Gaming
March 27, 2007 10:10 PM PST
So, the updated Xbox is here. New specs:
- 120 GB disk
- HDMI connectors
- Black
- ...?
The obvious issues:
- Is 120 GB enough for a couple of years worth of HD downloads? The new Oblivion expansion is 1 GB by itself...
- Does the HDMI connector imply native 1080p support
- Still no HD-DVD built in? Cmon MS, take a stand!
- No improved CPU manufacturing process, so this is still going to be a hot, loud beast...
- Integrated Wi-Fi would have been nice.
- How to migrate content and saved games from the old 360?
Comments (11)
I retracted my post, even though I technically beat Paul by 2 mintues. Anyway...
Joystiqs coverage.
Pretty much what the rumors said, except it is not going to be a limited edition. Comes out April 29th for those too lazy to read the link. The 120G HD will be sold separately as well. Although I don't see any mention of a lower power processor or a hard-drive transfer cable, it doesn't mean they are not there, just no mention. It could be that the transfer cable only comes with the standalone HD?
I did see mention of 1080p. The current 360 can already do that.
Hmmm, this is disappointing. I was really hoping for the quieter, cooler hardware. HDMI was #1 on the list (since I first learned that it wasn't going to be included on the original), but the cooler hardware is a big deal for a set top box. I can see no built in HD-DVD, since the cost is still high for that.
A lot of people want built in Wi-Fi, but I have wired ethernet, and you can get a Wi-Fi router for $10 and run it in network bridge mode to connect a lot more than just the XBox to your network. Still, they should have included it for the premium they're charging.
Looks like I'll continue waiting, perhaps for them to push a new rev Mobo with 65nm and HDMI down to the 20GB model.
I liked this comment on Engadget:
"$479 Xbox 360 Elite +$199 HD DVD drive at Best Buy $679??? How is this cheaper than a 60gb PS3 w/BRD @ $599?"
But while you're waiting, we're having a lot of fun with GRAW and Gears...
Wireless won't stream HD very well.
HD drive in the box?? Nope, the current gen units cost too much. Especially the laptop form factor ones, which is what you would need for that.
I suppose they will do a quiet rev on the 65nm chips. So even once they are found in the wild it will be hit or miss as to if you get one.
HDMI in the cheaper model? I don't think it will happen.
More restrictions.
I'm not sure how many people have more than one 20GB drive though (except of course for Sniffy).
Why not HDMI in the cheaper models? It's just a connector. They're probably doing more work to convert it to analog component than to just HDMI the digital output. HDMI means 1080p. You shouldn't be making high def stuff without this interface.
I think a $5 wireless-G module built in would be reasonable for most users. It would be fine for gaming and downloading HD movies which is what most people do.
Paul's right - I'm discounting the gaming potential of the box. I was just comparing it to the others, and the gaming hasn't changed.
Premium XBox 360 now comes with HDMI. Finally, a feature they should have had since product rollout! I am now tempted... They dropped the price to $350 - now we just need the 65nm chips...
Need is such a strong word. I'd say you want them, not need them. What is the #1 driving reason for waiting for those chips? Heat? Fan noise? Are either really a problem?
#/usr/bin/perl
$need65nm = "30 percent failure rate";
I have it from a good source that the graphics chip is a bit more to blame than the processor, but yeah it would be nice if they didn't break after 1 year.
The graphics chip? You mean that part which was by Nvidia but wouldn't discount enough for MS, so they replaced it with an ATI? And then they wrote software to emulate the Nvidia. And then they offered a much longer warranty to cover high failure rates. Hmmm, still think switching graphics chips was a good idea?