Post by Segaman on Feb 2, 2004 21:03:08 GMT -5
Today new information about the next Xbox system, including the fact that it could be out as soon as fall 2005, was quietly revealed to a select few by Microsoft today. The idea behind the 2005 launch of the next Xbox is to take the fight to Sony, who plans on releasing its next console system sometime in 2006.
By jumping in front of the PS3 release, Microsoft hopes to gain the kind of foothold that Sony managed to gain with the PS2. The system itself will feature three IBM 64-bit microprocessors (more processing power than most current-generation PCs, according to some experts), a graphics chip designed by ATI Technologies (faster than its upcoming R400 chip), 256 megabytes of dynamic random access memory (512 if Sony offers more than that it the PS3), support for HDTV and current DVD video technology or the new Blu-Ray technology - if it's ready in time.
What the next Xbox system won't have is backwards compatibility to current Xbox games and a hard-drive. Developers have already voiced objections to not offer hard drive, as it is the best solution for storing extra game content like multiplayer maps and other downloads.
Flash memory will be used to store saved games and permanent data, but Microsoft may add a hard drive if Sony offers one for the PS3. Look for more on this system during the Game Developers Conference in March and the Electronic Entertainment Expo in May.
By jumping in front of the PS3 release, Microsoft hopes to gain the kind of foothold that Sony managed to gain with the PS2. The system itself will feature three IBM 64-bit microprocessors (more processing power than most current-generation PCs, according to some experts), a graphics chip designed by ATI Technologies (faster than its upcoming R400 chip), 256 megabytes of dynamic random access memory (512 if Sony offers more than that it the PS3), support for HDTV and current DVD video technology or the new Blu-Ray technology - if it's ready in time.
What the next Xbox system won't have is backwards compatibility to current Xbox games and a hard-drive. Developers have already voiced objections to not offer hard drive, as it is the best solution for storing extra game content like multiplayer maps and other downloads.
Flash memory will be used to store saved games and permanent data, but Microsoft may add a hard drive if Sony offers one for the PS3. Look for more on this system during the Game Developers Conference in March and the Electronic Entertainment Expo in May.
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