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so whats the scoup on this thing? People are talking about in my "is this my next DVD player thread" so I thought I'd start one soley on this new machine
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Read all about it in the following link Andrew...
The Next Big Thing, Xbox
Executive summary, it will be a kick ass gaming console that brings the resolution of the best PC games to the TV (HDTV owners rejoyce), and 5.1 DD audio as well.
System Specs:
Pentium III 733 MHz CPU
233 Mhz nVIDIA Graphics Processor
64 MB of Unified RAM
5x DVD
8 GB Hard Drive
8 MB Memory Card
Four High-Speed Controller Ports
10/100 Ethernet
256 Audio Channels
Broadband Enabled
DVD Movie Playback (remote control required)Progressive to boot
HDTV Game support
Most of the major game makers have signed on for the XBox, and game development is a lot more simplistic for the Xbox.
This screen shot looks as good as my Geforce 3 at 1600x1200
Console games have it over PC's for they run smoother, not having to run all that extra crap, and they are a very casual, social event. It's mega fun sitting around your coffee table and big screen TV, playing games with your friends, rather than crowding around a 19" monitor. Before, it was the resolutions of the PC monitors that had the advantage, no more now.
It's being released 1 day before my birthday...should I preorder...? Hold me back...
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Bing I found this link too
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Great Link Andrew, thanks!
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My only issue with Xbox is that there are no clear cut tripple-A games. I mean, everything looks really nice but there really isn't anything new or innovative yet. I'm quite sure there will be several good games but nothing earth shattering.
Still, I'll have one on November 8.
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$299.99
Expect to see several retailers pushing "bundle" deals with packages of accessories and games.
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the only downside is that not all games will support 1080i. i think all the launch games will be just 480 (i or p depending on you setup). also, not all games at launch (not sure if any) will have in game 5.1. as for triple a list games, i think halo is supposed to be, or at least is being hyped as being, the next big thing. rumors on xbox.ign.com say that tony hawk 2x is going to have the ability to create bigger custom parks due to the 10 gig drive (it's been upped from the 8 originally said to have) plus it should also be internet ready once the system goes "online" in the new year.
as for the hdtv movie support, does anyone know if microsoft is trying to pass off 480p as hdtv, or whether it will do hardware scaling? i'd prefer the latter but i'm not going to get my hopes up.
not sure what my point is in any of this, just thought i'd add my 2 cents...Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.Comment
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No one knows for sure. Microsoft stated it would be possible for the system to actually scale DVD to 1080i (they may have mentioned other resolutions too). However, they have never expanded upon that statement. At this point we're all just hoping the feature exists. Realisticaly, it shouldn't be too much to ask of the hardware.does anyone know if microsoft is trying to pass off 480p as hdtv, or whether it will do hardware scaling? i'd prefer the latter but i'm not going to get my hopes up.
Quite a few developers have announced games with HD support. Most seem to be shooting for 720p.
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one thing i haven't thought of before is what system it'll be running. is it windows ce (like the dreamcast--i think) or is it 2000? at any rate, does this mean we'll be able to take advantage of all the dvd-rom features so many dvds have? i personally have never accessed any special dvd-rom features since i don't have access to one, nor have i planned on going htpc. this might solve that.
and i should also add that if my last post didn't make any sense (or make any points) it's 'cause it was late saturday night and i was about to watch a movie and my friend was bugging me to get off the computer... anyway the moral of the story is that death race 2000 is great.Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.Comment
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The OS is totally custom. It does contain some elements of DirectX though. Microsoft is pretty quick to mention it shares virtually nothing with any previous version of Windows.
My first instinct is to say no. However, the DVD player in the Xbox is purely software driven so it's possible.does this mean we'll be able to take advantage of all the dvd-rom features so many dvds have?
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Well, it finally seems as if we are seeing the reversal of fortunes here for technology.
Seems Xbox will be delayed for it's Japan introduction, but is still on schedule for it's home base release of November 8th. All I have to say is "Ahh-well!"
Posted in the NY Times:
August 27, 2001
Delays Japan Xbox Launch to Feb
By REUTERS
Filed at 11:38 a.m. ET
TOKYO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp (news/quote) said on Monday it would delay the Japanese launch of its Xbox game console to February 22 from an initially planned debut late this year in a bid to ensure its success on home turf first.
While the delay means Microsoft will miss the key year-end shopping season in the lucrative Japanese market, analysts said the move was widely expected.
``We had expected the Xbox to appear in Japan around March, so this is not a surprise,'' said Nobumasa Morimoto, senior analyst at Tokyo-Mitsubishi Securities.
In its first foray into the hardware business and gaming industry, Microsoft is set to compete with advanced machines from Japanese rivals Sony Corp (news/quote) and Nintendo Co (news/quote)
Sony dominates the market with its PlayStation 2 and Nintendo is preparing to launch its next-generation GameCube.
The Xbox, sporting a bright green ``X'' logo, built-in hard drive and Internet capability, is carrying Microsoft's hope of breaking into the interactive home entertainment market and driving new growth.
``The Xbox is Microsoft's biggest challenge in the 21st century,'' Hirohisa Ohura, managing director of the company's Japanese unit, told a news conference.
``We want to first succeed in the United States and then ride the wave of popularity into the Japanese market.''
NO TECHNICAL PROBLEMS
Microsoft reiterated that the next-generation Xbox would hit shelves in the United States on November 8 as scheduled, defying growing concerns about possible delays.
Earlier this month, brokerage Thomas Weisel Partners said in a research note that development of the Xbox could be delayed up to four weeks because of a problem with a motherboard made by Intel Corp (news/quote)
On Monday, Microsoft said it would ship an initial 600,000 to 800,000 of the consoles in the United States.
It also reiterated that it aimed to ship 1.5 million units by the end of the U.S. holiday shopping season.
That compares with Sony's target of 20 million PlayStation 2 consoles worldwide by the end of March. The market leader has sold nearly 15 million to date and its game machines account for almost two-thirds of the U.S. home-use game market.
SOFTWARE UP TO SCRATCH?
Analysts said Microsoft would likely have a difficult time in winning a big share of the Japanese market because of timing, a relatively poor software line-up, and the difficulty competing with Japanese rivals.
``The Xbox may attract game maniacs, but it will have a hard time reaching a large customer base here because the price is likely to be higher than other consoles and its software line-up weaker than its rivals','' Morimoto said.
``Sony's PS2 is probably number one. Nintendo, because they are Japanese and because they are out to market sooner, probably has more likely of a chance of being second. That doesn't leave much room for Microsoft,'' said Lisa Spicer, senior analyst for ING Baring.
Microsoft's Ohura said about 70 software developers were currently working on more than 130 software titles in Japan. Between 12 and 20 of those, including the hot-selling ''Onimusha,'' a Japanese samurai game made by Capcom Co Ltd, are expected to be released at the February launch.
The company has not announced a price for Xbox in Japan, but analysts expect it to exceed the $290 for Sony's PlayStation 2, which went on sale last March, and $208 for Nintendo's GameCube, set to hit stores in Japan on September 14.
Microsoft is expected to sell Xbox in the United States for an estimated retail price of $299.
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I can't wait! My wife got to play one today!
It looks like Microsoft is going to force us to buy Xbox in a bundle. Console+Memory card+3games. I originally thought only the smaller retailers would have to follow this model but now it looks like they're going to try to force it everywhere.
Not necessarily bad but it just feels odd.
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Are they really forcing us to get a bundle? Do we have a choice in games?
The EB bundle sounds like a good option, "You will have several bundle selections to choose from, all loaded with the hottest titles and accessories. Some of our bundles will include the DVD Movie Playback Kit."
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Yea, you'll have your choice of games. I'm still not sure how strict they'll be on the bundle thing but it looks like the preferred way to sell the console.
On the other side, Nintendo isn't even allowing retailers to take reservations. They want a clean launch that is clearly the opposite of their competition.
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according to my eb sheet, the bundle you get is:
A) the xbox
B) one of:
fuzion frenzy
project gotham racing
halo
nfl fever 2002
oddworld: munch's oddysee
C) one of:
airforce delta storm
dead or alive 3
fuzion frenzy
project gotham racing
halo
mad dash racing
madden 2002
nascar heat
nfl fever 2002
nhl hitz
oddworld: munch's oddysee
test drive off road
tony hawk 2x
D) one of:
xbox controller
xbox dvd remote by microsoft
xbox memory card by microsoft
all this for $699.99 cdn.Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.Comment
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So I would have to pick one from A, B, C, and D? Does the box not come with a controler? or is it a second controller in D?
Idealy, I'd like to get the box, 2 contollers, one game the dvd remote and a memory card. Not that it's actually going to happen.Paul
There are three kinds of people in this world; those that can count, and those that can't.Comment
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yeah, sorry it was a little unclear as to what comes with the xbox. it does come with one controller. and, yes, you automatically get A, the xbox, and have to chose one from each category. they also told me at eb that although they don't have prices for any peripherals yet (like the hdtv av pack) they will closer to launch and you can add it to your preorder.
i should also mention that you have to put down $100 cdn (pre-order date is sept 1st) and you can keep adding to it if you want between that time and the pick up date which is november 8th. you have to pick it up within 48 hours of launch day at which time you have to pay off whatever is the balance.
i think that's everything from the sheet i have (which you can pick up in store).Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.Comment
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Good info, I think I would take Halo, nhl hitz, DVD remote.
It the EB thing the deal to get for us Canadians? I'm wondering if it would be more cost effective to purchase through somewhere in canada?
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in the sept 2001 issue of sound and vision (pg 113 to be exact), it's mentioned in the back that both the xbox and the eventuall panasonic gamecube (a nintendo/panasonic game system/dvd player) will be progresive scan dvd players.Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.Comment
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Mark, this is from cut from EBGames XBox FAQ's
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DVD Questions
Will I be able to watch DVD movies at full resolution with this?
The Xbox will have full DVD video and audio support, comparable to most DVD players out on the market today. That includes full HDTV support, which includes 480p, 720p, and 1080i component resolutions but you’ll need the High Definition AV pack to take advantage of those. Yes, that means progressive scan, so you can cool down your little message board fights over the issue. Will it compare to high-end DVD players? Probably not, but it is very close. But it’s definitely looking to beat PS2 in terms of quality AV output.
Will the Xbox play DVDs right out of the box?
In what seems like another move to cut costs of the initial price of the system, you won’t be able to play DVDs right of the box. Instead, you’ll have to purchase a remote control kit that will basically include a piece of hardware or software and a remote control that will allow you to play normal DVDs on your system. Most likely this is to avoid having to pay the somewhat pricey DVD licensing fees on every system that ships to stores. The price of the license will be included in the remote control pack, which will most likely cost in the $20-30 range.
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Paul, keep your eyes & ears peeled for any Canadian place that may take pre orders....
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hey. to all the winnipegers out there... i was at eb last night picking up mario kart advance and the sales girl and i were talking about xbox and she told me that their store (the one in st. vital mall) is getting 180 xboxes! i don't know how that's possible and i asked if she meant city wide and she reconfirmed that it was that store. so anyway, i guess it won't be that difficult to get one. preorders start tomorrow.Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.Comment
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180 Xboxes all year? -or the first day?
That number sounds very possible for the whole year but not for launch.
I say that because 180 pieces for the year compares somewhat favorably (though a bit low) for the stores in my company (which is much bigger than EB).
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i know, sili. it sounds rediculous, but that's what they said. i'd say you're the one that's right (enough until end of december).
anyway... i did go to eb today for the whoe preorder deal. i didn't put any money down (still kinda not sure what with the gamecube coming too). what i wanted to know was what the deal is with the high def pack. as it turns out it does come with a set of component video cables and a set of stereo audio cables. the guy said it retails for about 39 bucks (cdn of course).Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.Comment
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Matt, is there an EB in Canada that you would have a price on a Xbox?
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bing, i've been going to the one here in winnipeg. don't know how many there are across canada. you can go to their website and order it from there. they also have a store locator on the left hand side margin.Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.Comment
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Thanks Matt!
Well here I'm pressed on the precepice of weither or not to Pre-order the Xbox.
Pro - I want the technology it offers.
Con - Looking at the list of games has left me rather unimpressed.
Basically there are only 2 console games I care to play, 1) MSG Sons of Liberty, 2)Gran Turismo 3. Both of these are Playstation games
NHL 2002 for Xbox would be ok, but I could just play that on my PC, and can output it to my TV from my Geforce3.
So what to do??? (Please don't tell me to buy a PS2 )
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I agree, the games seem more like genre fillers than system sellers. No doubt some will be quite good but I'm afraid most of the initial games will be average at best (as with last year's PS2 launch).
Metal Gear is coming to Xbox in the form of "Metal Gear X". It's not due until the spring though. It'll be a specialized version of Metal Gear 2.
There's a racing game called Project Gotham that many are comparing to Gran Turismo. The graphics blow GT3 out of the water but the gameplay appears less focused on reality than GT3.
I'm getting Halo for sure. Bungie has never let me down (Marathon, Myth). Plus, I love first person shooters (I just hope there is a keyboard/mouse option).
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Project Gotham looks to be ok, so long as the cars are real cars and not fantasy cars, I could learn to live with it.
Metal gear X will cetainly be a title to look for. I also read Max Payne will be coming to Xbox, so the game list is already looking promising.
I can't play first person shooters like Halo and Quake, I get terrible dizzy playing those, put me on the wildest roller coaster though and I'll beg for more :B
Anyhow, I went and signed my name right below Trev's... That was kinda cool!
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