Microsoft will sell two versions of its next-generation Xbox 360, priced at $299 and $399.
The higher-priced version of the console is expected to have a 20-gigabyte detachable hard drive, which could be used to store digital songs and photos and saved game components. Those who buy the lower-priced version, the Xbox 360 "core system," could buy the hard drive separately for $100.
Seattle Times reporters and gaming experts Kim Peterson and Mark Rahner, who follow the industry and game playing, answered your questions about the console, the business and how the 360 plays.
Why is it called the Xbox 360 instead of the Xbox 2?
— Aaron Corpuz, Federal Way
Mark: Perhaps because the cost (and numerous functions) would make our ancestors spin a full 360 degrees in their graves. Lincoln Logs were good enough for them — and snowballs in the winter. Ah, Kim?
Kim: My take? Something called the Xbox 2 does not stack up well against something called the PlayStation 3.
With Xbox 360 coming out so much earlier the next Sony PlayStation, do you think the PlayStation will be better now they know what Microsoft is putting out? Do you think gamers should wait to see what the PlayStation has to offer before putting out this much money?
— Curtis Pearson, Seattle
Kim Peterson: You can bet that Sony is watching everything Microsoft is doing with the Xbox 360 very carefully. I don't think that Microsoft will cause Sony to significantly change its plans for the PlayStation 3 hardware, but I do think Sony will tweak its marketing plans, its games lineup and its pricing strategy based on what Microsoft is doing. As far as waiting for the PS3, I'll let Mark answer that one. Mark?
Mark Rahner: Here's my two lousy cents: I think the really compulsive gamers won't be able to wait.
I have never played a video game, is this a good machine to begin with?
— Randy, Seattle
Mark: If you've never played a video game, allow me to recommend "Pong." OK, forget "Pong." The 360 is the niftiest machine you can get right now, with tons of bells, whistles, cattle prods and other stuff you may not have known you needed. It'll allow you to jump in with both feet. If you're truly an entry-level player, you may not need such a monster, though, and might consider something less expensive like the PlayStation 2 that'll get your feet wet nicely.
Kim: If you've never played a video game, you should do some research before plunking down $400 on a system. Take half a day and park yourself in front of the Xbox kiosk at EB Games. Rent a PS2 from Blockbuster for the weekend.
Since the PS3 is expected to be more powerful than the 360, what is the advantage to buying the 360 now, as opposed to waiting for the PS3 next spring?
— Anonymous, Bellevue
Mark: In my personal, private, non-newspaper life, I tend to watch and wait before making a decision and parting with money. For instance, I've just recently bought a "Men at Work" album. But there are always gamers who want the new system as soon as they can get it. As far as power goes, at a certain level, that stuff can get academic. The Xbox 360 is supposed to be up to 10 times more powerful than its ancestor. What if the PS3 is 11 times better? I know people who'd buy both, one way or the other.
This is a little bit off the subject but what do you think's going to happen to Nintendo? After GameCube came out people loved it but don't you think it's slipping out of the race? (Unfortunately, this is the format I own.)
— Josh B., Shoreline
Kim: Don't rule out Nintendo yet. They're developing a next-generation console (code-named Revolution), but they won't pursue the same strategy as Microsoft and Sony. They're not aiming the Revolution to be the entertainment hub of the living room. But they are trying to do different and innovative things with their systems and games. They point to "Nintendogs" as a good example of an unusual game that can disrupt the industry. I see them as moving into more niche status.
I have an 8-year-old son who loves his GameBoy. Is the Xbox 360 too hard or sophisticated for him, do you think?
— Patti B., Seattle
Mark: I'm sure an 8-year-old would hyperventilate at the prospect of getting an Xbox 360, and I don't want to be the one to get in the way of that. But I think it's a bit much for a kid that age — unless that kid happens to be a sultan of something. Imagine giving a kid an expensive, state-of-the-art Bose audio system, when he mainly just needs to hear some CDs.
Kim: I agree that it's a bit much for an 8-year-old, at least for now. But he would be the envy of all the kids on the block if he got one.
Will there likely be a price reduction in the coming months for the Xbox 360? If so, how soon -- 3 months, 6 months, a year?
— Nate Odell, Bainbridge Island
Kim: Any price reduction for the Xbox 360 will depend solely on one thing: the PlayStation 3. My psychic powers tell me they'll hold the current price until the PS3 comes out and adjust the pricing then.
Are you guys seeing a two-format race like VHS vs. Beta with Xbox vs. PS2? Think the market will be able to support multi formats over the long haul? Where do you put your money on what's going to survive?
— Sara Jean P., Seattle
Kim: Good questions. Yes, it's a two-format race and will be for a long time. Both companies have a lot of money and are fully behind their systems. In fact, they feel so confident that they're *raising* the prices of new games toward $60. They're in it for as long as they want to be.
Mark: I wonder who's going to wind up being the RCA Video Disc in this race. Maybe that was the Nokia N-Gage.
How much will games go for?
— Lisa, Friday Harbor
Mark: Games will generally cost you around $60 and an unquantifiable amount of your patience.
Your predictions, please, on the built-in obsolescence factor for this new system?
— Roberto Verdi, Seattle
Kim: The problem with being out first is that the obsolescence will kick in when the next great thing comes along. So expect Sony to dish out a huge helping of has-been to Microsoft with the PS3. I imagine Microsoft has some tricks up its sleeve to try and keep the 360 fresh, however.
Mark: Obsolescence is the way of the cosmos, my child. How else would you explain Cosby sweaters? But the 360 has a bit more built-in obsolescence than average, as more than half of the Xbox games won't be playable on it for the time being.
Is anyone else upset that major retailers will ONLY be selling the Xbox 360 in a bundle? It's a blatant attempt to increase profits and I hope others do not go for it. I am either going to find a store that will sell the Xbox itself or wait until the bundling ends.
— John Weber, Snohomish
Mark: You should be able to buy a bare-bones "Core System" for $299 that'll get you just the basics and an elbow from the mom in line behind you. If your retailer is only selling it in a bundle, go to a different joint. But yeah, I'm always against consumers only getting the option to buy that kind of stuff in bundles, and complained about it when Sony released its PSP that way. My motto: Fight the man.
Kim: It's a retail strategy to get the most buck for the bang. They know the consoles will be in short supply and that people will pay big bucks for them. They know they can add on some extras and call it a "bundle" and that people will still buy it. Hunt around for what you want.
I've heard no new shipments of Xbox's until after Christmas, what have you heard?
— Matt, Kirkland
Kim: I don't think that's true. Microsoft has said they'll have about 3 million units to ship in the next 90 days. They aren't giving specific holiday forecasts, but some analysts have pegged the pre-Christmas shipment volume at about 900,000. If that's the case, they'll be shipping these consoles through Christmas.
Will it be necessary to have the 20-gig hard drive for the X-box 360 to be backwards compatible?
— Jon Anderson, Mill Creek, Calif.
Mark: Yeah, you need the hard drive, because I'm told that downloadable content at the Xbox Web site will make your older Xbox games playable on the 360.
Kim: Basically, you'll need to download some additional software to make the original Xbox games playable. You need the hard drive to store that software.
I like gaming but I never really got into Xbox. Would I enjoy the 360 better do you think? I'm afraid it's more for the game-head guys out there. If you know what I mean.
— Tina Howell, Seattle
Kim: I hear ya. The Xbox wasn't the most stylish-looking machine. Also, when it first came out its controllers were made for people with abnormally large hands. Its games seemed more aimed at 20-something guys than anyone else. That turned off some people. Microsoft has bent over backwards to avoid those issues for this system. In its many (many!) focus group sessions with potential buyers, the Xbox 360 went over pretty well with people who weren't fans before.
Mark: If you like gaming, you'll have to be physically torn away from a 360. Not that anyone's had to do that to me. Last weekend. Or, uh, last night. I'm not sure I do know what you mean when you say it's for more "game-head" guys. In terms of sitting down with a controller and playing a game, you wouldn't be in over your head with the 360 any more than you would with the PS2.
Our family is in the market for a game system. This will be our first purchase due to our kids are at the age to play with them. In comparing systems, we have noticed most games for the Xbox are very violent and targeted for mature audiences. Are there child friendly games available for the Xbox? Where would we go to purchase such games? Why should I buy a Xbox vs. the other systems available?
— Sean Murphy, Maple Valley
Mark: In general, Xbox and 360 seem geared to older players, and the machines themselves are expensive enough that when my friends tell me they're getting one for the kids, I liken it to buying a child filet mignon and lobster at a restaurant. It just may be too much. And if you're in the market for kid-friendly titles, Nintendo's saturated with them.
That said, there should be plenty for the 360, including "Kameo - Elements of Power," which my inner child and I tested and liked. One more plus: The 360 has parental controls. Most big retailers and innumerable online outlets should carry the games. As for why you should buy an Xbox over the others, you must make that choice for yourself, grasshopper.
Kim: Microsoft traditionally has been known for having more adult-oriented games while Nintendo is known for its child-friendly games. Both are trying to change that to broaden their audience base. You can check a game's rating at
www.esrb.org, the Web site for the Entertainment Software Rating Board. When you find one you like, call ahead to video game stores to see if you can find a used version and save a few bucks.
Is Halo 3 still going to be released the same day as PS3, if so do you think that will effect PS3 sales?
— David, Seattle
Kim: This theory came from a Bill Gates comment a few months ago that Microsoft seems to be backing off from now. The thinking is that Microsoft would try to take some of the steam out of a PS3 release by putting out "Halo 3" (and maybe releasing the "Halo" movie as well). If Microsoft *really* thinks that "Halo 3" will kick enough butt and stack up to a next-generation console system, then more power to 'em. Personally, I think it could backfire and "Halo 3" sales will be hurt by the PS3 launch.
Will you only be able to play Xbox games on 360 if you have the hard drive?
— Austin, Connecticut
Kim: Yes. You need the hard drive to hold the extra software needed to play original Xbox games on the Xbox 360. The way it works is that the Xbox games won't play as-is; the system in most cases needs to download additional emulation software to make the original Xbox games playable. It needs to store that extra software somewhere.
For someone not into video games, how do I know which one is best and would work best as a Christmas present for my boyfriend? What are the differences in price and equipment, etc.?
— Rozie, Seattle
Mark: That's the equivalent of the guy not knowing your eye color. How well do you know this guy, anyway? In general, anything to do with shooting a gun or throwing a ball is a safe bet with most adult males. Think about what he spends time watching on TV. Hours of football or a full diet of action and splatter films. As for the differences in price and equipment, that stuff's all spelled out in
today's Xbox review. Now quick: What color are his eyes?
Kim: Well, are you talking about video games or the consoles they're played on? If he already has a console, you could check out what some of the highest-rated games are for that console on GameSpot. That's where I go a lot of the time for recommendations. If he doesn't have a console yet, then you have some expensive choices on your hands if you want to buy him a system.
How do you think the higher price point will affect sales?
— David, Seattle
Kim: Microsoft isn't expecting any problem with the higher price point. The people who have been waiting four years for a next-generation console are going to spend the money. There's no other next-gen console out right now, and so they have a lot of freedom in setting price points.
Mark: I think the way it will affect sales is that it will make more money for Microsoft.
So when should I plan to throw out my current Xbox?
— Ben Porter, Seattle
Kim: I can't wait to toss out mine. But you might want to hold on to yours if A) You aren't getting a hard drive with the Xbox 360 and/or B) you want to play some Xbox games that aren't playable on the Xbox 360. The list of those games is at
www.xbox.com/en-US/games/backwardcompatibilitygameslist.htm. (And actually, as much as you might want to do an "Office Space"-style stomping of your old Xbox you could always donate it to a charity.)
In your opinion, is it ever OK to give a gaming system as a gift to, say, two brothers? This is so expensive I thought I'd consider getting it for my 11- and 14- year-old sons together. But will that cause problems? Can you suggest a couple of age appropriate games that you like?
— Sami, Seattle
Mark: Just make sure you give them two controllers and some games they can play together, or that their health insurance is paid up. Thinking as an 11 or 14-year-old -- which doesn't involve any significant change for me -- I'd say that getting and sharing one game system beats getting zero game systems. And the games I'd dig at that age aren't the ones my folks necessarily would have considered appropriate. When you browse for titles, pay attention to the ESRB ratings of "M" for mature, "T" for teen, and so forth.
Kim: My sisters and I got into serious brawls over our Nintendo NES. It was ugly. But we had a ton of fun. If you get it for them then be prepared to referee for at least a week until the excitement wears off. And as for age-appropriate games, my current fave for that age group is "Psychonauts." But that one was made for the original Xbox and isn't yet playable on the 360. More info about that game is here:
http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/psychonauts/606972p1.html
Is there still hope to pick up a system before 2006 somewhere or shall I just have to wait until Jan/Feb?
— Gabriel, Bothell
Kim: Yes, there's hope. Check out our previous answers for shipment numbers and such. I may regret these words, but I suggest you don't buy into the launch hype because you'll find one in December. You might have to be a little proactive in terms of calling stores ahead of time to find out when the shipments will be coming in.
How much of the Xbox 360 push is part of Microsoft's plan to take over the world?
— Terry, Seattle
Kim: Uh, Microsoft has already taken over the world. Didn't you realize that? Did you take the red pill or the blue pill?
Mark: I'm forwarding this to Emperor Gates.
Are the bigger chains more likely to get more consoles in the next week or so? After all, a big holiday shopping weekend is coming up...
— Roman, Redmond
Kim: Who knows? It makes sense that the bigger chains would get more. I expect that Best Buy - a big launch partner of Microsoft's - will be pretty well supplied. I heard that Costco will have some too. You'll probably have to do some calling around just to make sure.
If I buy the console for $299, how much memory do I get before having to buy an extra drive, or am I going to run out and wish I bought the console for $399 so I had the 20-gigabyte hard drive?
— Brent, Bellevue
Mark: This is why, if I were going to buy a 360 package, I'd blow the extra dough for the $399 version. Even to save a game, the Microsoft folks tell me you have to have a memory unit ($40) or a hard drive ($100). My advice: You're either in for the whole commitment, or wait until you're ready.
What games have Mark and Kim played on the 360 that you like the best? And why?
— Yvonne Diaz, Seattle
Mark: I've viewed and briefly played a number of different ones at a preview on the Microsoft campus, but the titles I've spent the most quality time with solo are "Project Gotham Racing 3," "Kameo - Elements of Power" and "Perfect Dark Zero." "PGR3" showcases what the 360 can do best, but I've been drawn into "Perfect Dark," which is a good, if not revolutionary first-person shooter with solid action and a variety of missions. Note also: that's not many different ones, because only two titles arrived before the deadline for my 360 story.
Kim: I've only received a bunch of sports games so far, and they seem OK but I'm not really into that category. I have played "Kameo" and thought it looked great. The one I'm looking forward to buying is "Perfect Dark Zero," because "Goldeneye:007" for the Nintendo 64 is still one of my top 5 all-time games and it's made by the same studio.
When you reporters were trying out the 360, how long was your typical "play session"?
— Evan Jones, West Seattle
Mark: I had a brief hands-on with a few games during a preview at Microsoft. Those geniuses only sent me two games to try on my own before my story deadline. Because of course, they've never had any experience working with journalists, and are very naive in that respect. Ahem. The day I filed my story, four or five more showed up in the mail.
Kim: Microsoft sent us the consoles, so we were able to take them home and try them out for as long as we wanted. But they didn't send us any games with them - a brilliant marketing strategy.
Why is there such a lack of Xbox systems on launch date? Did Microsoft not anticipate the demand or is the company creating the demand for the system?
— Vu Nguyen, Fountain Valley, Calif.
Kim: If you ask Microsoft, they'll say they're working as hard as they can to get consoles out there. And most analysts agree that it takes months and months to ramp up on the manufacturing side of things. We saw this same problem when Sony launched the PlayStation 2. Yes, Microsoft could have put off the launch until they had more consoles, but then they might have missed the holiday season.
If you had to list the three biggest drawbacks to the 360, other than the big price and the forcing of people to BUY the big package, what would they be?
— Tom Reynolds, Los Angeles
Kim: Right now? The drawbacks are: 1. You can't find it in stores unless you work at it. 2. The launch games are OK, but better ones will come out in the future. 3. If you think about it, there's a lot you could be doing with $400.
Mark: 1. It's not backward-compatible with all the old Xbox games. 2. As cool as it is, the 360 can be a money-pit when it comes getting everything you need besides the bare essentials. 3. You could be reading a book or going to the gym instead. I mean I could.
I see some reviewers, like MSNBC's, like the console a lot but think the games are pretty weak. Have you found that to be the case? Or is that part of the marketing strategy, to roll out the cooler games later on?
— Tim Mapes, Portland, Ore.
Kim: Look at it from the side of the developers. If you had a really great game, would you want to release it now, when no one owns a console, or in six months when there are more buyers? Sure, the launch games get a lot of attention right now but how will they really do in sales? I expect cooler games later on.
Mark: Weakness is subjective, but I do agree that there isn't one "Halo"-esque title that genuinely kills yet.
Should I even bother trying to get one in the next 2 weeks? Or is rejection in my near future?
— Liam, Woodinville
Mark: If you're like me, you learn to live with rejection. If I were Karnak, I'd predict that your patience would be tested.
Kim: Expect rejection, so you won't be disappointed. But if you really want one, start calling around early and often to figure out who has some in stock.
In your view: What percent of games will be on-line oriented? How much of the on-line market is Microsoft hoping to capture?
— David Knight, San Diego
Kim: I think most of the new Microsoft games will have an online component. They're really pushing that with their developers. Microsoft has said that it wants 50 percent of its Xbox 360 players to be online as well, and you can't aim for that kind of usage unless you have some really good online stuff to draw them.
The consoles are sold out everywhere... Where can i find one ASAP? Any ideas?
— Jordan, Maple Valley
Kim: How much are you willing to pay? Ebay has a bunch at outrageous prices.
Mark: I know this guy ... can you part with a kidney?
Can someone with an old Xbox play online with someone who has the new 360, say with Madden or FIFA 06?
— Joe, Seattle
Kim: Yes. I'm still waiting for the day when someone with a PlayStation can play with someone with an Xbox. Pigs will fly first, I'm sure.
OK I'm a single mom who's getting her teenager a 360 for Christmas. Can I set this thing up myself?
— Tanya West, Seattle
Kim: Yes you can. It's pretty easy. The only hard part might be the online setup for Xbox Live, but I'm sure your child is brilliant, like most teens, in setting up anything online.
Mark: Yeah, see if he can hack the parental controls while you're at it.
Ok, I've heard plenty about how cool the XBox 360 is. Be honest: What do you NOT like about it?
— Caryl, Woodinville
Kim: I'm sick of all the commercials and billboards. Please, just stop already.
Rise in childhood obesity vs. rise in popularity of video games. Coincidence?
— Corinne Fox, Bellevue
Mark: Ah, a conspiracy theorist. Don't forget fast food's availability in schools, and one other small thing: parents. Games don't cause obesity any more than they cause real-life violence. Human beings have free will, and kids too young to exercise free will have parents who are responsible for them.
Kim: Have you seen the video games out there that help kids lose weight? The "Dance Dance Revolution" types that are actually being marketed as a way for kids to keep off the pounds? Something is askew in the world when things like that exist.
What is the voltage setting of the Xbox 360 when it comes to plugging it for electricity? Is it set at 110 volts or 220 volts?
— Harold Mason, Austin, Texas
Kim: Uh, this is way over my head. I imagine the ones made for use in North America will be set at 110 volts, and a converter might be necessary for overseas.
Please tell me there's something else that kids and teenagers would like for Christmas this year OTHER than Xbox 360? Please?
— Jennifer Smythe, Seattle
Kim: I've consulted my inner child and can report that a PSP would also be cool. Mark?
Mark: A hard spanking and an early bedtime. Or books. Remember those things?
Why isn't the HD capability of the Xbox 360 available for HD televisions with Component Video? Will you sell a dongle?
— Brent Filler, Bremerton
Mark: It is. The cable with my 360 comes with both the red-blue-green composite plugs and standard red-white-yellow ones. And I'm out of the dongle business, man.
What's your favorite add-on/accessory?
— Roger, Kirkland
Mark: The wireless controllers are nice, because you can throw them farther. The wireless adapter for online play is small and simple to plug in, and not at all cumbersome.
Kim: My fave is the wireless Internet connector, or whatever it's called. It lets you get on Xbox Live without having to connect a cable to the machine.
When can we expect the next batch of 360 games to come out? Will they re-release some old games into the 360 format (the ones that can't be played on the new system)? Or does that just make too much sense to happen?
— Conner, Seattle
Kim: You'll see a pretty good number coming out before Christmas, I expect. And some old games can be played on the 360 format (I've linked to the list already). But some of the best Xbox games (like "Psychonauts") aren't on the list, which sucks.
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