The Possible Future of Microsoft & X-Box
When Microsoft first released the original X-Box on November 15, 2001, it shipped with one of the biggest hit games and first-person shooters of all time; Halo: Combat Evolved. Originally, the only big hit first-person shooter on a console had been Goldeneye 007 on the Nintendo 64, so Microsoft had to have known it had something big on its hands. When 2002 arrived, Microsoft overtook Nintendo to capture the second place slot in consoles sold in North America.
On November 22, 2005, Microsoft released the second generation of the X-Box console, this time titled the X-Box 360. In its first year on the market, the system launched in thirty-six countries, more countries than any console has launched in a single year. With such hit titles as Gears of War, Halo 3, Left 4 Dead, Fable II and Fallout 3, the X-Box 360 has continued to see that Microsoft remains at the top of its game. But what does the future of Microsoft and the X-Box hold? The answer is simple; Natal.
Early rumors suggest that this little bit of technology will indeed serve as the next X-Box, an evolution on the gaming industry. Project Natal is simply “a controller-free gaming and entertainment experience,” quoted by Microsoft. Similar to the sensor for the Wiki but apparently much more advanced in its technology. The horizontal sensor bar, approximately 9 inches wide, is designed to be positioned lengthwise above or below the video display. It even comes with a small circular base with a ball joint pivot. The device features an RGB camera, depth sensor and a multi-array microphone. The best feature of Natal is the custom processor which provides full-body 3D motion capture, facial recognition and voice recognition capabilities. Does that mean you can turn it on or off by simply telling it to? You may very well be able to.
The gaming industry will be revolutionized if you can use Project Natal to play such games as Mortal Kombat with you actually punching and kicking yourself, or driving in a racing game simply by pretending to hold a steering wheel and turning left and right. Does the future of the X-Box hold such capabilities that as of now have only been seen in science fiction movies? It just might. Lots of internet scuttlebutt suggests the new X-Box may be out in fall 2010 or a little later after that, so could we be expecting X-Box Natal? Lots of insiders seem to think so.
Other rumors suggest that the next Microsoft gaming console will be none other than the X-Box 720 (the rumored name, not at all official). This console is rumored to be coming out around the holiday seasons of 2011 to 2012, putting the X-Box 360′s lifespan at 6 to 7 years, a far cry from the original’s 4 years. After losing out so much money thanks to the dreaded Red Ring, no doubt Microsoft is looking for a way to prolong the life of the 360 in order to achieve more money from the product before the launch of the next console. Lots of fans seem to expect the new console to resemble one of two things; a small, thin DVD player looking console, or a thinner version of the 360. For our sake, let’s hope it’s the thinner model and not a 2000 looking DVD player console.
Other news holds that while Natal is still officially on its way sometime soon, the 360 may experience a shrink in size similar to that of the Playstation 3, and a considerable drop in prize as well. Rumored names for the slimmed-down version include “X-Box Lean,” “X-Box Granite,” and the best suggestion out of the box, “X-Box Pure.” If it’s at all true, the “Lean” title hints at something a lot skinner than the current model. The main question is would the skinnier 360 still boast the Red Ring problem, would it still over-heat very often, and would it be any quieter than the bulkier model?
Another rumor is that the next X-Box could be titled “X-Box Blue Natal,” finally supporting Blu-Ray after the dismal failure of HD-DVD’s and the discontinuing of their X-Box 360 HD DVD player. Rumored suggestions for such a release include a built in Blu-Ray DVD player, built in wireless connectivity and support for Bluetooth headset connections for use in X-Box Live communications. Ever wanted to use a real Bluetooth instead of the not always reliable X-Box ear-covering headset?
But what about future games for the next Microsoft console? Definitely expect more exclusive titles from Epic Games and Bungie. More Gears of War and Halo are sure to follow, but newer titles wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Another game that deserves a next-generation sequel is the Fable universe. Fable II on a next generation grand scale would be epic and positively limitless in what the game itself could achieve for players in its universe.
An expansion on X-Box Live would also be a pleasure to see. Include more ways to communicate with friends. More inclusions into the X-Box Live Arcade would be a massive investment. Bring back older games that Microsoft hold the rights for, including underground games. Of course have the prices cheaper, which is obviously a no brainer as many complaints come from Microsoft’s pricing of items. And the future of Downloadable Content also raises an eyebrow. Will it advance as far as Grand Theft Auto and Fallout 3 have taken them? Releasing miniature games within a game for only $20 or less?
X-Box’s deal with Netflix is also a sure fire way to get people to climb aboard. Games like Gears of War or Call of Duty on a grand scale would be a nice addition. Instead of 16-player combat, imagine 32-player combat or higher. Gamers alike would be jumping up and down with joy at the thought of such an aspect for games like those. For the next console, there is no argument; Microsoft needs to get this one right. No Red Ring’s, no console failure, just pure gaming enjoyment. Bring on X-Box Natal, Microsoft. Your loyal gamers are waiting.
- By Jeff Griffith | Associated Content
- Naiomi Solomon
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