Microsoft Announces "Game Room," Confirms Natal For Late 2010

Microsoft has confirmed that their upcoming motion-control system, Natal, will be released during the 2010 holiday season. The announcement was made during CES, alongside news of "Game Room," a service that will act like a virtual arcade, bringing classic games to users of the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live. It's due out this spring with 30 games to start, and will gradually ramp up to over a thousand titles. According to Kotaku, "You can buy a game for between 240-400 Microsoft Points, or if you really want that old arcade feeling, you can pay 40 Microsoft Points and play the game once, like it was 1985 and you'd just dropped a quarter." Another interesting bit of news is that subscribers to AT&T's U-Verse will soon be able to use the Xbox 360 as their set-top box.

Comments

Mind Control

[Anonymous Coward]

Why did I read "motion control" as "mind control"?

Re:Mind Control

[Anonymous Coward]

Because you're a retard.

Re:Mind Control

[Anonymous Coward]

Its funny cos its true.

screw your "points"

[Anonymous Coward]

we all know that "points" means a way of sidestepping a nations currencys real worth
the whole thing is seedy and scammy
i guess MS must really be desperate

Re:screw your "points"

[Anonymous Coward]

Why is this modded troll? That's pretty much the reason why all those virtual currency providers do it: to hide the fact that you are spending real money.

Spending 2 Fun Points on something trivial is much less painful than directly seeing that it actually costs 2 €. Yes, customers are this easy to manipulate.

Re:screw your "points"

[Anonymous Coward]

Where's the micro-payment option where there aren't transaction fees added by the bank/credit card companies? Remember those fees? The ones that banks slap on ATM uses? The ones merchants fork over to credit card companies? The ones PayPal slaps on?

Cheaper for the service providing companies to sell you their own micro-transaction currency so they only get hit with the fees once per purchase of their micro-transaction currency.

I don't like the idea of such points and don't use them myself but the reason they're used isn't based on being seedy or scammy. It is based on practicality.

Re:screw your "points"

[Anonymous Coward]

webmoney

Re:screw your "points"

[Thud457]

if it's not backed by fractions of LD-50 of interesting recreational pharmaceuticals or radioactive isotopes of specified half-life, it's just fiat funny-money and a tool of the evil new world order.

Re:screw your "points"

[Toonol]

Why is this modded troll? That's pretty much the reason why all those virtual currency providers do it: to hide the fact that you are spending real money.

There's at least two OTHER major reasons they do it:

1) To avoid microtransaction fees. If they simply charged your credit card each time you made a $2 transaction, the minimum fees would eat up much of their profit. By having you by points in bulk, in multiples of $10 or #$20, a much smaller percentage goes to the credit card companies.

2) To have an international standard. By using points, they can price games and services the same in every nation the service exists in. If they used existing currency, they would need to price every download appropriately to each nation, and then enforce access/download restrictions.

Re:screw your "points"

[dangitman]

I don't like the idea of such points and don't use them myself but the reason they're used isn't based on being seedy or scammy. It is based on practicality.

So, why isn't the ratio of points to real currency 1:1? The only reason for that is to be scammy and underhanded. They could always just use real currency denominations, and set a minimum transaction amount - such as the Playstation Network's "wallet funding" which works in real dollars.

Re:screw your "points"

[Anonymous Coward]

I buy 1). 2) not so much.

Usually they are priced differently in every nation as non-USD customers pay more. For example it's usually something like 1 Fun Point costs 1 USD or 1 EUR or 1 UK Pound. Which means the point is MUCH more expensive for those greasy foreigners.

I have yet to see a fair currency conversion. They all round up with quite a big margin.

Re:screw your "points"

[Xest]

...and yet, Microsoft points work out better for me in the UK at least.

See here for an overview:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ms_points

In the UK, we pay only 11% more than the US for games, which is actually a bargain because we have 15% sales tax more to pay. Not every currency is fortunate as us in this respect, but if you contrast to other real money systems, like Steam, where despite using real currency you can sometimes pay 100% more (i.e. $29.99 USD = £29.99 GBP even when it was $2 to £1).

So despite your conspiracy theory, the reality is that MS points still offer a much better deal than most real money charges in terms of currency worth.

It may be that from a marketing point of view people more freely spend points than real money certainly, I wont dispute arguments like that, but in terms of side stepping the real worth of currency your theory is irrelevant because companies do this even with real currency by artificially charging more where it is not warranted, again as Valve does with Steam for example and Apple does it with iTunes. It's the same story for many physical goods too- the real world cost of the Playstation 3 in the UK on release for example was almost twice as much in the UK as in the US, the same goes for the likes of even Windows and many other things. It's something all companies do regardless, but ironically in this case, MS points are one of the least abusive ways of charging customers right now.

Thank you.

[migla]

Thank you, Microsoft, for popping by and allowing us to pay every time we play a game. It's so nice of you to help us be nostalgic this way.

Re:Thank you.

[sopssa]

Or just buy it. There's both options.

Re:Thank you.

[migla]

I wouldn't buy anything from Microsoft with a ten foot pole, even if they were on fire.

Re:Thank you.

[Anonymous Coward]

Doesn't mean that just because *you* are a biased retard that every one else is. Others will appreciate the ability to trial the games.

Re:Thank you.

[farlukar]

I wouldn't buy anything from Microsoft with a ten foot pole, even if they were on fire.

I don't think ten-foot poles are considered legal tender.

Re:Thank you.

[Anonymous Coward]

What would be a good option would be if someone popped enough 40 point quarters into the game that it would automatically buy it for them.

Re:Thank you.

[Macthorpe]

Thank you, Microsoft, for popping by and allowing us to pay every time we play a game. It's so nice of you to help us be nostalgic this way.

Then:

I wouldn't buy anything from Microsoft with a ten foot pole, even if they were on fire.

In essence, then, you just wanted another excuse to bitch at Microsoft. Was it worth it?

Re:Thank you.

[sznupi]

Let me check google calculator...hm, slightly above 3m.

I don't there even are any that high. Certainly never heard about any living here...

Re:Thank you.

[Anonymous Coward]

Doesn't mean that just because *you* are a biased retard that every one else is. Others will appreciate the ability to trial the games...

Re:Thank you.

[need4mospd]

Especially if the pole is on fire.

Re:Thank you.

[Anonymous Coward]

you just wanted another excuse to bitch at Microsoft. Was it worth it?

And you just wanted another excuse to be an insufferable toady.

You're not worth it.

Re:Thank you.

[Macthorpe]

And you just wanted another excuse to be an insufferable toady.

If I wanted to be a toady, I wouldn't do it here.

You're not worth it.

Then do us both a favour and don't reply :)

Re:Thank you.

[Chris Mattern]

Especially when they're on fire.

Re:Thank you.

[Anonymous Coward]

I kind of doubt that if they were on fire, selling anything would be their first concern...then again, I haven't seen the health plan.

Or Just install MAME on your computer

[Anonymous Coward]

...and play all those classics for free...

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[IBBoard]

Wouldn't that require people to have an actual, proper computer to play their computer games on, rather than having some set-top games box? (which I hear is called a "con-soul" or "con-sell" or something?)

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[Anonymous Coward]

...and play all those classics for free...

.. and illegally.

You can also break and enter into an amusement park, use crowbar to open the cabinets and set them to free play. That's also free.

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[pandrijeczko]

Actually, you'd need to break into an arcade machine museum to play them since I doubt many amusement arcades would hold such games as original Space Invaders, Defender, Mr. Do, etc.

Incidentally, the reason why there is a demand for retrogaming is because of the people who give their time freely to making emulators like MAME, UAE (for the Commodore Amiga) and many others, as well as those who dump old arcade ROMs and old home computer tapes & disks.

Yes, it's probably "illegal" in the strictest definition but they are also preserving old stuff that just isn't sold any more - and because of the interest they've created in the first place, this allows the likes of Microsoft to charge for it.

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[Anonymous Coward]

Yes, it's probably "illegal" in the strictest definition but they are also preserving old stuff that just isn't sold any more

Warezing arcade ROMs is not preservation, this is preservation: http://www.arcade-museum.com/vaps/

When the most downloaded games are mostly same what are legally available on console virtual stores (for example Metal Slug 3 is the most downloaded game in romnation.net), I think it's just a case of people downloading the games for free so that they don't have to pay for them.

Just how do you even "preseve" something like Hard Drivin' or Starblade?
The games are/were available on home consoles/computers, but you need the full physical cabinet to get the arcade experience.

and because of the interest they've created in the first place, this allows the likes of Microsoft to charge for it.

Well said. I agree 100%.

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[Anonymous Coward]

they are also preserving old stuff that just isn't sold any more

.. I think the point is that this stuff *IS* now to be available legally again.

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[biryokumaru]

I would like to introduce you to my good friend, Mr Forward Slash.

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[Anonymous Coward]

True. I heard Pirate Ba... no wait Demonoi... no.. Supernov... hmmm no... Isohu....

Shit.. Where do I get 5000+ pirated games for free again?

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[An ominous Cow art]

I run MAME at home, and have a nice controller (particularly good for Robotron), but I'm also lucky enough to live not far from a classic games 'museum'. I make a couple of pilgrimages there a year.

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[Blakey Rat]

Yes, it's probably "illegal" in the strictest definition

It's illegal in any definition.

"immoral" you can argue. "illegal" is quite settled already.

but they are also preserving old stuff that just isn't sold any more

Except once this is released, it *will* be sold again. So there goes that argument out the window. Not to mention a ton of those ROMs are already sold in packages like this: http://www.amazon.com/Capcom-Classics-Collection-Xbox/dp/B0009UUQG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1262896587&sr=8-1

There are communities that are good about this. For example, MST3K "distributors" generally pull the episode out of circulation as soon as it's available on DVD. Ditto with the anime/manga communities. ROMs? Nope.

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[mattack2]

Is there a way to 'rip' the ROM (file/image/whatever) out of a PS2 classics disc, for example?

I realize most of the people here seem to think it's a silly distinction, but buying the console version of one of these classics, then ripping the ROM from the disc to use (WHILE STILL OWNING THE CONSOLE DISC) seems analogous to 'ripping' a CD to use on an iPod. Being able to play on a MAME machine with 'real' arcade controllers(*) is often a better experience.

(*) While I realize you can nowadays buy controller setups that are the real arcade controllers, they are VERY expensive. I know people can often build their own controllers from the same parts much cheaper.

Re:Or Just install MAME on your computer

[Blakey Rat]

Sorry, I really don't know. I was just addressing the claim that all of these titles were unavailable for purchase, which is clearly false.

Credit suck

[El_Muerte_TDS]

Why can't I pay with real money instead of fake money which I can only buy in certain quantities so that I will always have left over fake money.

That's the second reason why I won't buy anything from Games for Windows Live Market. The first reason is that I don't trust Microsoft to keep that service running.

Re:Credit suck

[sopssa]

Because of all the different currencies. Should everyone in Europe or Asia use dollar? Or should americans use euro or yen?

It's easier when there's a "currency" thats the same everywhere.

btw, you can buy with the exact amount. You don't need to add credit, just buy directly with credit card and you pay exactly the amount.

Re:Credit suck

[Anonymous Coward]

are you really that stupid?

Re:Credit suck

[Rogerborg]

It's easier when there's a "currency" thats the same everywhere.

Easier for who? It's impossible for Microsoft to do realtime conversion and show prices in your local currency? You know, since they have to do that any when when you "buy" points?

Re:Credit suck

[runyonave]

The PSN network uses REAL currency. Not this fuck-with-your-mind-psychological-pricing bullshit.

Re:Credit suck

[sopssa]

They wouldn't do real time conversion because it's always better (for the seller) to have the prices at like $9.99 or $19.99. It would result in a much different prices everywhere, most likely as stupidly as $19.99, 19.99€ and £19.99. I know the points are priced a little bit differently in different countries, but it isn't that bad (publisher do exactly that on Steam sometimes).

Since I don't usually buy the points but pay with credit card when I'm buying something, I know the price exactly anyway.

PS3 uses real currency, but it's not automatic conversion - they've set different prices for different regions. I'm quite ok with both models really, since in both cases I know how much I'm spending.

Re:Credit suck

[Mr_Silver]

Because of all the different currencies. Should everyone in Europe or Asia use dollar? Or should americans use euro or yen?

It's easier when there's a "currency" thats the same everywhere.

Whilst this is true, it also has the "nice" side effect of making it easier for them to bill more in countries that will tolerate it.

I don't know the exact pricing for points, but you could take the price of 1 point in the USA, convert to GBP (using a lousy exchange rate of course), add 17.5% for VAT and then throw an extra markup on top (because you just can) and reflect that in the price of a point in the UK.

So $10's worth of points in the USA at a poor exchange rate should be around £7 + VAT = £8.23. Yet they could get away with also charging £10. A nice 66% markup.

Net result, is that you can screw people in the UK over without them really realising that they're paying far more than they would in the USA - despite the fact that everything is served from servers in the USA and therefore there are no additional costs involved by doing business in the UK*.

(* or if there are, they've already been covered by the business elsewhere. It's not like this is a new country for Microsoft)

Re:Credit suck

[Namarrgon]

And frankly, that annoys me too. I see a game announced on a US site and I have to check what they're asking for it in my local currency (it's arbitrary, not exchange-rate based). Points can be simpler.

And then I have to add a whole $10 to my "wallet" anyway, inevitably resulting in leftover credit. No differences there.

Re:Credit suck

[sopssa]

But to be fair, PS3 has real currencies and they still charge differently between countries, so it most likely wouldn't make any difference.

Wii also has points like 360, and they too charge more. They're all doing it, points currency or not.

Re:Credit suck

[SharpFang]

Matter of getting you accustomed to using their "pay-back" currency which only they accept. In case you win something, earn something with them, get your purchase cashed back or whatever, you could normally demand they pay you the same currency you paid in the first place. Which then you could take and spend at their competitor's. In case of Microsoft Points, every time -they- owe -you- anything, they are sure their money will eventually return to them.

Re:Credit suck

[Anonymous Coward]

No, sopssa frequently posts in favor of Microsoft no matter what they do. This is his MO.

Re:Credit suck

[thetoadwarrior]

People would use their own currency just like they do when they buy the points.

The reason for points is that it makes all countries feel like they're getting a fair deal for once but in reality some are paying more per points than other countries.

But more importantly you'll almost certainly always end up with left over points which will encourage you to buy more. If you don't buy more then that means you've paid more than you should have.

Re:Credit suck

[Anonymous Coward]

Not any more, used to be that way though.

Recently bought Bomberman Something (forgot the name) ... for 45 SEK (Swedish Kroner)
I and didn't need to add any funds to the Wallet beforehand. Just Payed the 45 and Downloaded.

Re:Credit suck

[Anonymous Coward]

It's all fake. The job of currency is to fool people into believing it's worth something.

Re:Credit suck

[Inda]

We know we're paying stupid money. But...

Amazon USA: 4000 points = $44.99 (£28.30) = $1.12 per 100 points
Amazon UK: 4200 points = £49.33 ($78.43) = $1.87 per 100 points

Ebay USA: 4000 points = $48.99 (£30.81) = $1.22 per 100 points
Ebay UK: 4200 points = £34.99 ($55.63) = $1.32 per 100 points

...no one pays full-whack for points. Ebay is kings for points in the UK and they're normally emailed as scanned jpegs within 5 minutes of payment.

Re:Credit suck

[mister_playboy]

If you try to buy something with an empty wallet, then you'll be charged that exact amount without any leftover.

The main functionality of the wallet is for parents to put X amount of cash in there and let their kids decide what to buy later.

Re:Credit suck

[jgtg32a]

Two reasons

1. Most people don't keep track of the exchange rate and they don't pay attention and don't consider "credits" to be money

2. Its easier for the live team to set the price of XYZ to 800 credits, and then charge different amounts in different regions .

Re:Credit suck

[Chazerizer]

And their spiffy new search engine will do it automatically (just like google) to within the hour. Bing!

Re:Credit suck

[Anonymous Coward]

Offtopic? It's right on topic. Clueless mods following some misbehaving mod.

Re:Credit suck

[Xest]

Why not just use the official costs charged when buying direct from Microsoft on XBox live rather than using unofficial manipulated prices? At the current exchange rate today:

In the UK 5000 MS points = £42.50 ($67.79)
In the US 5000 MS points = $62.50 (£39.18)

Factor in the UK's 17.5% VAT and the £39.18 in US costs rises to £46.04 or the UK cost would be £35.06 minus the VAT.

On those eBay prices you're saving about £1.50 off the official price normalised for 5000 points in the UK.

Suddenly you realise that rip off Britain, in the case of MS points, isn't actually being ripped off too badly at all really. When you factor in the fact we get stuff back for the VAT paid (like say, the NHS- I know I know, sore point ;)) we're actually getting a cheaper deal.

A quarter?

[DianeOfTheMoon]

Only Microsoft could charge you $.50 to make you feel like you dropped a quarter. I swear these guys could nickel-and-dime nickels and dimes.

Re:A quarter?

[Namarrgon]

I'm a bit out of touch, but don't arcade games cost somewhat more than a quarter these days?Last I saw here (AU), games often cost a dollar coin (US$0.90) to play, or more.

Re:A quarter?

[gsslay]

Of course it was the paying for every game that was half the fun! I can't tell you how many times I've finished playing a game on my Xbox with an empty feeling of disappointment, simply because I still have cash in my pocket. Now I won't have to immediately run out into the street and force coins on strangers in order to get that true arcade experience. Thank you Microsoft!

Of course, you'll will still be lacking the frisson of implied threat that you got from the shady character that stood in the dark corner of most arcades. Is he going to knife you, offer you drugs, or steal your cash? Either way, it added to the sense of heightened awarenesses necessary for a true arcade experience. Surely Microsoft can manage to replicate this?

Re:A quarter?

[thetoadwarrior]

New games might cost a $1.00 but I don't ever recall anyone ever charging that to let people play Donkey Kong, Pac Man, etc.

Re:A quarter?

[IBBoard]

Unless you've got a very strange mod on that XBox (remember: the small slot is has is for peripherals, not for coins ;) ) then you might still have to run out on to the streets and force coins on strangers.

As for the full arcade experience, it sounds like you just need to move to a rougher neighbourhood!

Re:A quarter?

[Anonymous Coward]

Of course, you'll will still be lacking the frisson of implied threat that you got from the shady character that stood in the dark corner of most arcades. Is he going to knife you, offer you drugs, or steal your cash? Either way, it added to the sense of heightened awarenesses necessary for a true arcade experience. Surely Microsoft can manage to replicate this?

Sure they can! But they reserve that experience for right after you purchase Windows and connect to the net the first time to validate it.

Re:A quarter?

[nedlohs]

They said "old arcade" which in AU would be 20c. If my wasted youth recollections of 20c -> 40c -> 60c/2 for $1 -> $1 -> $2 are vaguely accurate.

Re:A quarter?

[jgtg32a]

At Chuck E. Cheese's all games are one token which averages out to $0.22 IIRC, the coin slots can also run off of actual quarters if you want, that was usually 0.01% tops.
 
I worked at CEC in HS and Freshman year summer, making my info about 6y/o.
Also because its always asked, I don't mind the kids, kids are kids, but fuck parents.

Re:A quarter?

[MMMDI]

"Players have three options: 400 points ($5) grants a dual-platform license (playable on Xbox 360 and PC), 240 points ($3) gets you the virtual arcade cabinet on one platform (Xbox 360 or PC), and, for the old-fashioned types, 40 points ($0.50) is exactly "two quarters" worth of playtime -- for an authentic arcade experience, minus the sticky floors."

http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/

Re:A quarter?

[dangitman]

Of course, you'll will still be lacking the frisson of implied threat that you got from the shady character that stood in the dark corner of most arcades. Is he going to knife you, offer you drugs, or steal your cash?

No, he's just the guy from the FBI who makes sure that Winners Don't Do Drugs.

Re:A quarter?

[mattack2]

I didn't read TFA or the article you pointed to, but I actually think that this is a good idea.. I'm a fan of old video games, but I bet even some of the ones I used to like I wouldn't like as much now.. Also there are probably others I didn't really like that I'd like now. So the ability to 'try out' the game like in an arcade is very cool.

(again, I don't know if they're actually doing this) It would be even better if you were essentially refunded your "two quarters' worth" if you were to buy the full version within a day or somesuch.. So that you wouldn't be paying $5.50 for a game you DO like but wanted to try out first.

Expensive...

[SharpFang]

Considering you play using your hardware, your electricity, your room, and get no supervision to intervene in case of problems (only phone support), $0.50 per credit sounds rather steep.

Re:Expensive...

[flitty]

Price is my only complaint about this idea. If I could put $2.00 worth of "Coins" into my account, and if the games were something like 5 points a play, (which allows for what, 32 plays of these games?), This idea would be great. Only pay for what you play. I don't need to pay $5 to play most of these games more than a few times, and the low price gives you incentive to "go to the arcade" to play, making the arcade a social hub, as well as a gaming hub. By making buying the game only worth 10 plays, there is NO reason to actually use tokens.

The point of arcades and tokens (at least from my born in the 80's perspective) is to allow you to play a bunch of random games that you wouldn't have the money to afford to buy and play on your home computer, or to play games that your home computer couldn't run. Considering that these games are being run in an emulated arcade inside your xbox, the latter reason is out the window, and the only reason to use tokens is affordability, which they seem to have missed the mark.

This whole "build your own arcade" idea would be more interesting if you could build your own arcade that your friends could come and "play" for free if you actually bought the game, but I don't think they're going this route either. this idea screams accountants messing with, and missing, the entire point of an Arcade.

Mod parent up

[argent]

+1 Funny, +1 Insightful, +1 Inevitable.

Given that YOU paid for the frigging arcade machine already, and YOU paid for the floor space, they should cost *less* to play than Pac Man or Dig Dug. Not more.

Re:Mod parent up

[Anonymous Coward]

+1 Funny, +1 Insightful, +1 Inevitable.

Given that YOU paid for the frigging arcade machine already, and YOU paid for the floor space, they should cost *less* to play than Pac Man or Dig Dug. Not more.

Not to mention that you are paying for rent, electricity, lighting, maintenance, and a whole slew of other associated costs.

Re:Mod parent up

[ArcherB]

+1 Funny, +1 Insightful, +1 Inevitable.

Given that YOU paid for the frigging arcade machine already, and YOU paid for the floor space, they should cost *less* to play than Pac Man or Dig Dug. Not more.

Well, to be fair, Microsoft did sell that "friggin arcade machine" to you at a loss with the idea that they would make their money back on inflated game prices.

Disclaimer: I am a Linux user. My 360 was a gift. So far, I have purchased one game for $1.00 at Gamestop.

Re:Mod parent up

[jeffmeden]

Not to mention the fact that Microsoft has no problem with you paying up front for the software and playing it as much as you want. Honestly, why bag on this feature when it's basically a full featured demo of the game for a fraction of a dollar? If you don't like the game, you can take your coins elsewhere; when else has browsing through titles been that affordable? (aside from either pirating, or an actual arcade?)

Re:Mod parent up

[argent]

Well, to be fair, Microsoft did sell that "friggin arcade machine" to you at a loss with the idea that they would make their money back on inflated game prices.

They didn't eat nearly as much as the arcade machine owner you're paying the quarter to.

Re:Mod parent up

[Anonymous Coward]

They didn't eat nearly as much as the arcade machine owner you're paying the quarter to.

Which may be why we don't see very many arcades around nowadays.

Re:Mod parent up

[argent]

Yep, it's a cheaper product to support. Which brings us back to the start of the loop, doesn't it?

AT&T's taunting me . . .

[indytx]

This would be awesome, clutter-reducing, wife-inspring news if Microsoft would support blu-ray on the Xbox. Then, we could get rid of both our POS cable box AND move our blu-ray player to another room AND (this next part is the holy grail of my house) have a good excuse to connect a console to our big flat screen in the living room. Woo-hoo!!! "Just ONE box connected to the TV, Honey!!!" . . . . "Yes, I KNOW it's a game console, but JUST ONE BOX!!!"

Eventually the "just one box" mantra would win out. F*** you, Microsoft, for not supporting blu-ray.

Re:AT&T's taunting me . . .

[sopssa]

You do understand it would require physical changes to your 360? It's not possible just with software update.

But that's a perfect opportunity to get a PS3 on the side.

Re:AT&T's taunting me . . .

[Rude Turnip]

I know you're joking, but you can stream 1080p movies into XBox 360 with Zune Marketplace. I'm not big on having physical copies of movies (with a tiny handful of exceptions), so 1080p streaming to my 360 pretty much negates any need for me to get a blu-ray player.

Re:AT&T's taunting me . . .

[Anonymous Coward]

I've already done that with the PS3 slim. Probably my greatest coup in our 24 year marriage. I still can't beleive she let me do it!! LOL

Re:AT&T's taunting me . . .

[Anonymous Coward]

You do understand it would require physical changes to your 360?

You know, it's a damn shame the Xbox 360 doesn't have multiple USB ports for doing just that.

Idiot.

Re:AT&T's taunting me . . .

[Anonymous Coward]

Err, if you are going to have to buy a separate box anyway... oh never mind.

Re:AT&T's taunting me . . .

[jgtg32a]

You may not be aware of it yet and quite possibly you may never be aware of it, but you've already payed for it

Re:AT&T's taunting me . . .

[Anonymous Coward]

Pussywhipped much?

Yup, time to start using M$ again

[SmallFurryCreature]

The old quarter paid the entire arcade AND the development. Staff, location, lighting etc etc.

MS has far fewer costs, yet charges more... amazing.

But then, people swallowed that with iTunes.

Costs savings to be passed on to the customer, wasn't that the whole point behind the free market? Elmer Fud told me so ages ago in a cartoon, so it must be true.

Re:Yup, time to start using M$ again

[SharpFang]

iTunes charges more than what? Music labels for CDs? No. iTunes was so successful because despite (still) having a high profit margin, it was so extremely competitive in its prices comparing to most alternatives.

Re:Yup, time to start using M$ again

[Anonymous Coward]

The old quarter paid the entire arcade AND the development. Staff, location, lighting etc etc.

MS has far fewer costs, yet charges more... amazing.

But then, people swallowed that with iTunes.

Costs savings to be passed on to the customer, wasn't that the whole point behind the free market? Elmer Fud told me so ages ago in a cartoon, so it must be true.

According to the ol' inflation calculator a quarter in 1980 Dollars is worth about $0.66 in 2009 Dollars. Working backward, the 50 cents for the demo play is worth about 16 cents in 1980 Dollars. Actually a fair bit cheaper!

Re:Yup, time to start using M$ again

[jgtg32a]

Of course cost savings are passed to the customer, but you have to take demand and competition into account as well.

All Muslims, read this.

[Anonymous Coward]

FUCK MUHAMMAD!!! FUCK ALLAH!!! FUCK ISLAM!!!!

your so-called brothers in afganistan are fucking 13 year old boys in the ass. how does allah feel about that shit?

10 foot poles

[RotateLeftByte]

I think that somewhere in the Microsoft World of Fantasy, 40ft barge poles are probably legal tender.

Re:10 foot poles

[Qzukk]

I think that somewhere in the Microsoft World of Fantasy, 40ft barge poles are probably legal tender.

In that world, everything costs 38 feet of bargepole.

Two evils in One

[thomasw_lrd]

Finally Microsoft and AT&T are combining into the one force that all geeks must hate. This is a good day for slashdot.

-1 Illegal

[Namarrgon]

Or did you buy original copies of all those game ROMs you're playing for "free"?

byte-sized shovelware

[sw33tjimmy]

Xbla games (by and large) qualify as shovelware. this venture i see as no different... it'll just be byte-sized shovelware.

I liked it when it was called Virtual Console

[thetoadwarrior]

So MS has copied Nintendo's motion control idea and now their virtual console idea. Yet they claim they're not in the same market as Nintendo so it doesn't really matter that Nintendo handed their ass to them.

They're going to have to try harder and maybe innovate for once if they want to be number one.

Re:I liked it when it was called Virtual Console

[Anonymous Coward]

So MS has copied Nintendo's motion control idea and now their virtual console idea. Yet they claim they're not in the same market as Nintendo so it doesn't really matter that Nintendo handed their ass to them.

They're going to have to try harder and maybe innovate for once if they want to be number one.

Isn't the point of Natal to ditch the controller entirely? I think that is as innovative as giving existing controllers an additional input (motion).

Re:I liked it when it was called Virtual Console

[Anonymous Coward]

How exactly did MS copy anything Nintendo did? MS Control system is camera based Nintendo is Gyro based. MS has been doing the Live arcade since before the Wii even was released in the US

Re:I liked it when it was called Virtual Console

[MistrBlank]

Ummmmmm....

Pretty sure that you could buy games from Xbox Live long before Wii had arrived, and motion control on the Xbox live level is more akin to an improved Playstation 2 EyeTV.

Besides, the Wii-mote isn't all that unique either, it's just an update to the Power Glove after removing the stupid glove part.

Re:I liked it when it was called Virtual Console

[MisterZimbu]

Yes. Microsoft ripped of Virtual Console with XBLA so fast that it actually came out a year before the Wii.

Re:I liked it when it was called Virtual Console

[brkello]

Actually, I hope they don't innovate all that much. I don't like the dumb motion control things. It's fine for parties, but when I want to relax give me a nice controller with lots of buttons so I can kick back on my couch. Natal is of absolutely no interest to me.

Fanbois get all uppity about sales. Who cares? The gamecube sold like crap yet you still liked it, right? Personally, I think Nintendo has the worst games of the three this time around. I still like Nintendo, I am still glad they exist. Just get over the idiocy.

Re:I liked it when it was called Virtual Console

[Toonol]

It's not so much Microsoft copying Nintendo, as it is Microsoft reacting to Nintendo. I think it's pretty obvious that if the Wii hadn't been released and massively successful, nobody would even have heard about Natal.

That's in opposition to Sony, who blatantly IS copying the Wii with their own new Wiimote clone.

Re:I liked it when it was called Virtual Console

[Anonymous Coward]

GameTap also ripped off the Wii's virtual console just -2 years after the Wii came out. How unoriginal!

Captcha: consoles

Arcade at home?

[Rikiji7]

I thought buying consoles was the equivalent to drop a bunch of quarters in an arcade machine! Not buying consoles AND pay to play

Will you still need to pay att $7 to use the xbox+

[Joe The Dragon]

Will you still need to pay att $7/M to use the xbox + $50 a year for live as well? and likey you will still need to have 1 att DVR box as well and it's to bad that all xbox360 don't have HDMI.

Re:Will you still need to pay att $7 to use the xb

[Anonymous Coward]

Copying and pasting as much of your message into your subject as will fit is embarrassing. You remind me of our shitty helpdesk.

The Natal name...

[happy_place]

Nah, I'm just curious if they'll name the beta version of Natal, "Prenatal". And the "new" version of Natal, could be Neonatal... Their logo could be cute little babies... playing Halo.

Re:The Natal name...

[dangitman]

Their logo could be cute little babies... playing Halo.

You mean, something like this?

ATT and Windows Media Center is more interesting

[keithpreston]

If they would integrate with the DVR capability of Windows Media Center well, I would consider paying paying for cable (although the $50 a month is still tough). Honestly Media Center with Over the Air broadcasts, 4 tuners, and 3 extenders is the only Microsoft product I have liked in a long time (and saved me tons of money not paying for cable). The first content provider that integrates into this system well with a decent pricing model (pay per channel is the best!) will win my business. Getting raped by cable companies only to get locked in to their junky DVR is not worth it.

dumbest name ever

[Tom]

Ok, I know, everyone and his dog is inventing his own "virtual currency" and all that.

But... "microsoft points"? Did that win the Bad Taste Awards or why was it chosen? It's got the sex appeal of Steve Ballmer.

Re:dumbest name ever

[Anonymous Coward]

It's still better than Microsoft Penises. They didn't use that name because faggots like you would start slurping on their 360 cases. XD

Re:dumbest name ever

[Anonymous Coward]

I would name it "piece of ten". It is the metric version of the good old "piece of eight". And you would have to buy it at the url "pot4live.com" and get a confirmation from "dealer@pot4live.com".

Re:dumbest name ever

[formfeed]

But this way they will also be able to use it for other things than gaming:
Customer credits, "rebates", prize money,..

Re:Will you still need to pay att $7 to use the xb

[jmac_the_man]

Old, old, ass ones don't necessarily have an HDMI port, but there's an adapter you can buy to have an HDMI output from it. All XBoxes manufactured since 2007 have normal HDMI.

+1 who cares

[LanMan04]

also +1 welcome to the 21st century

nuff said.

"Holiday Season"

[kegon]

For those of us who aren't American, can someone please translate "Holiday Season" ?

Christmas ? Easter ? Spring break ? Summer ?

Thanks!

Re:"Holiday Season"

[formfeed]

"Holiday season" is the pc term that refers to the time around the winter equinox when Jesus [our savior | the [false] prophet] was [not] born.

Compensate Me!

[Anonymous Coward]

This is the new business model.

You don't "own" anything, but you can pay-per-use each time you use it, on "your" hardware that you lease.

When you are finished with it, there is no residual value, since you "own" nothing.

This solves the piracy problem, and the recurring revenue problem. "Give-away" the hardware, and have people pay most of your costs.

You will pay for the electricity.
You will pay for the network.
You will pay-for-each-play
You will pay for storage

You will pay for your own hardware upkeep, etc.

Get used to making "small monthly payments" for applications that you once owned.

Microsoft Word, from 5.99/Mo
Microsoft Office, from 2.99/Mo
Storage from 2.50/Gb

You just pay for electricity, maintenance, upgrades, backup.

You will get:

NO WARRANTY
NO FITNESS not even for a PARTICULAR PURPOSE
NO COMPENSATION for OUTAGES
NO RIGHTS

It already works for cellphones..get ready to make just a few more small monthly payments.

Microsoft's concept of "classic games"

[93 Escort Wagon]

I look forward to the announcement of Chip's Challenge being available for purchase in XBox 360's game area!