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Why The X-Box Network Will Fail
angkor wrote to us an article from The Register that looks at what Microsoft is planning for the X-Box Network. The factual information is educating on it's own - and the analysis of why they think it will fail is interesting as well.
Yes you are right about the xbox failing by itself. However I dont agree with your "xbox might be a better console" because its SO NOT. Also, I think Nintendo is the best of them but thats just my PoV (which happens to be correct). Sony used Nintendo's help to get where it is (PSX means play station experimental which is sony and nintendo's team up machine that the big N cancelled at the last moment). However the greatest software developer in terms of first party material still remains as Nintendo. Back on the point, MS would definately try to use this to get into people's home and make its stuff more intrusive then ever before. If this were to somehow happen, pack your bags because I'm sure they'd change their name to UMBRELLA Inc and from there we're all screwed >;] my 2 and a half cents
I'm sorry but the kiddy console LameCube is pretty useless. It doesn't have either the Game library or the power of the X-Box, and while it is a bit more powerfull than a PS2, the PS2 is way ahead of it in terms of games. Not to mention the fact that the Controllers on the LameCube suck hairy mouse balls. Oh, and X-Box has more A list games than LameCube has games in total.
X-Box will be the #2 console for a while, it's the DreamCast 2 really, right down to the game library. Funny that it's getting all the DC sequels, like JSRF, Shenmue 2, DOA 3, Sega GT 2K2. It's never going to catch PS2, but it will do well. It will never do well in Japan though.
The Controller thing is funny, everybody seems to love the LameCube controller, which is a cheapo platic controller whose only redeeming quality is the fact that it doesn't require 3 hands to use like the N64 controller does. It's cheap, a PITA to use and so small it causes hand cramps unless you are under 12. The X-Box controller is great for guys, with it's comfortable grip and nice layout, but it's not so great if you have little hands. The PS2 controller is a nice cross between the teeny controller set (Nintendo) and the giant controller set (Sega/MS), but can be a PITA for long gaming sessions.
So Sony's going to win, X-Box comes in second, and LameCube is dead in North America already. I'll be getting an X-Box when Soul Calibur 2 ships, till then, I'm quite happy with my PS2.
The Crazy Finn
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