Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Microsoft to Release Three Versions of Xbox 2

Posted by Zonk on from the curiouser-and-curiouser dept.

BlueMoon writes "TheInquirer is reporting that Microsoft plans to release 3 version of the next generation Xbox console: one of which appears to be a fully functioning PC device, the other 2 are closer to a home console - one with a HDD, the other without. Xbox Next and Xbox Next HD are planned for autumn 2005, the Xbox Next PC is not excepted to show up before autumn 2006."

2 of 73 comments (clear)

  1. Microsoft and a G5 PC? by RobTerrell · · Score: 3, Interesting

    That's really strange. Are they recompiling XP and key Office apps for the G5, or running everything under an embedded VirtualPC, or doing something entirely new? Because I can't imagine they'll be letting it boot Mac OS X, let alone Yellowdog Linux.

  2. Re:WTF? by Quarters · · Score: 3, Interesting
    This is just going to confuse people. Why not release one box and sell upgrades/enhancements for it down the line.

    Peripherals for consoles never achieve any decent amount of sell-through. This is because developers will never support it. They can either develop a game that works on 100% of the installed base of consoles or develop a game that woks on n% of the installed base, where n is a sufficiently small number. The XBoxHD will offer increased functionality but probably not things that are of any dramatic benefit to gamers. Yeah, it might alleviate the need for a memory card or allow for some limited downloadable content. More than likely, though, it will offer TiVO like functionality and a way to store and playback media files.