• 18Aug 05

  Xbox360 Core IS the standard system. Big mistake.

  The Core bundle IS the standard.

  It's interesting to hear that the Core package will have no Hi-def cable included, no backwards compatibility right away, no 20 gb HDD included, and no wireless controller included...

  No backward compatibility for Core? Microsoft lied to us, since they did state "limited backward compatibility" (which is already bad as it is, since it's limited) to ALL Xbox360s. They never differentiated between "Core" and "360" before.

  And no 20 gb HDD for Core? Then how the hell can Core gamers play games that WILL need the HDD for Xbox360? Square Enix's FFXI needs it along with Bestheda's Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. They were under the assumption that all XBox360s will have a harddrive included in the console when purchased. Microsoft already lowered the sales of these two games before it even came out!

  Wired controllers? Message to Microsoft: Sony and Nintendo's next-gen consoles will have wireless controllers as the standard! Nintendo began this new novelty with the Gamecube Wavebird. Sony's Bluetooth Wireless controllers are for PS3. Nintendo Revolution will naturally be wireless (excluding the Rev's ability to plug-in GC controllers, which is for BC purposes), since Nintendo has become "wi-fi" crazy with DS and soon Revolution.

  No inclusion of Hi-def cables is also a big mistake for the Core package since both Microsoft and Sony were boasting about Hi-definition being an important factor in next-gen gaming. This new announcement looks like they want Hi-def, yet they don't. Do they want their next-gen console to be hi-def or not? I thought not including HD-DVD was bad enough...

  The recent announcements looks like Microsoft is shooting themself in the foot. Microsoft not only lead gamers on with all this "standard" features, but they also betrayed their developers who wanted the HDD already in the console. If they never gloated about all this "standard" feature this never would have happened. Also, what's with the last minute announcement of such an important issue? The XBox360 games that must use HDD are going to sell a lot less than expected now.

  I'm still getting an Xbox360, but it will now be my last choice. PS3 will probably be priced around 400$ (if they want to stay competitive), and I'm now getting that first for sure. I was going to get Xbox360 next, but with the recent announcements I realize the HDD feature will become a dud now that it's no longer standard in EVERY XBox360. Revolution is now going to be my second next-gen console purchase since it will be the cheapest of the three, standard wireless controllers, built-in 512 mb Flash memory (hey, at least there's something in every Revolution!), SUPER BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY with NES, SNES, N64, and GC, the Nintendo dream team of mascots (Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, F-Zero, Star Fox, etc.), and the fact that every first-party Nintendo game with online mode will have FREE ONLINE multiplayer. That means no monthly fees or subscriptions.

  Again, I state that I will get Xbox360, but not anytime soon.

  • Posted Aug 18, 2005 7:00 am PT
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• 18Aug 05

  Not every Xbox360 has an HDD included? Wireless controller not standard? wth?

  There's goes my main reason to get XBox360 before Revolution. Now I'm definitely leaning towards Revolution as my second console for next-gen thanks to Nintendo's unbeatable dream team of mascots!

  Microsoft made an announcement it shouldn't have made.

  • Posted Aug 18, 2005 6:16 am PT
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• 26Jul 05

  I'm getting PS3 first, but then what? Microsoft Xbox360 vs. Nintendo Revolution

  My second purchase will probably be a tougher one, because Revolution's controller and specs are STILL mysterious even as the launch date nears for Xbox360 and PS3.

  However, I have trusted Nintendo for many years, so I look forward to discovering the "revolutionary" controller that will change "the way games are played". Unfortunately, Nintendo's next-gen console will almost certainly be the least powerful, considering its price will be the lowest. Making the ability to play DVDs is a slap in the face. Sure, almost everyone has a DVD player, but the fact that their competitors will have dual-layered DVD discs or Blu-ray discs ALONG with playing old DVD movies is disadvantageous for Nintendo. The lack of USB 2.0 ports (Rev - 2, 360 - 4, PS3 - 6!!!) and the decision to NOT go high-definition may come back to haunt them.

  To be honest, the only things going for Nintendo compared to Microsoft in particular (since I'm deciding between these two for my second next-gen console), is Nintendo's SUPER BACKWARD COMPATIBILITY, meaning I can download and play games from NES, SNES, and N64. I could also play Gamecube games! YES! The instant, out-of-the-box wi-fi connectivity is great, and Nintendo's plans to make all their first-party multiplayer games built-in with online capabilities is sweet too. Next, if Nintendo's new controller is revolutionary and FUN, then that will seal my decision to purchase it second. Lastly, the Nintendo Revolution WILL have some of the most famous gaming mascots on board like Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Metroid, Kirby, F-Zero, Star Fox, Donkey Kong, etc., etc., etc. Nintendo's mascots can't be beat.

  The Xbox360 is the other contender for my second purchase. Although nearly all the details regarding this system is out, I must wait for more information on the Revolution before deciding anything. Besides, it may be my second purchase, which will occur WAYYYY after I buy the PS3.

  Of all the systems, Xbox360 has the best online plans at the moment. The whole "Playstation World" concept from Sony is still a big mystery, and Nintendo only supports Wi-fi so no built-in ethernet port. The controller looks comfortable, though I can't stand the white colour they chose, which looks very dull to me. The PS3's controller, in my opinion, looks weird, but it's probably very comfortable. Remember: it Sony changes their controller, which has remained the same for the PS and PS2, then it MUST be better. Think about it: why would they change their controller if their previous ones were excellent? Simple: it's PROBABLY better. As the saying goes, "don't judge a book by its cover."

  Anyway, back to the Xbox360: built-in HDD? check. Specs better than Rev but slightly worse the PS3? check. Online? obviously. Halo 3, Perfect Dark Zero, Ninety-Nine Nights, Lost Odyssey, DOAX 2, and Gears of War? Hell yeah! Also, almost all the specs and ports are "currently" better than the Revolution, because we hardly know anything about it. Therefore, at the moment, my second console of choice will be the Xbox360.

  • Posted Jul 26, 2005 2:16 pm PT
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