Rumor: Natal Bringing New Xbox Along For The Ride
Microsoft seem awfully jazzed about this Project Natal thing. In fact they're so excited they need to wear sunglasses all the time now. The launch of the motion controller is set to be one of next year's big stories, but is that all the hardware Microsoft is releasing in 2010? Folks over at 1Up think, "maybe not."
Sam Kennedy is reporting a rumor that along with Natal, Microsoft is planning on releasing an upgrade to the Xbox 360, one that isn't just another form of the Elite. Instead there would be actual hardware improvements, making current games run smoother and faster. While new games would still be playable on current Xbox 360s, they would look and perform better on the new system, like a computer with superior hardware. As the article points out, these smaller, iterative changes are becoming more common in the videogame industry, with the DSi, PSP Go!, and arguably the Wii, and make sense for a company looking to push new technology without completely dumping an established user base every 5 or 6 years.
That's pretty much all they have to say, so take it with a grain or a heaping tablespoon of salt. Personally, I'll be cautiously optimistic about the idea: in a lot of ways, Natal feels like next-generation idea, in that even Microsoft is not quite ready for it. I mean I'm sure having pretend kickballs smack your fake head is awesome, but it's not selling me on the concept yet. If new hardware will help evolve the concept of real motion controlled gaming, I'm up for it.
Xbox Natal is actually Microsoft's next console [1Up]
Dawdle
Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 13 June 2009
· Comments (3)
Other stuff like this: bam, microsoft, next gen, project natal, rumor, xbox 360
I feel like if they do this, it's going to be similar in difference to the iphone 3G vs. 3GS, a speed bump basically. I think late '10 is too long to wait for Natal to actually come out, and a little too early for a whole new console.
If the past is an indication, I think if Microsoft had another console coming out next year, we would have heard about it by now. I can see this being bundled in with current 360's as part of a new "elite" package or something, but that's about it.
Also, I think that Kudo guy has to wear glasses due to a light sensitivity so.. Uhm. Might not want to comment on that one until you know for sure?
Also, also... Why does Jimmy Fallon have his own show? He's so damn obnoxious...
Light sensitivity or not, Kudo annoys the hell out of me everytime I see him, and really turns me off to buying anything he's selling.