mean by "You don't have to buy new hardware since it can be updated" Hopefully Microsoft passes along the savings to consumers, if it costs more than $100, you know M$ is pocketing the savings.

Also the hardware has been dumbed down. The Zcam, which Natal is based off of, ran at 60hz, now it runs at 30hz. So basically to make it cheaper, they had to use more of the 360 power and make the hardware less acurate. So the price better be less than $100 for consumers because Zcam back in 2008 said they were going to charge $100.

uh, you wouldn't have to buy a $50-60 dollar controller (1-4) of them, and that would be on top of the regular controllers you have already bought.

4 wands, 4 Dualshocks

0 Natal, 4 360 controllers

yup.

Long but interesting article.

It really shows Microsoft has put a lot of work into Project Natal. I personally don't have the space in my room for anything really phsyical. I guess the living room will be where most people use it, like in the E3 video.

As for it being software enabled rather than hardware, it makes sense from a cost stance. You don't have to buy new hardware since it can be updated, and as many developers have stated, few if any games even take 100% of the system so far. Either way, I'll be one of the first to try the demos in stores like Best Buy when it comes out.

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

15% is to much. The 360 already has a hard time running most games at 30 FPS, and is ussually on full load. now they are adding another 15% of work? Natal reeks of suck.

HavocV3

source....oh wait? none?

Judging the Wii and how it appeals, a watered-down game is acceptable as long as it delivers. Wii has proven people aren't interested in just graphics, Xbox can obviously output better than that with a 15% resource cut.

I think the Natal will be versatile, possibly enabling controller and controller-free gaming with the motion-sensing.

Anyways, I'm not interested, I tried the Wii, doubt this will be my type of thing.

source.http://www.vg247.com/2008/10/06/far-cry-2-720p-but-no-60-frames-a-second/

The difference between the wii and natal is that the wiimotes dont take up 15% load on the CPU. The wiis graphical power is caused by its inferior hardware. I bought a 360 for the controller based gameplay, I bought a wii for its first party, and i built a PC for superior tech. I dont want my 360 to turn into a wii. I already have one and i dont need a second one. As for having sources well i dont need any nor do you. Take a look at the hardware, and look at the games, put togther all ur technical knowledge and it becomes obvious the 360 isnt string enough, but because most people cant think for themselves these days i put a link for you above. As i mentioned before the 360 cant even support Halo 3 on 720p. they had to dumb down the native resolution.

I think most ppl are scared that Natal will be used much like the wii remote, but from the beginning MS has been stateing over and over again that its not a new controler its more of an additon to what is already good. I think the wii was a great idea when it first came out i was excited about it as my sec. system but was dissapointed to learn i had to use the (mostly off) controler for every game i wanted to play and that really threw me off. Im excited about Natal cause from what i've seen and read its more about what it can add. I mean lets look at it from another angle- If your a madden fan im not giving up my controller to play my season it would be stupid , But in cases like facial rec. i can finally put "me" in the game. In certain modes like superstar mode your already taken one postion on the field and its kinda an upclose view as you control the one player well in that case it would be so much fun to act out your throws along side voice rec. to do simple things like snap or try to make the def. jump sides. Playing a corner back and trying to pick the qb would be great. For a shooter i would much rather have my controller but wouldn't the additon of pre-battle hand signals add to the game as well as even behind cover gernade throws with your hands. Much like ign's idea of racing games i really cant see a pretend steering wheel but i can see a slight move of my head while im driving allowing me to see whats beside me or behide me via mirrors. Voice and facial rec. would make great additons to rpg's weather for in game reaction to your facial reactions of a cut scene or even a quick vocal command to equip a spell or sword could def. help out cluncky inventory. But in the end its all about perception and mine is the potential is there and im very excited to see where they go with it and will they make good use of it or will they fail as i feel the wii has in that aspect.

i suppose it would be difficult to make fully interactive games for the natal i would guess that most of the shooter games would be on rails or force you to move the character by running if thats possible but that would be fun.

does any one know the pricing for the Natal yet?

[QUOTE="Toribor"]

One thing I am worried about though is the inevitable flood of really aweful gimmicky games. I like the Wii, I've had one since launch, but it has a LOT of really aweful games.

Jaysonguy

Do you live somewhere that you're forced to buy them?

The 360 has the strongest library of any console, extra games that you don't have to buy does what exactly?

I think you're missing the point.

Because there's only so many developers out in the world. If good developers are being 'forced' or even 'encouraged' to develop games for use with Natal, there's the reasonable chance we'll see many dev studios taking time to make these 'Natal' games(which could very well be gimmicky) instead of making other quality games.

source.http://www.vg247.com/2008/10/06/far-cry-2-720p-but-no-60-frames-a-second/

The difference between the wii and natal is that the wiimotes dont take up 15% load on the CPU. The wiis graphical power is caused by its inferior hardware. I bought a 360 for the controller based gameplay, I bought a wii for its first party, and i built a PC for superior tech. I dont want my 360 to turn into a wii. I already have one and i dont need a second one. As for having sources well i dont need any nor do you. Take a look at the hardware, and look at the games, put togther all ur technical knowledge and it becomes obvious the 360 isnt string enough, but because most people cant think for themselves these days i put a link for you above. As i mentioned before the 360 cant even support Halo 3 on 720p. they had to dumb down the native resolution.

painguy1

You really have no clue what you're talking about. Seems you have some elementary knowledge of framerates and screen resolutions, but dont understand how they are used and what the consequences are of using them. You also seem to be ignoring that a major part of the screen resolution and framerate of a game is dependent on the game engine, and not just the system processing it.

Go do some more research and come back in a few months when you know what you're talking about, ok?

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

source.http://www.vg247.com/2008/10/06/far-cry-2-720p-but-no-60-frames-a-second/

The difference between the wii and natal is that the wiimotes dont take up 15% load on the CPU. The wiis graphical power is caused by its inferior hardware. I bought a 360 for the controller based gameplay, I bought a wii for its first party, and i built a PC for superior tech. I dont want my 360 to turn into a wii. I already have one and i dont need a second one. As for having sources well i dont need any nor do you. Take a look at the hardware, and look at the games, put togther all ur technical knowledge and it becomes obvious the 360 isnt string enough, but because most people cant think for themselves these days i put a link for you above. As i mentioned before the 360 cant even support Halo 3 on 720p. they had to dumb down the native resolution.

seankane

You really have no clue what you're talking about. Seems you have some elementary knowledge of framerates and screen resolutions, but dont understand how they are used and what the consequences are of using them. You also seem to be ignoring that a major part of the screen resolution and framerate of a game is dependent on the game engine, and not just the system processing it.

Go do some more research and come back in a few months when you know what you're talking about, ok?

I'm amazed how popular it seems to be to bash someone. You can disagree with the guy or counter his 'facts' with ARGUMENTS, but just bashing backed by saying "You also seem to be ignoring that a major part of the screen resolution and framerate of a game is dependent on the game engine, and not just the system processing it" is just nonsense. He didn't even touch that subject, let alone deny/confirm it. I assume he would be smart enough to understand that particular quote himself.

I agree with him on 15% being a larger load on the system than -I- expected.

Well the one thing that no one is really saying , and it's also the thing i like the most about Natal is that its a choice! Unlike the wii you don't have to buy this item and if you have it you don't have to use it in order to play your games or enjoy your system. Thats the key when its all said and done when Natal finally drops you have a choice, you wont miss out on the next big blockbuster game cause you didn't invest in it. And from the interviews and articles MS is fully aware of the fact a lot of us don't like the crap games for the wii that are gimmicky. Maybe im wrong but it seems they want to make this somthing thats just another weapon in the 360 arsenal , not make it the whole platoon!

[QUOTE="seankane"]

[QUOTE="painguy1"]

source.http://www.vg247.com/2008/10/06/far-cry-2-720p-but-no-60-frames-a-second/

The difference between the wii and natal is that the wiimotes dont take up 15% load on the CPU. The wiis graphical power is caused by its inferior hardware. I bought a 360 for the controller based gameplay, I bought a wii for its first party, and i built a PC for superior tech. I dont want my 360 to turn into a wii. I already have one and i dont need a second one. As for having sources well i dont need any nor do you. Take a look at the hardware, and look at the games, put togther all ur technical knowledge and it becomes obvious the 360 isnt string enough, but because most people cant think for themselves these days i put a link for you above. As i mentioned before the 360 cant even support Halo 3 on 720p. they had to dumb down the native resolution.

dirktu

You really have no clue what you're talking about. Seems you have some elementary knowledge of framerates and screen resolutions, but dont understand how they are used and what the consequences are of using them. You also seem to be ignoring that a major part of the screen resolution and framerate of a game is dependent on the game engine, and not just the system processing it.

Go do some more research and come back in a few months when you know what you're talking about, ok?

I'm amazed how popular it seems to be to bash someone. You can disagree with the guy or counter his 'facts' with ARGUMENTS, but just bashing backed by saying "You also seem to be ignoring that a major part of the screen resolution and framerate of a game is dependent on the game engine, and not just the system processing it" is just nonsense. He didn't even touch that subject, let alone deny/confirm it. I assume he would be smart enough to understand that particular quote himself.

I agree with him on 15% being a larger load on the system than -I- expected.

thank you :D

I'm amazed how popular it seems to be to bash someone. You can disagree with the guy or counter his 'facts' with ARGUMENTS, but just bashing backed by saying "You also seem to be ignoring that a major part of the screen resolution and framerate of a game is dependent on the game engine, and not just the system processing it" is just nonsense. He didn't even touch that subject, let alone deny/confirm it. I assume he would be smart enough to understand that particular quote himself.

dirktu

No, he didn't touch that subject, which is why I'm calling him out on it. Its like talking about how fast your computer runs without talking about RAM. Its an integral part of the equation that you cant just ignore.

In his case, he's trying to prove that the 360 'can barely handle 30fps' by saying that Far Cry 2 isn't 60fps. Its an absurd way to argue about it, not to mention that its largely down to Ubisoft Montreal to 'lock' the framerate at what they feel is best to also combine with the other aspects of the game engine. I'm sure they could've gotten it to run at 60fps on the 360 if they had compromised on such visual aspects like anti-aliasing and shadows and whatnot.

The simple fact is that the 360 *does not* struggle to display 30fps, as evidenced by such games as Modern Warfare 2 and Forza 3 and many others, that not only look great, but also run at a smooth 60 fps. The guy is plain wrong and needs to be called out on it. I'm not bashing him, I'm simply showing him that he's WRONG and arguing from a perspective for which he is clearly lacking knowledge.

Does anyone feel it will hurt peripheral based games like Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Band Hero, Tony Hawk Ride and others being you can probably simulate those instruments and devices "for free" with Natal?

It that really does happen, I could see people easily buying the disc version of those games, unless they'll only make the package bundle to avoid that all together. Then again they could add Natal exclusive features to these games which might considerably reduce costs if you did in fact only need to buy the disk (assuming you had Natal to begin with).

With the global popularity of the Wiimote, everyone is trying to cash in on the next great gaming sensation. Funny thing is, the control has lasted 25+ years, and keeps getting better. They need to just keep making advances in their hardware to stay on top of the console game, and stop working on gimmicks to attract the elderly and teens.ForeverNHim

Does anyone feel it will hurt peripheral based games like Rock Band, Guitar Hero, Band Hero, Tony Hawk Ride and others being you can probably simulate those instruments and devices "for free" with Natal?

It that really does happen, I could see people easily buying the disc version of those games, unless they'll only make the package bundle to avoid that all together. Then again they could add Natal exclusive features to these games which might considerably reduce costs if you did in fact only need to buy the disk (assuming you had Natal to begin with).

Sophette

No - Natal is not precise enough to detect individual finger movements.

From the article you linked to in your original post:

"The system locates body parts to within a 4-centimetre cube, says Kipman."

While you might be able to play something like a drum kit with exaggerated movements, small finger movements like fretwork on a guitar, it isn't going to be able to pickup in any detail and/or the recognition would be frustrating and keep making mistakes. While Natal is a great improvement over the Live Vision camera in terms of resolution and being able to pick out the person from the background, it is still not film standard motion capture.

Similarly for games involving weapons - pulling the trigger on a gun is a very small movement, and hard to pick up on motion capture, as opposed to throwing a spear, or using a bow and arrow, where the physical movements are much greater and easier to capture

Well the one thing that no one is really saying , and it's also the thing i like the most about Natal is that its a choice! Unlike the wii you don't have to buy this item and if you have it you don't have to use it in order to play your games or enjoy your system. Thats the key when its all said and done when Natal finally drops you have a choice, you wont miss out on the next big blockbuster game cause you didn't invest in it. And from the interviews and articles MS is fully aware of the fact a lot of us don't like the crap games for the wii that are gimmicky. Maybe im wrong but it seems they want to make this somthing thats just another weapon in the 360 arsenal , not make it the whole platoon!

karma1680

I think the wii is great for what it is and everyone has there fav. i would never dis anyone who really loves it i have one. I love it for my kids and family night but other then that its not up my ally that i can pic it up everyday and play as i do my 360 but thats another convo. No MS will not make Natal a main stead of the 360 that is what would make it fail by no means is this the wii its like a new controler is how you have to look at it and think to many ppl get stuck on it being like the wii. And i will have to dissagree with you (respectivley) on that note hardcore gamers are what make this industry run. The wii did a great job of bringing in the casual gamers and with its success every gaming company will try and capitalize on that. But with Natal MS knows that if they follow completely in Nintindo's footsteps they will be doomed. The wii facts are facts no matter what our opinion may be and the fact is the wii sells more then both MS and Sony combined at times thats a fact with the family outlook and low price its great in these days and times. But the other fact is when it comes to softwear as a hole the wii is a utter failer compared to there competitors. Casual gamers will move units but because of the nature of a casual gamer they will not support it very well. The def. of a causel gamer in it self means they don't play games that often nor are they the first in line every month to pic up the new games thats where the hardcore gamers come in there the ones who spends the 500 dollars on launch to get all the new stuff the extra stuff the upcoming games. Now with all of that said Natal is not like the wii in the since that it will take over as the new norm for the system games wont be completely redone just to accomidate it. What it will do is be a supporter much like a wirless ear piece or a skateboard for tony hawk. But with the other features it contains it will also play as the upgrade that will allow the 360 to stay fresh and not need a successor. Now this is all speculation i want to make that clear its just my opinion that MS will accomplish this but what is fact is that if Natal does well if it fails it will not make nor break the 360 because unlike the wii it is a opiton they can very well pull it off the shelfs like the HD set and the 360 will move on and still sell games as well as it always have.

[QUOTE="karma1680"]

Well the one thing that no one is really saying , and it's also the thing i like the most about Natal is that its a choice! Unlike the wii you don't have to buy this item and if you have it you don't have to use it in order to play your games or enjoy your system. Thats the key when its all said and done when Natal finally drops you have a choice, you wont miss out on the next big blockbuster game cause you didn't invest in it. And from the interviews and articles MS is fully aware of the fact a lot of us don't like the crap games for the wii that are gimmicky. Maybe im wrong but it seems they want to make this somthing thats just another weapon in the 360 arsenal , not make it the whole platoon!

Sepewrath

Every system has what makes it appealing. Your right that MS wants to get in on the money thats the nature of buisness. Sony is doing the same thing and so on and so forth. The idea is to either slap somthing together and get a quick buck wial the fad is big or change the game. It's to hard to say which this will do but with the other features outside of just games i feel as though it will be a great additon to the system. Theres a lot of things you can say are a gimmick, but the thing is will it work. When the 360 added netflicks there were so many ppl saying oh this is another gimmick but sure enough its a success so much that netflicks is looking to do this type of thing will more then just games systems. Its up to ppl wheather it works so we will see cause look at the wii for a moment. From a formula the wii should have been down and out by now. The games selection is generic at best the remote is fun but def. old and not supported well outside of first party. But yet and still it keeps selling and im very happy about it i love seeing this type of compation because each company then puts there best foot forward to outdo the other and we the comsumer becomes the real winner. Like is said for what it is i like the wii. I love tech that allows you to do mult. things. My 360 replaced my dvd play the cd player my trips to blockbutster, i can check my facebook so on and so farth. My wife is so ready for Natal she loves the demo of the family watching movies and controling with having to use the remote or controler and we both understand those are things that bring about so many possiblitys outside of just gaming that in my mind done right will be worth it without the game implications. I Hope it does well but we will have to see a year after it comes out . I own a Iphone and its great but as we speak there are companys who have the same tech now and are trying to make bigger and better things in order to compete. some are cheap copies and some have a chance to dethrown it so again lets wait and see how things will go with it.

My wife is so ready for Natal she loves the demo of the family watching movies and controling with having to use the remote or controler and we both understand those are things that bring about so many possiblitys outside of just gaming that in my mind done right will be worth it without the game implications. karma1680

[QUOTE="Toribor"]

One thing I am worried about though is the inevitable flood of really aweful gimmicky games. I like the Wii, I've had one since launch, but it has a LOT of really aweful games.

DJ_Magneto

Considering the amount of proccessing power in the system and the fact that Natal games won't be too demanding, I doubt this will have any negative impact on the operation of the console.

I really want Natal as a remote control. That would be pretty cool to be honest.