This was taken from xbox-scene
Microsoft's next-generation console will be called the "Xbox 360."
What we heard: A wellspring for interesting (if unsubstantiated) tidbits, Engagdet cites a "trusted source" as having revealed the name for Microsoft's next-gen console, complete with logo (see screen index). Furthermore, the source also explained the rationale behind the arguably lackluster moniker. "Apparently Microsoft was worried that calling their new console the 'Xbox 2' would make it seem older or less 'cutting-edge' than the PlayStation 3," said the site. Engadget also cited a 2004 study that compared the "Xbox 360" to its rival next-consoles' possible names: "PlayStation 3" and "Nintendo N5." However, it didn't mention reports of another 2004 marketing study that reportedly tested consumer reactions to three versions of a console called the Xbox Next, currently the most common name applied to Microsoft's next-gen console. However, the software colossus is staying mum for the moment, so there's little but gut feeling to go on.
Bogus or not bogus?: Given the popularity of "Xbox Next" and the fact "Xbox 360" sounds like some kind of snowboarding trick, we'll go with "probably bogus."
* The next-generation Xbox will use neither the Blu-ray nor the HD-DVD disc formats.
What we heard: Although it jokingly says it received the tip from an anonymous source "in a soggy brown envelope anonymously delivered through our door by untraceable carrier pigeon," the Inquirer article does seriously suggest that rather than support either of the two new high-capacity formats, Microsoft will stick with plain ol' DVDs as its media medium. The reason? "To keep the costs of the system and its games down," according to The Inquirer's source. As thin as this theory is, it does have some weight to it. For one, Microsoft loses money on every Xbox sold, and it's been rumored to be taking drastic steps (that is, ditching the hard drive in favor of high-capacity flash cards) to keep the cost of its next-gen system down. Secondly, with a console generation life span of around four to five years, a high-capacity format drive may not be necessary. Currently, even the most graphic-intensive PC games currently on the market can fit on a 4.7GB DVD. Doom 3 came on just three CDs (approximately 2GB), while Far Cry came on five (approx. 3.25GB). The record belongs do Everquest II, which came on a whopping 10 CDs (approx. 6.5GB). However, games that size could simply come on two discs, like the best-selling Resident Evil 4. (Note: GameCube discs only hold 1.5GB per disc.) Then there's the question of the two new formats. Blu-ray is being heavily backed by Sony, so it would seem unlikely that Microsoft would help its archrival spread its chosen format. But if the company selected HD-DVD for the Xbox Next, it would be picking sides in a format war where there is no clear favorite. And everyone knows Bill Gates does not like to lose...
Bogus or not bogus?: Possible, but still too early to call.
Is this the End of the HD in the XboX?
Going to be a bummer if so.
Bill Don't do it please please keep the HD in the new XboX
Microsoft's next-generation console will be called the "Xbox 360."
What we heard: A wellspring for interesting (if unsubstantiated) tidbits, Engagdet cites a "trusted source" as having revealed the name for Microsoft's next-gen console, complete with logo (see screen index). Furthermore, the source also explained the rationale behind the arguably lackluster moniker. "Apparently Microsoft was worried that calling their new console the 'Xbox 2' would make it seem older or less 'cutting-edge' than the PlayStation 3," said the site. Engadget also cited a 2004 study that compared the "Xbox 360" to its rival next-consoles' possible names: "PlayStation 3" and "Nintendo N5." However, it didn't mention reports of another 2004 marketing study that reportedly tested consumer reactions to three versions of a console called the Xbox Next, currently the most common name applied to Microsoft's next-gen console. However, the software colossus is staying mum for the moment, so there's little but gut feeling to go on.
Bogus or not bogus?: Given the popularity of "Xbox Next" and the fact "Xbox 360" sounds like some kind of snowboarding trick, we'll go with "probably bogus."
* The next-generation Xbox will use neither the Blu-ray nor the HD-DVD disc formats.
What we heard: Although it jokingly says it received the tip from an anonymous source "in a soggy brown envelope anonymously delivered through our door by untraceable carrier pigeon," the Inquirer article does seriously suggest that rather than support either of the two new high-capacity formats, Microsoft will stick with plain ol' DVDs as its media medium. The reason? "To keep the costs of the system and its games down," according to The Inquirer's source. As thin as this theory is, it does have some weight to it. For one, Microsoft loses money on every Xbox sold, and it's been rumored to be taking drastic steps (that is, ditching the hard drive in favor of high-capacity flash cards) to keep the cost of its next-gen system down. Secondly, with a console generation life span of around four to five years, a high-capacity format drive may not be necessary. Currently, even the most graphic-intensive PC games currently on the market can fit on a 4.7GB DVD. Doom 3 came on just three CDs (approximately 2GB), while Far Cry came on five (approx. 3.25GB). The record belongs do Everquest II, which came on a whopping 10 CDs (approx. 6.5GB). However, games that size could simply come on two discs, like the best-selling Resident Evil 4. (Note: GameCube discs only hold 1.5GB per disc.) Then there's the question of the two new formats. Blu-ray is being heavily backed by Sony, so it would seem unlikely that Microsoft would help its archrival spread its chosen format. But if the company selected HD-DVD for the Xbox Next, it would be picking sides in a format war where there is no clear favorite. And everyone knows Bill Gates does not like to lose...
Bogus or not bogus?: Possible, but still too early to call.
Is this the End of the HD in the XboX?
Going to be a bummer if so.
Bill Don't do it please please keep the HD in the new XboX
