Microsoft: We're prepared to do another NXE

(2 replies) #1 Pygmy_Hippo on 02 Nov 2008 - 23:22

Unless the plan is to re-position the 360 even further into Wii territory when the next Xbox comes out. I'm sure Microsoft can't have failed to notice how well Sony's aged PS2 is doing compared to the PS3 - maybe they'll try the same trick.

#1.1 basix on 02 Nov 2008 - 23:39

Pygmy_Hippo said,

Unless the plan is to re-position the 360 even further into Wii territory when the next Xbox comes out. I'm sure Microsoft can't have failed to notice how well Sony's aged PS2 is doing compared to the PS3 - maybe they'll try the same trick.

Exactly what I was thinking, repurpose the 360 and launch the "540"

#1.2 GP007 on 03 Nov 2008 - 09:08

With the cost of making the 360 in R&D etc, if they can keep it going loger than the set 5 year cycle it's better for them.

I'd like to sleep a slimmer/smaller 360 in a few years. That should keep sales going just like the PSOne and PSTwo did for Sony.

(3 replies) #2 Brandon on 02 Nov 2008 - 23:26

It doesn't mean jack shyt.

The reason for doing it is to compete with the Wii's Mii's and to help further claim the need to pay for XBL, but I wouldn't be surprised that Holiday 2010 is when you see the new Xbox with blu-ray.

#2.1 GP007 on 03 Nov 2008 - 09:10

The next Xbox, whenever it comes out, doesn't have to use Blu-ray. Sure HD-DVD as a movie format is dead, but the technology is still there. It's better for MS to strike a deal with some other optical disc tech maker than with their rival Sony.

Or we could just go to a download service ala Stream for next gen xbox games.

#2.2 +Smigit on 03 Nov 2008 - 09:46

Sony isn't the sole company behind BluRay. MS would be far far better off going with BluRay as it will allow them to play movies currently available in retail. Yes, they have an online video store in some territories but many other regions they don't and alot of people still would be swayed by something such as BluRay. Digital media isn't at a point where they can abandon or overlook physical disks.

The XBox has always been not only about games but a complete home entertainment experience. Why would they adopt a disk format that prevents them from playing any videos being released? Wouldn't make any sense.

MS was never that hugely behind HD-DVD for them to turn a blind eye to BluRay now.

#2.3 +TCLN Ryster on 03 Nov 2008 - 12:24

I agree that Microsoft needs to get Blu-Ray into their console. Alot of the people I've spoken to that own a PS3 say they bought it because they wanted the best value Blu-Ray player on the market that also plays games, not because they wanted it as a games console.

#3 The Tjalian on 02 Nov 2008 - 23:44

I wouldn't be surprised if the XBOX 360 is $100 when the next XBOX comes out, they could quite easily have a two-pronged setup much like Sony do right now. When all the new consoles are coming out, Microsoft could very easily do a "relaunch" with another NXE. At $100, it would practically be an impulse buy.

With the ability to update the firmware in all 3 consoles, the next generation may play out *very* differently compared to the others. You could even argue that the next generation will actually be held off for a lot longer, instead of the usual 5 years.

#4 gabalicious on 03 Nov 2008 - 00:00

While this may be good news for current owners, it doesn't make good reading if you were expecting a new version of the Xbox within the next 3-4 years - as there's little to no reason for Microsoft to refresh the Xbox 360's software, and effectively extend its life, if they have a new console just around the corner.

I'm sure Msoft will create a good stratregy leading to the next xbox...i think they will extend the xbox 360's life. They'll create a slimmer xbox360 w/ the NXE update. right now i don't see a reason to create a new system...anyone want to steer me wrong

(2 replies) #5 MightyJordan on 03 Nov 2008 - 00:06

I wouldn't mind another NXE in a few years.

I think nowadays, there's no need for a next generation of consoles so quickly. The current technology has hit a really high point, that it's gonna be a while before the technology makes a significant improvement over the last generation. The closest console in need of an upgrade any time now is the Wii, and even then, it's not a critical requirement, as it's still selling like hot cakes.

I reckon it's gonna be at least another five years before we enter the eighth generation.

#5.1 theyarecomingforyou on 03 Nov 2008 - 00:34

The Wii might be selling well but it is chronically dated graphically, hence why Nintendo have announced it will be updated for 2011 (still a while off). The X360/PS3 are already starting to show their age with limited-to-no anti-aliasing, where PCs are already far superior. Few games are able to run at 1080p, with even AAA titles like Halo 3 using sub-720p quality graphics, while Blu-ray support is to become even more important in the coming years.

I think we'll see a new generation sooner than most expect. Don't forget the X360 is already in budget range for prices. Consoles are already lagging behind PCs, despite the lower resolution they run at.

#5.2 RangerLG on 03 Nov 2008 - 05:17

theyarecomingforyou said,

The Wii might be selling well but it is chronically dated graphically, hence why Nintendo have announced it will be updated for 2011 (still a while off). The X360/PS3 are already starting to show their age with limited-to-no anti-aliasing, where PCs are already far superior. Few games are able to run at 1080p, with even AAA titles like Halo 3 using sub-720p quality graphics, while Blu-ray support is to become even more important in the coming years.

I think we'll see a new generation sooner than most expect. Don't forget the X360 is already in budget range for prices. Consoles are already lagging behind PCs, despite the lower resolution they run at.

Lagging behind in what way? PCs will always be a step ahead as far as the technology goes since a PC can be upgraded on the fly. Consoles cannot. Game sales on consoles are kicking the PCs ass though, and that is what will drive the demand for a new console.

#6 dhavalhirdhav on 03 Nov 2008 - 04:09

makes me really worry.. I hope Xbox 360 doesnt become competitor of new Xbox.. anyways sticking to topic.. new NXE will be good deal those who cant afford to buy new console

nice nice.

#7 Si_ on 03 Nov 2008 - 08:04

I think what will happen is when the new Xbox comes out, the 360 will continue to sell well, like the PS2 does today. I can imagine they'll keep it going for the budget market, bringing out a new NXE to keep it fresh and keep sales up for the people who tend to wait for new consoles to come down in price anyway.

(3 replies) #8 +karma on 03 Nov 2008 - 08:17

MS will not hold on a new 360 for much longer. Toward the middle of next year we will begin hearing things about it i am sure. I anticipate that 2010 will see the new version.

#8.1 GP007 on 03 Nov 2008 - 09:12

Even if they have a new Xbox coming, they could keep the 360 going just like Sony does with the PS2. With the cost of the 360 hardware falling more and more, it shouldn't be a problem. And will also bring in a nice profit regardless.

#8.2 +karma on 03 Nov 2008 - 10:26

Yeah that is the best move i think. No point using the life of the 360 to its fullest. It can co-exist along with a new version like the PS2. The only issue i would have with this as a consumer is a load of simple conversions onto the new xbox which are simply ports of the normal 360 games which would mean a lengthy time till we see some games using the full potential.

We have seen this before with Sony and MS.

Edit: Also MS have stated there will be no more reductions on the cost of the 360. They feel it is now at the perfect price so will not be making any more changes.

Last edited by karma on 03 Nov 2008 - 12:15

#8.3 +Xerxes on 06 Nov 2008 - 01:02

It might even be sooner too. MS have been working on Xbox Next for sometime now and considering the 360 was first out the gate it's replacement is not that far away. Obviously they won't say anything about it now, as it will only hurt the 360 but doesn't mean they aren't hard at work on the next Xbox.

I also agree with what others have said, I think they are shifting the 360 to (better) take on the Wii (and PS2) and while it does that, the new Xbox will slip in and take over the void left by the "repurposed 360". Also what makes me think the next Xbox might arrive sooner then 2010, is because it was rumored Sony is planning to release the PS4 around then. Naturally this is purely based on speculation and my opinion so take with a grain of salt.

(1 reply) #9 y2kboy23 on 03 Nov 2008 - 09:58

They might be doing the same thing they did with the Zunes. Allowing you to load new features on older hardware.

#9.1 NPGMBR on 03 Nov 2008 - 14:17

I think you said it best. I have the second Gen Zune80 and I think MS wants to make the 360 upgradeable just as it does with the Zune line as well as PCs. It makes sense particularly as consumers are pulling back on unnecessary spending, it much friendlier to the environment and especially because manufacturers lose mony on consoles. If they produce fewer consoles because consumers are holding onto them longer; they they MS can recoupe more of its investment on R&D.

(5 replies) #10 _dandy_ on 03 Nov 2008 - 15:36

Admittedly, I know very little about the Xbox.

However, I've read the summary three times, and I still have no idea what this is about. Aren't summaries provided so one can decide whether to read the entire article or not?

Yes, I have been hiding under a rock. WTF is NXE? What happens November 19th? They're prepared to "do the whole thing again in 2-3 years", if there's enough demand for "it"...what is "it"? This first paragraph makes no sense without proper context.

But then, this is Neowin, home of "unprofessional journalism"...

#10.1 +karma on 03 Nov 2008 - 17:21

NXE = New Xbox Experience - A New version of the main UI (Dashboard) used to buy marketplace content, download games, view achievements etc

Nov 19th = NXE Gets released

#10.2 _dandy_ on 03 Nov 2008 - 21:26

Really?

:-/

Why not just call it a new version of the dashboard?

#10.3 +vlsi0n on 03 Nov 2008 - 21:52

It's just the operational name that people use to refer to the new dashboard update.

#10.4 The Tjalian on 03 Nov 2008 - 23:31

_dandy_ said,

Really?

:-/

Why not just call it a new version of the dashboard?

Because it's not just "a new version" of the dashboard, like the other 5 or 6 updates before it, it's a complete UI overhaul. Hence, New XBOX Experience.

#10.5 _dandy_ on 06 Nov 2008 - 12:29

Okay. Just sayin' that (again, as a total non-gamer) I'm very well aware of the whole dashboard concept, but had never heard of "NXE" before.

Different terminology for the same thing, IMO, but it's not like MS has never before went out of its way to create acronyms just for the hell of it... :-)

#11 boho on 03 Nov 2008 - 15:39

I have a Sony PS2 and an XBox 1 that I bought for my nephew to use. The games on these are still perfectly good, and readily available second hand.

I can't see Microsoft investing in a major new design in the near future, most people will not have the disposable cash like they have had over the last 8 years.

Same goes for game companies, none are going to commit to a new game console that has not been announced.
The next 3 years is about survival, and selling upgrades than big new investments.

Welcome to the credit crunch!

#12 +vlsi0n on 03 Nov 2008 - 21:51

For those worried about a new console, if Microsoft makes another NXE for the 360 then it can and most likely would be ported over to their next box. Just like with the X-Box to 360 (well, you know what I mean).

(1 reply) #13 Soldiers33 on 04 Nov 2008 - 01:02

if its just a new dashboard, then wots the big deal?

#13.1 Gamerhomie on 04 Nov 2008 - 06:01

It's not just a new UI for the dashboard, (though that in itself is great). You can read about all the features here:

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/nxe/

#14 Brandon on 04 Nov 2008 - 02:03

Oh its just windows 7, whats the big deal?

#15 magik on 05 Nov 2008 - 13:27

Good, I hope there's still a solid 4 or 5 years left in the Xbox 360's life cycle. It's still quite capable of lasting that long, especially in relation to its competitors.

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