Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

It's never too early for gamers to begin obsessing over rumored future consoles, which is why we are already seeing stories on the rumored Xbox 720, the planned successor to the Xbox 360. The projected date for a release isn't until sometime around 2012, but that isn't going to stop gamers from debating what the next Microsoft game system will (and won't) be.

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

That would be a no-brainer. It isn't like console manufacturers have staff who sit around for years waiting for the next development cycle; by the time the Xbox 360 shipped, the next generation console was already in the design process. Of course, based on the hardware issues Microsoft ran into with the 360, the hardware designers may have spent some time working on fixing the design of the 360, but every company starts planning the next iteration as soon as the current one is out the door. We didn't need hints from Microsoft to tell us that.

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

There will be much gnashing of teeth, but if Blu-ray is the standard in high-def video, the next Xbox will have it (despite the suggestion in The Standard's Digital Home of 2013 special that Blu-ray will become obsolete). Microsoft is loathe to add a Sony standard to its gaming device, but the reality is that unless Redmond comes up with something on its own (a pipe dream), or someone else does (who wants to eat the kind of loss Toshiba took on HD-DVD?), it's going to have Blu-ray. It may take at least four years for Microsoft to choke the idea of talking to Sony about licensing, but odds are it will happen.

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

IGN puts this rumor out there based on a question-filled "statement" from Microsoft's Corporate VP of Strategy and Business Development, Shane Kim. It's possible, but given how cheap hard drives are, it's unlikely that they move to a completely digital system. There will always be console owners who have no desire to play online, as well as those who take their consoles with them on road trips, and a hard drive is necessary. But using a combined digital/hardware solution may be the end result, something that Nintendo may also be hinting at as a solution for their storage issues with the Wii. Offering a cloud storage solution frees up hardware constraints, introduces yet another ongoing revenue stream, and keeps user tied into the subscription service.

4. Will there be parallel systems?

Gamers World Bangladesh suggests that Microsoft may continue the Xbox 360 line even after the next-gen 720 console is released, much the same as Sony has continued to sell PS2 consoles long after the launch of the PS3. This isn't going to happen. Microsoft is still eating a huge expense in console repairs on the Xbox 360, and nothing will make them happier than end-of-lifing these issues. Almost three years into the product's life cycle, hardware failures are still happening with regularity. The company line is going to say that they will support it as long as it is selling, but once the product launch of the next version is imminent, there can't be much doubt that the Xbox 360 will be on life support. Hopefully, Microsoft will make the 720 more backwards-compatible than the 360 was, allowing users to upgrade without fear that they will have a stack of useless games.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign

Deconstructing the Xbox 720

Cyndy Aleo-Carreira — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:51:57 -0700

Much of the current rumor mill (like the recent piece from Gamers World Bangladesh) is based on year-old interviews and conjecture, but we can break down what's probable and what's unlikely:

1. It's already in development?

2. It's going to have Blu-ray?

3. Is it going to be a digital system instead of hardware?

4. Will there be parallel systems?

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: Crave leaves ESA. Something's brewing, but no one's talking.
Analysis: The real reason Microsoft won't bring Blu-ray to the Xbox: HDi
Analysis: Sony's PS3 Home timeline goes from bad to worse
Analysis: Independent gaming could flourish on the iPhone
News: Gaiman's Coraline coming to game consoles and handhelds
News: EA evolves Spore ad campaign