MS might introduce an upgraded Xbox 360 next year with Natal

This beefier Xbox is supposedly going to have higher specifications than the current Xbox 360. We're not talking about just a larger hard drive, but possibly a stronger CPU, a stronger GPU and more RAM.

Although this will not be a true next-generation 'Xbox 3' (which is also in development yet still some years away) but something closer to a GameCube --> Wii type of increase.

The Natal motion camera will work with both the current standard Xbox 360 and the upgraded Xbox, whatever its called. The new Xbox will come with Natal as standard, and you can add-on Natal to your current Xbox 360.

It is unclear if future Xbox 360 games will run better on the new Xbox, but also play on every current Xbox 360, or if there will be exclusive games only playable on the new Xbox.

Developers have been saying that Xbox 360 is maxxed out or close to it. Given that Xbox 360 is 2004 technology that was released in 2005, by 2010 it would normally be time for an entirely new generation of hardware. It seems that Microsoft will not release an entirely new generation, but refresh the Xbox 360 with an upgraded console, and Natal for both the upgraded console and all current Xbox 360 owners. In my opinion, this would be a way of doing what Nintendo did with Wii, and buy Microsoft a few more years to come up with a truly next-gen Xbox 3 experience sometime between 2012 and 2015.


1up article

supposed specifications from a not-reliable source

Even if the specs turn out to be different from those in the 2nd link, it'll be interesting to see the industry reaction.

I'm always interested in beefier hardware. I was ever since NEC introduced the SuperGrafx in Japan, a few months after the TurboGrafx was released in the U.S.

Of course, unlike with Genesis, there is no way to upgrade the current Xbox 360 with higher spec CPU, GPU and more RAM. Any upgrades will have to come in the form of a new console, even if it's not a next-gen Xbox 3. Or maybe, just maybe, Microsoft will shock everyone by indeed making this new Xbox, the Xbox 3. You never know. Unlikely though.

Whether it's an Xbox 360 Turbo or Xbox 3, the thinking inside Microsoft must be "launch a new console before Nintendo launches the Wii HD in 2011".

 

Hopefully this is just internet speculation running wild. It will really splinter the users to offer an upgraded 360 with Natal in 2010, continue support for the original 360, and release a completely next gen console in 2012 or whenever. That's quite a task to expect even the hardcore fans to follow, much less people who are fence sitters. Talk about a nice way to kill a brand.

It's much more conceivable that they will release a cheaper slim arcade model with Natal bundled, while trying to keep it for the same price as a wii in 2010. This still allows them to market it for the wii crowd, but allows MS to keep on rolling with the current 360 users who can pick up Natal as an addon.

 

I wonder.. if this'll be in the vein that the PSP-2000 was to the original PSP-1000 or how the DSi is to the DS/lite. The new PSPs have extra RAM to help buffer more data and reduce load times. This benefits users of the new models, but it doesn't damn owners of the original models either. Everyone wins.

Perhaps a completely redesigned Xbox 360 isn't out of the question. It could solve the critical defect issue and possibly fill in the piracy hole. It would be a nice reboot to launch the Natal off with. Anything over a certain threshold may splinter the userbase as noted above... in which case, why not just fully upgrade the console? But that option sounds better further off in time when the hardware is older of course..

 

I am all for the idea of not upgrading the current Xbox 360, only redesigning it, and keeping the core specs the same.

Then in 2012 or 2013, release a massively more powerful third-generation Xbox, one that is a larger leap over 360, than 360 was over the original Xbox.

 

I can't see it happening. There are just too many downsides to it.

1. It would essentially fracture the userbase that Microsoft has built up.
2. It would burden Microsoft with having to manufacture two separate and distinct systems.
3. It would burden developers with having too make two games for the same system.
4. It would burden live by having to host separate DLC and possibly separate servers for gameplay.
5. It would burden retailers by forcing them to use limited space for essentially the same product.
6. It could confuse customers.
7. Finally the backlash that would come from people who already have a 360.

Any of those would be reason enough for Microsoft to back away from such an idea and just focus on a true next gen system.

 

This this this all the way home.

 

Unless a slight upgrade IS the next XBox. It would make sense, in some ways.

 

This all sounds like BS speculation and rumor mill crap. Also, they can stick Natal up their ass sideways. I don't care about that at all. And I don't think it's time for a new generation of systems either.

 

There's no way in hell I would pay for a mere upgrade. Either release a new system or stick with what you've got and remember to make the next system good enough so you don't have to upgrade it.

 

:clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap::clap:

I agree with everyone else, this would be nothing more than a good way to piss off their existing customer base.

 

I agree. Not a very good move by Microsoft.

 

Yeah I'm thinking PS2 to PS2 Slim
PS1 to PSX

Master System to Master System 2

Genesis 1-2

and so on

makes more sense than WHOLE NEW CONSOLE WITH NATAL

 

An entirely new console won't happen.

 

Except PSX is a PS2 based machine, not PS1.

 

I meant the PSone

 

http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/171274.asp?source=rss

 

Hasnt stopped Sony with their PSP line...

 

Or Nintendo with the DS.

 

http://kotaku.com/5295898/report-microsoft-ceo-says-new-xbox-arriving-in-2010

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spoke at the Executive's Club of Chicago today, informing attendees that a new Xbox 360 will arrive in 2010, one equipped with a "natural interface" and built-in camera.


Ballin'!
This is exactly what Natal needs to gain ground. All new Xbox 360 purchasers will presumably get Natal right off the bat, while existing users will just have to purchase a peripheral. There is no discernable hardware split on the horizon. Hooray! :dance:

 

I m expecting some major hardware changes at the lower level, mainly to rule out any heating issues, but at the abstraction level I think it will all be the same XBOX 360 as far as games are concerned.