X-Box 2, What will come next?

[Evolution]

Worth reading.

The start of a new year seems the perfect time to take a look into the future of Xbox. We're not suggesting the events below may happen, we're saying that they will come to pass. According to IGNXbox here are seven things to count on for Xbox 2 in 2005.

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Xbox 2 Fall 2005 Launch
Microsoft has said nothing official about any "new system," but good word on the street is that Microsoft will not announce the system at CES, nor at E3. Instead, following tradition, it will announce its new system at the annual Game Developers' Conference, with one spanking new IP that is not a car crashing into a wall at high speeds. (God, we hope this prediction is right! One more car crashing sequence or XNA explanation and we're going to slit our wrists with a broken Bad Boys II game DVD.) All obviousness aside, Microsoft will indeed launch the Xbox 2, which may very well be called the Xenon when all is said and done, in November 2005.

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Xbox 2 Launch Details
According to our sources, the system is said to be smaller than the first Xbox, less bulky, and is said to look somewhere in between the current Xbox and the PS2 Slim. The system will likely include an alternative for RF wireless controllers and Ethernet connections built into the system. And here's the biggie, it may have 30-40 games before the end of the year. If we remember correctly, the Dreamcast, and then the PS2, had the respective records on most games at launch. But Microsoft sees the launch window as about two months, as opposed to the launch day, which is only one 24-hour period. So, that big of a window seems more reasonable for such high numbers. Lastly, an emphasis will be placed on Microsoft's third parties, as opposed to its internal first-party games.

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First-Party Sequels Galore
Microsoft set a precedent with releasing sequels every other year. With the exception of Halo 2, which took three years, Microsoft's popular first-party games have all had sequels two years after release (MechAssault 2, Project Gotham Racing 2, Amped 2). It seems logical, then, that we can expect a number of sequels to hit in 2005. Look for Brute Force 2, Amped 3, Crimson Skies 2, Top Spin 2, and Project Gotham Racing 3 before the end of the year. The question is, which system will these arrive on -- Xbox or Xbox 2? Expect a mixture with half on Xbox, half on Xbox 2 (as Microsoft must continue to support the original Xbox through 2005). PGR 3 seems destined as an Xbox 2 title, likely a launch title, as does Brute Force 2.

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More Third-Party Support
In the early days, Microsoft learned that it might be a slow company to get things right, but that it always tried to correct its mistakes and errors in the next iteration, sequel, or whatever. You can see this progress in its Word and Windows launches, and we expect to see it with Xbox 2. So, in that light, the Xbox 2 will have a lot more third-party support, especially from Japanese companies. Though nothing is confirmed as of yet (actually not a single fact on Xbox 2 has been confirmed by Microsoft ever, including its very existence), expect to see Konami, Namco, Capcom and hopefully Square-Enix jump on board as the Xbox 2 owns the next-generation spotlight in its first year. Square-Enix is obviously the hardest company to get, but remember, Square and Enix jumped ship from Nintendo to PlayStation back in the day (using the medium as the reason), so count on some changes in this next generation. The real question is whether these Japanese companies will put their AAA titles on both system, as opposed to what they're doing now, which is AAA titles on PS2, A and B titles on Xbox.

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Rarely On Time
Microsoft will finally announce the release of Perfect Dark Zero, but for Xbox 2. We predict it's going to be slated for a launch with the system (as one of the few first-party launch titles), but when it all comes down to it, Perfect Dark Zero will not make launch. Instead, it'll come out sometime in early winter of 2006. In fact, we're willing to predict that Kameo is secretly being made for Xbox 2 as well, and it too is slated for launch, or sometime thereafter. And it too will be delayed again. We hate to be so cynical (though admittedly it's kind of fun), but after a few burns, you just don't want to count on a game being on time. And with Rare, their pattern is almost always to be late. Love the games! Love them! But, they're not very often on time.

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Microsoft's Success Forces Sony's Hand
Though the original Xbox never comes close to Sony's market share, the early launch of Xbox 2 causes Sony major concern. With numerous third-party developers in tow, including several Japanese developers, Xbox 2 has a strong launch. With momentum swinging in Microsoft's favor, Sony announces a Q1 2006 launch for PS3 in Japan. Rather than wait a half year for a U.S. and European launch, Sony ups the timetable by three months in an effort to maintain dominance in the marketplace. For the first time in many years, Sony is on the defensive.

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Molyneux Makes Splash on Xbox 2
Peter Molyneux hasn't kept it secret that Fable 2 is an inevitability. While many have speculated on a "Fable 1.5" that would add a new area to explore through downloadable content, this is not going to happen. Instead, a sequel to Fable, featuring many of the ground-breaking elements that were left off the original version, should make its debut on Xbox 2 in 2006. We'll get our first look at this exciting sequel towards the end of 2005. Molyneux's other Xbox game, B.C. is also a certainty for Xbox 2. Remember that a sequel to B.C. was announced before the game was oddly cancelled for Xbox. What's the real deal? With B.C. facing another major delay, Microsoft and Intepid decided to meld the first B.C. with the planned Xbox 2 sequel. An early 2006 release is likely, but a showing, probably at X'05 in Europe, seems probable.

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Halo 3
It's our belief that Halo 3 will not ship with the launch of Xbox 2. It will instead launch in fall 2006 on Xbox 2, simultaneously with the release of PS3 and the Nintendo Revolution as a counter punch. Bungie will not cut corners to try and make launch only one year after Halo 2. It will buckle down and make a killer third game in the series, perhaps ending the series proper, while simultaneously working on a brand new franchise unrelated to Halo that's not a first-person shooter. We predict Bungie will make awesome sequel to Fusion Frenzy with Halo characters! WOOT! Just kidding. Really, just kidding.

[SessDMC]

hopefully Square-Enix jump on board as the Xbox 2 owns the next-generation spotlight in its first year. Square-Enix is obviously the hardest company to get, but remember, Square and Enix jumped ship from Nintendo to PlayStation back in the day

I think Squre enix will stick with sony as there useing blu-ray (if there so concerned about mediums) but thats just my two pennys...

Microsoft's Success Forces Sony's Hand
Though the original Xbox never comes close to Sony's market share, the early launch of Xbox 2 causes Sony major concern. With numerous third-party developers in tow, including several Japanese developers, Xbox 2 has a strong launch. With momentum swinging in Microsoft's favor, Sony announces a Q1 2006 launch for PS3 in Japan. Rather than wait a half year for a U.S. and European launch, Sony ups the timetable by three months in an effort to maintain dominance in the marketplace. For the first time in many years, Sony is on the defensive.

Yeh thats true, its succeded at getting its foot in the door, as meny people have explained..

First-Party Sequels Galore
Microsoft set a precedent with releasing sequels every other year. With the exception of Halo 2, which took three years, Microsoft's popular first-party games have all had sequels two years after release (MechAssault 2, Project Gotham Racing 2, Amped 2).

Amped 2? is that like Equilzier or sum daft hand-eye co-ordination game?

Its given me an insight to the Xenon, and it looks all good to microsoft, but theres still the opposition (i.e. nintendo, and sony) <--- im just speculateing...

[siren]

I won't give away all the details, but Microsoft had Squaresoft lined up to sim ship "The Bouncer, Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy 11" on Xbox and PS2 before the Xbox came out. But it fell through for just one main reason which has been corrected.

I wouldn't write them off.

[watashi]

Wait your not gonna tell us and wait for us to feel in suspense?

[Dragonlance]

I won't give away all the details, but Microsoft had Squaresoft lined up to sim ship "The Bouncer, Final Fantasy X, and Final Fantasy 11" on Xbox and PS2 before the Xbox came out. But it fell through for just one main reason which has been corrected.

I wouldn't write them off.

FFX and FFXI is not on xbox? unless i understood you wrong. If Square goes to Microsoft i will definetly stop buying their games, rememebr crystal chronicles for gamcube? That was probably teh worst final fantasy amde by Square-Enix or Squaresoft ever.
If you ask me, Since Squaresoft became square enix most of their games started to get worse. FFCrystal Chronicles was putrid, who says they will get any better. Kingdom Hearts was the last game published under the name Squaresoft and after it, it became Square Enix and the games started to suck.
Maybe SE should go back to the old style of their gameplayand ditch hte dressphere and only 3 playable characters crap.
So once again, Square will only get worse if they transfer to Micrsoft.
As for ps3 releasing after Xenon, that was sony's biggest mistake. People will get impatient and buy the Xenon, then not have any money left over for ps3 or simply want to stick with one console.
This will be a tough race, and unless Nintendocan think of something that can make sony and M$ seem worthless then they are out of the race.
And I heard a rumor of Halo 3 coming out for ps3 as well as xenon? Can anyone comfirm this because Bungie is owned by Microsoft, them giving sony halo 3 seems a bit farfetched.

Well thats my 2 cents on next gen consoles :P dont read it if you are a nintendo fanboy.

[gaming ultima]

Well thats my 2 cents on next gen consoles dont read it if you are a nintendo fanboy.

you say that at the end then lol

[siren]

FF:CC was in part made by Nintendo. The core game was Nintendo's, SE only had an impact on the character design and base story. It was a token game made for GC so that SE qould be allowed to make games for the GameBoy. Nintendo blocked them from doing so without an agreement to also allow a Final Fantasy game to GC.

If FFX had come to Xbox how would it have been any worse? It would have been the same game you got on the PS2, maybe with a little better graphics and less loading time.

Please don't say a company will stink just because they goto the competition. Did Squaresoft get worse for switching off Nintendo?

[True Poet]

Some would argue that Squaresoft was better back in the FFVI/Chrono Trigger era. Not me, though. FFVII and FFVIII are heaps better than the rest of the series and let's not forget Vagrant Story. If Microsoft can't get the Xenon accepted in Japan, I think Square-Enix will stick with Sony, seeing as they are the biggest developer/publisher there.

[Epsilon-Zero]

well, MS did win over tecmo right at the begining. Thats one major japanese dev thats turned out some of the best fighting games in console gaming.

Im really not sure why Konami and MS have been kinda on edge. Konami released MGSS on the xbox and then i heard that they werent too happy with it because it made their game sloppy on the framerate. I dont see how that can be MS fault though since its the developers job to port and go over the code again for such things.

Ide really like to know what fell through on the MS / Square deal. MS probably gave them an ammount of time that wasnt possible.

[Anonymous]

I find it funny to see that so many people think Halo3 is again going to be as much as a factor in selling consoles as it was in Halo selling Xbox's last generation. When Sony went in to compete against Nintendo for console power in the N64 and PS1 days, Sony made sure it had the platforming, RPG, and racing goods to win gamers which were mostly the big games back then. When Sony went up against MS I'm sure they were unsure as to what games MS would promote and what games on the Xbox would be driving sales for the Xbox. After Halo and Halo 2 did so well and sold Xbox's, I doubt Sony is again going to not bring out a amazing FPS for the PS3 and not just Killzone 2 either. If a company like Insomniac comes and makes a FPS for the PS3 and it is nearly as good as Halo3, what difference will that make for the Xbox2? Sony isn't going to just go in with one FPS either, they are going to go in with many.

About Square Enix making games for MS, I don't doubt it, but how many games do you think Square will make for Xbox2 if the PS3 outsells and has more power than it? And I doubt Square is going to port any games from the Playstation consoles to the Xbox consoles since Square is usually only makes exclusives for one system.

As for Peter Monolyoux, I think his next game will be good and I'm looking forward to it.


Rare also looks like a good possibility of great games for the next Xbox2 and I'm again looking forward to those.

Finally, I doubt MS is going to force Sony's hand, with as many systems as Sony has sold on the PS2, Sony can wait and plan with it's customer base.

[Dragonlance]

FF:CC was in part made by Nintendo. The core game was Nintendo's, SE only had an impact on the character design and base story. It was a token game made for GC so that SE qould be allowed to make games for the GameBoy. Nintendo blocked them from doing so without an agreement to also allow a Final Fantasy game to GC.

If FFX had come to Xbox how would it have been any worse? It would have been the same game you got on the PS2, maybe with a little better graphics and less loading time.

Please don't say a company will stink just because they goto the competition. Did Squaresoft get worse for switching off Nintendo?

yeah i meant if the next FFs go to xenon or nintendo and yes all the Squaresoft games for nintendo are sick. CC and the Kingdom Hearts 2 were nothing compared to the ones made for ps2.

And I doubt Square is going to port any games from the Playstation consoles to the Xbox consoles since Square is usually only makes exclusives for one system.

That's true.

Finally, I doubt MS is going to force Sony's hand, with as many systems as Sony has sold on the PS2, Sony can wait and plan with it's customer base.

I think you mean people will go for sony more than microsoft due to their experience in the console making buisness? Thats untrue, many people are switching to Xbox and due to Xbox's earlier release than ps3, it will have a head start with its sales.

[gaming ultima]

i think he meant with the mainstream consumer base

[Epsilon-Zero]

Xbox 2 could see a FF8 and FF9 remake. Kinda seems how it goes with square. They wait a couple generations and then they remake the games. I doubt they would make a FF7 remake since they are already making 3 more games associated with that brand on Mobile, PSP, and PS2

[Anonymous]

Finally, I doubt MS is going to force Sony's hand, with as many systems as Sony has sold on the PS2, Sony can wait and plan with it's customer base.

I think you mean people will go for sony more than microsoft due to their experience in the console making buisness? Thats untrue, many people are switching to Xbox and due to Xbox's earlier release than ps3, it will have a head start with its sales.[/quote]

It will have a headstart in the sales, but how many copies can it sell before the PS3 gets out? Maybe 5 million. Of course Sony will probably announce the PS3 before the Xbox2 is released as well. This is were the customer base will play a part in. If more people own PS2s and know a PS3 is coming out, more people will be likely to buy it instead of getting an Xbox2 at launch and most will wait to all systems are out to see who they will like best which will be in part to Sony's base and knowing that the PS3 will most likely be good as the Xbox2. That is why MS may not be able to force Sony's hand by scaring them with the Xbox's 2 sales.

As for many people switching to Xbox right now, yes that is true because Xbox was a more powerfull system this generation and of course some of these people already have PS2s. MS may grow it's base even more when MS drops the Xbox's price down to 99$, I'm still doubting how this is going to work though if the Xbox2 is announced before this, why would you buy an Xbox and then only have to see it's successor out a year later?

[Dragonlance]

Finally, I doubt MS is going to force Sony's hand, with as many systems as Sony has sold on the PS2, Sony can wait and plan with it's customer base.

I think you mean people will go for sony more than microsoft due to their experience in the console making buisness? Thats untrue, many people are switching to Xbox and due to Xbox's earlier release than ps3, it will have a head start with its sales.

It will have a headstart in the sales, but how many copies can it sell before the PS3 gets out? Maybe 5 million. Of course Sony will probably announce the PS3 before the Xbox2 is released as well. This is were the customer base will play a part in. If more people own PS2s and know a PS3 is coming out, more people will be likely to buy it instead of getting an Xbox2 at launch and most will wait to all systems are out to see who they will like best which will be in part to Sony's base and knowing that the PS3 will most likely be good as the Xbox2. That is why MS may not be able to force Sony's hand by scaring them with the Xbox's 2 sales.

As for many people switching to Xbox right now, yes that is true because Xbox was a more powerfull system this generation and of course some of these people already have PS2s. MS may grow it's base even more when MS drops the Xbox's price down to 99$, I'm still doubting how this is going to work though if the Xbox2 is announced before this, why would you buy an Xbox and then only have to see it's successor out a year later?[/quote]
Are you quoting yourself? Because you just lost me in that post...

[SessDMC]

So if Sonys announcing the ps3, send out some screen shots and trailers and information, and stuff, it could give the Xennon launch a bumpy ride...

[siren]

Now ask yourself what happens in the following scenario.

1) Microsoft launches Xbox2 amid a ton of PS3 hype, only sells 5 Million the first year

2) In the first year MS gets out over 150 games including several AAA games that have been in development for over 3 years

3) PS3 launches and has hardware shortages one year after Xbox2 launch. Parents wanting to buy a new system for Christmas buy Xbox2's

4) Sony has a shortage of AAA games for the first 6 months, just like they did for the PS2. Some consumers go and buy and Xbox2 to fill their gaming desires


Keep in mind that a lot of earlier adopters were burned by Sony with the PS2. There weren't enough systems, enough memory cards, or enough games worth buying and playing. I doubt these people will be waiting for PS3

[Dragonlance]

Now ask yourself what happens in the following scenario.

1) Microsoft launches Xbox2 amid a ton of PS3 hype, only sells 5 Million the first year

2) In the first year MS gets out over 150 games including several AAA games that have been in development for over 3 years

3) PS3 launches and has hardware shortages one year after Xbox2 launch. Parents wanting to buy a new system for Christmas buy Xbox2's

4) Sony has a shortage of AAA games for the first 6 months, just like they did for the PS2. Some consumers go and buy and Xbox2 to fill their gaming desires


Keep in mind that a lot of earlier adopters were burned by Sony with the PS2. There weren't enough systems, enough memory cards, or enough games worth buying and playing. I doubt these people will be waiting for PS3

If PS3 is cheaper upon release parents wont buy xbox2 for the Holidays.
What makes you think they sony will have hardware shortages? And not vice versa? And just about how many people baught xbox to fill their gaming desires, xbox only has a handful of great games, and xenon might end up the same.
See I dont know how far up you are in Microsoft so I dont know how much you know which just makes it almost impossible to debate.

[siren]

Why would PS3 be cheaper? It is coming out later. If anything Xbox2 will be cheaper by the time PS3 releases.

Sony has had hardware shortages for every release they have done.

PS1, PSone
PS2, PS2slim
PSP

That is called a trend. There is no sign of the trend ending.

Xbox on a month by month basis has had a higher attach rate of games to console sold than any other console in history. Anyone who says it only has a handful of great games is ignoring facts.

On top of this, this past year Xbox had almost an identical # of games come out as the PS2 did in the US. Developer support is definately not an issue.

There were serveral news articles late this year that called out people buying Xbox's to fill their gaming needs due to lack of PS2slim units on the shelf. As a result, Xbox also had shortages of systems leading up to Christmas.

Xbox outsold PS2 6 of 12 months this year in the US. This does not happen without great games.

[Dragonlance]

Why would PS3 be cheaper? It is coming out later. If anything Xbox2 will be cheaper by the time PS3 releases.

Sony has had hardware shortages for every release they have done.

PS1, PSone
PS2, PS2slim
PSP

That is called a trend. There is no sign of the trend ending.

Xbox on a month by month basis has had a higher attach rate of games to console sold than any other console in history. Anyone who says it only has a handful of great games is ignoring facts.

On top of this, this past year Xbox had almost an identical # of games come out as the PS2 did in the US. Developer support is definately not an issue.

There were serveral news articles late this year that called out people buying Xbox's to fill their gaming needs due to lack of PS2slim units on the shelf. As a result, Xbox also had shortages of systems leading up to Christmas.

Xbox outsold PS2 6 of 12 months this year in the US. This does not happen without great games.

One fact you are ignoring is that ALOT of gamers baught xbox for Halo and Halo 2(or at least teh 100+ i know). Thats the reason I said it has only a handful of great games, plus the good ones are available for PC, so why not buy a ps2 to play the great games they offer, and use your pc for the xbox games.
But yeah your a pretty smart guy so this will be my last post relating to this mini-debate in this thread.

[siren]

Please do not fall into the Fanboy trap of the good ones are on the PC.

Can you get Ninja Gaiden, DOA, Halo2, SegaGT, Forza, DDR Ultramix, Steel Battallion, JetSet Radio Future, and lots more on the PC? No. Will you ever be able to? Most likely not, not even Halo2.

Also consider that a lot of people lack a powerful enough PC to play the games like KotoR and Halo on the PC. Or they would rather spend 150$'s on a machine they can hook to their TV to play the games rather than even $400 on a PC and be stuck on a small screen.

I am not ignoring that a lot of people bought an Xbox for Halo and Halo2. Just like a lot of people bought a PS2 just for Grand Theft Auto 3 & Vice City. Ever system has to have the "System Seller" title. Both Xbox and PS2 have several. That is what makes both great.

Both Xbox2 and PS3 will have their system sellers. What I am questioning is which can get out enough system sellers first?

If Xbox 2, releasing one year earlier and with development tools in developers hands for 2 years longer than PS3, can get enough AAA titles out prior to the PS3 launch and if PS3 fails to have enough AAA titles in their first 6 - 12 months, people will buy Xbox2. They go where the games are.

[Epsilon-Zero]

just a quick add i can think of alot of great games the xbox has that arent found on the PC. Infact of the 26 games i have on xbox 11 of them can be found on other consoles, 6 of them can be found on PC, and 6 of those games have Xbox only extras. There is alot of games i still want yet but i just dont ahve the money

[SessDMC]

Most likely not, not even Halo2

What, so its like halo 2 aint gunna come out on PC un like halo?

[siren]

Correct.

If it does, I wouldn't expect to see it until 2007 at the earliest.

[Epsilon-Zero]

ouch..2007. i wont even care about that game by that time