An Interesting article in this morning's New York Post.

DON'T BUY THE XBOX 360
By MAXINE SHEN

THE buzz started six months ago. There's Bill Gates on the cover of Time magazine in May, with a glowing green-and-white machine. "Inside Bill's New Xbox" it screamed.

Since then, the Xbox 360 - a sequel to Microsoft's Xbox video-game unit - has been the subject of breathless profiles, splashy television ads and Internet gossip. The first shipments, due Tuesday, are already sold out. Analysts are calling it this year's hot holiday gift. Don't believe the hype - and don't buy the Xbox 360.

Oh, it's an amazing console, don't get us wrong. Plugged into a high-definition television set with a booming sound system, it's amazing, a wonderland of sights and music.

But that's the part of the problem. To get the full Xbox 360 experience, you need to spend hundreds - perhaps thousands - of dollars. All that for a machine that won't play the hot games this season, like Star Wars Battlefront II and 50 Cent: Bulletproof.

Save your cash, and skip the frenzy. Here are five reasons you should say "game over" to the Xbox 360:

* Price - The Xbox 360 comes in two versions: the hard drive-less "core" system for $299 and the premium package for $399. But those who buy the lower-cost version are in for a surprise - they won't be able to play any of the Xbox games they already own.

"A lot of parents who go out and buy the $300 system because they can't afford the $400 system, will have kids who aren't going to able to play Halo or Halo 2 because backwards compatibility is going to be on the hard drive," says Brian D. Crecente, editor of kotaku.com, a gaming news blog.

* Lack of games - Microsoft has announced there will be 200 backwards compatible games (including Forza Motorsport and Halo 2), but only 19 launch titles for the 360. Only a handful are exclusives.

And popular new games, like 50 Cent: Bulletproof and The Warriors won't play on the 360 at all.

Douglass Perry, editor in chief of the Xbox channel on IGN, says, "If you can wait, the second wave of games [due next year] are going to give developers the chance to really show us next generation gaming in the truest sense."

* No competition - Sure, you could rush out and drop hundreds on the 360, but we have no idea what the next-gen PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Revolution are going to be capable of doing. Both of those systems are due next year, and will surely spark a mini price war with the Xbox 360.

* Hidden costs - Right now, the Xbox 360's stunning graphics is it's biggest selling point, but to take advantage of it, you'll need to invest in a high-definition TV - tacking on an extra couple hundred bucks, at least.

"We've all heard Microsoft basically saying that if you want to get an HDTV, the 360 is going to be the thing that makes you go out and get one," Crecente says. "Most of us dismissed that, but I swear, it's like they designed the 360 to make your TV look bad if you don't have HDTV."

And if you add peripherals, such as the ability to play games over the Internet, and the Xbox 360 costs nearly $600!

* Older consoles are not dead yet - Both the original Xbox and the PS2 are selling for $149, with the GameCube coming in at a mere $99 - in all cases, a complete steal compared to the Xbox 360.

You could take the money you saved and put it towards buying all the systems plus a whole bunch of great games like The Warriors.

Although he's a firm believer in the Xbox 360, Perry says, "If you buy a PS2 or an Xbox now, you're buying a system at the end of its lifestyle, when some of the best games are showing up."

________________________

Any thoughts?????

Another perspective from CCC that gives the system a 60%.

The article makes some good points. It's not worth the money to me at all right now, and if I do buy one of the next gen systems it won't be until I have my choice of the three and have seen all they have to offer.

Okay, get this. My buddy prepaid for his 360' last month, and on Friday I think he got a call from 'Microsoft' saying that his Xbox won't be able to come in until after 2006. So he called up EBGAMES where he reserved his 360' and they said they were only getting 10.......10 Xbox 360's and that's it. So he asked if prepaid people get first dibs on it, but they said that the first 10people who reserved it (no matter if they paid for it or not) would get it. My buddy is number 96. What's going on? And why am I so worried? This doesn't look good for Microsoft if this is happening world wide :\

p.s.And no I didn't reserve one.

I don't know, but my dad's store is getting in 54 Xbox 360's and they have something like 170 pre-orders... I could have him get me one cheap, but I don't even want it. I just don't see $400 worth of improvements. And I think it is happening worldwide. From the early reviews I've read, and with the low quantities, I hoped it wouldn't happen, but I think Microsoft has really screwed up. But hey, people are buying it.

With Oblivion out of the line up… there are no games with a lot of depth to sink your teeth into, but the most unfortunate happenings surrounding the Xbox 360 is the “rave” reviews.

The majority of high scoring games are celebrated due to their graphical achievement… “you want to watch it more than play it” type reviews. So… rehashed games with more polygons is truly what people want? I don’t think so… but most game reviews are trying to sell you on that.

Don’t buy into their shit. Keep playing what you have. Come next year, they might actually have a bundle worth buying… or more than 2 games worth playing.

Long live the Commodore VIC 20!

PS – And what’s with the outrageous price? Buy that GameCube or Xbox (or both) that you haven’t bothered with yet and expand your gaming library tenfold.

I'm not sure how to feel on this one. The sense of excitement felt from the spawning of the original three "next-gen" consoles is long gone, and we're left with...well, let's face it, the SAME system with slightly better graphics. That's all it really is. And the graphics, although good, aren't worth it. Consider that since the last Xbox, most PC games have come a long way, and now have a strong stake in the market. Those with half decent graphics cards can already play hundreds of games with amazing visuals.

But visuals aren't even why most gamers even play - or hardly any, other than those wanting to have the newest for the sake of sheer consumerism. But then again, how could Microsoft improve the box without just throwing money at better chips? Tricky question - but, although it could be a huge failure, at least Nintendo is taking a risk with the controllers, whereas Microsoft is just sticking to the same formula.

But graphics are a very small part of any game. Games can look great and still load quickly - it's basically up to the developers to be efficient with programming. Microsoft is doing what it did with windows XP - it accepts the code is inefficient, but instead of fixing it, they just create new hardware for the added memory strain.

In any case, I'm waiting for the other "next next" gens to come out first.

1. Price - I don't agree with it being too high for this gen of console. Sony's president has already admitted that the PS3 will be "expensive". In fact, they've decided to take a hit on profit to keep their price within MS's now established price standard for this gen.

Your issue seems to be with backward compatibility not being a part of the "cheaper" system. I agree on that point. It's almost a sucker system because at a minimum you have to buy a memory stick ($39) that isn't included (thks Sony/Nintendo for that established norm) and a hard drive ($99) if you do want b/c. This is not a plot but just a marketing plan to hit two price points.

(Price: can't buy any next gen systems since they will all be in this price standard... unless Nintendo does something and they're almost a year and a half out.)

2. Lack of games - Don't agree with you on this one because you've left out the words "at launch". It's not like these 19 games are the only games that will be put out for the 360. This is likely to happen with Sony and Nintendo as well. Again the only valid point I agree with is the backwards compatibility.

(Lack of games: I doubt any system is going to launch with 50 games... and b/c has to be an issue to you to hold it against the 360 on this point)

3. No competition - I don't agree with this. Sony released the PS2 with no competition... knowing that Microsoft and Nintendo had systems coming out within the following year.

(No competition: How is this supposed to happen? Simultaneous release of consoles agreed upon by all parties? This shouldn't even be a point in any argument involving next gen consoles. Did everyone wait to buy a PS2 until the Xbox had come out a year and a half later?)

4. Hidden costs - I don't agree with this. HDTV? That's part of the "next gen" equation. Sony will be following MS on this one. It's not like Sony / Nintendo / Microsoft are supposed to include an HDTV as an included "peripheral", are they? And yes, standard TV games DO NOT look as good as HDTV games.

As far as other peripherals are concerned (memory, controllers, wireless adapter, non-included harddrive, faceplates, charge packs, etc.). Microsoft is following already established standards that Sony and Nintendo and Sega have set.

(Hidden costs: The 360 includes everything typically included in the system. Sony and Nintendo will follow Microsoft with the same type of peripheral costs, unless they decide to throw in an HDTV or memory packs or additional controllers or hard drives for free... which is unlikely.)

5. Older consoles are not dead - Completely agree with you on this as far as the Xbox is concerned. I can't speak for the PS2 or GameCube. I've picked up so many great games in this last quarter.

**Summary** If a person wants to spend the $$ for the 1st next gen console, they can. If they wants to wait to see what Sony/Nintendo does, they can.

I don't think you have much of an argument against buying a 360 except backwards compatibility and that people should wait until the good last gen games stop being produced.

I think the core questions you should ask in this thread for your particular arguments are:
What is "next gen"? Is the 360 truly next gen? Should I buy a "next gen" system now? Why should I wait?

Your whole thread operates from an assumption that Sony's and Nintendo's systems will be better in Price / Backwards Compatibility / Games / Peripherals / Schedule. People buying a 360 now are either 1) buying whatever is out there regardless of MS/Sony/Nintendo or 2) they believe, and are betting, that Microsoft will be better in those areas at the present time.

If we do what you say and wait on Price... then the 360 is the better buy since MS is planning on lowering the cost at the PS3 release and since the systems will all be priced identically during launch. If we wait on b/c and the last gen games... then we don't buy any next gen console (which is your most valid point). If we wait on games... we will choose the 360 because they will have more games out by the time Sony and Nintendo release.

Good post... and by the way... this is an awesome website. I push it in every forum I visit. Great design and layout.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: xXxGabexXx,

great retort. I agree. I am a PS2 owner and I am waiting for the PS3 and what it has to offer (drool: MG4). But, I have to admit the Xbox360 is catching my eye with all the other mp3/music and online capabilities. If PS3 cannot offer this stuff I may be switching...

Yes Gabe actually you made me really think about how the 360 isn't a really bad deal (Premium System). I had read that one Xbox 360 costs $560 dollers to make, which obviously does not make profit for Microsoft, but they make their profit from the games!

I would write more but Gabe really covered everything that I had to object against the article. But out of curiosity I was looking at upcoming Xbox 360 games to be released, and there are a great number of amazing titles that are sure to show the systems power!

All I have to say though that this competition between Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo is great for us, the gamer!

The 360 won't be in stores until dec 2nd over here (Denmark) so obviously I cannot judge it myself just yet.
However, I think this is the same old story once again. The whole media slating of the console reminds me of when the PS2 was released, and once again it's based upon the reality of things. Remember all the promises of the "Emotion Engine" for the PS2? We were told that the PS2 was almost supposed to have a life of it's own, but all that turned up in the first couple of months were visual updates of old PSX titles.
I believe that we (the gamers) shouldn't expect any new console to change the world within the first few months of release. Launch games are usually no where near as fantastic as we're led to believe by developers and marketing. We should all have learned that by experience unless we're completely new to the world of gaming (which I doubt is the case on this forum).
Obviously, the developers will have to use a fairly long period of time trying to cope with the technical possibilites of a new machine. It's alwyas been the case and that's why we usually have to wait around 6 months before true next-gen titles appear.
Trust me, the same will be the case for both the Revolution and the PS3.

Has anyone taken a look at PS1 versus PS2?
I don't currently own either, but if I recall when I did, the PS2 is significantly better than the PS1.

Xbox is great, but the 360 wireless controllers (with headset) = nice, turn on the machine from a wireless controller = nice, interface = nice, Xbox Live is a superb service, I mean its totally solid.

Xbox 360 is like 20 or maybe 30 x more powerful than the current Xbox. It even enhances titles like Halo 2 with improved anti aliasing and speedups all round.

Anyways, only you students and peasants whine and bitch about why you wouldn't buy it. If you have a job as an adult even mildly above minimum wage the Xbox 360 is very affordable, hell its peanuts dammit. Its the only decent toy to buy this christmas, and its the only thing that will really show off your HDTV.

No next gen consoles arent Virtual Reality, no there is no paradigm shift, it won't suck your wang either, its a big increment on power, visuals, usability and ergonomics.

Besides, the original article was written by a woman, when did they ever care about computer games. What a load of rubbish. Bout time you let go of your mommas coat tails and acted like men.

You have a point about Xbox 360's hardware being a lot better than Xbox's, but for me games are the most important.

Xbox 360 has some excellent graphics, for instance Call of Duty 2, but it doesn't necessarily add something to a game.
I agree that good graphics can make an artificial world more believable, Half Life 2 (on the PC) for instance is great because you seem to be really there...in the game's world.
But it's just a very good game: gameplay, an interactive environment...everything adds something to it.

And I can escape in another world with "Zelda- The ocarina of Time" too, the graphics may be out of date, but the presentation, gameplay, length of the game is still unbeaten (in my humble opinion).
The next gen gameconsoles (that came after the N64) didn't improve that much in gameplay and overall presentation...the cutscenes in Majora's Mask are still breathtaking, not necessarily in a top notch graphical way, but artistically it is excellent...

I never will buy a gameconsole for its specs, I'll wait for good software...Call of Duty 2 is great, but in my opinion not a next gen game, sure the graphics are great, but there isn't anything innovative, groundbreaking that will make me cough up 500 bucks for an Xbox 360.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nout,

The thing that people don't realize is that the console is not even 2 weeks old.

When has any launch had killer apps? (Besides Halo for Xbox and Soul Calibur for DC) Pretty much every launch in history shows about 1/50th of a console's true potential. Mostly due to developers not having true hands on time with the machine. Now that it is out, developers can work on it easier and make amazing games.

Xbox 360 is gonna be excellent....the future is very bright. You think PS3 is gonna have MGS4, Killzone 2, etc. out at launch? No way. It takes time to make those amazing games.

Besides Perfect Dark Zero, Call Of Duty 2, and PGR 3 are excellent offerings....I don't understand how people can say there are no games when there are 3 excellent ones to keep any gamer busy til the next batch of games comes out.

I think most of the people hating are the ones who haven't even spent significant time with it....while they praise the PS3, which isn't even out yet. Way to go.

I think the title of this article is misleading… it’s not about not buying the 360 indefinitely. It’s about holding off until something like… maybe more than a few games are worth buying.

Xbox had Halo… THAT was worth the buy on release date. 360 has… well… some good games, but nothing to write home about… yet.

With worthwhile games coming around the corner… most “negative” critiques are merely saying keep your money and wait until that “killer app” comes out. In fact, most critiques are saying go and buy that “other” console that you don’t own instead and you’ll still have cutting-edge games… for a fraction of the price.

In all honesty, if someone has their heart set on buying a 360 as soon as possible… more power to you. Just be sure to have fire insurance… as I mentioned in another post, those things like to overheat.

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&ta...iew&id=1712&Itemid=2

I’ll be buying a 360 come next year…. 360 version 2.0 (the one that doesn’t crash every 5 minutes).

EDIT: http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&ta...iew&id=1798&Itemid=2

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Echolocating,

Dont matter to me, i aint buying xbox 360 until like 3 or 4 years from now. I aint in on rush, i'm still enjoying xbox 1, which i bought early mid 2004.

well theyre good points from almost everyone
i dont think xbox 360 is a disappointment
those who have HD and want the best graphics can get them for less than a decent PC setup
those who are happy with xbox (and i am one) can wait and see what happens with the next gen
one thing i think is that once i get 360 i wont go back to xbox so i want to get at least another year out of the system
by then 360 prices will have dropped and there should be some great games
Halo 3 for example

meanwhile im enjoying the superb Half Life 2 on my xbox - feels quite next gen anyway. . .

The only reason that I am waiting to buy the 360 is to wait for Microsoft to iron out all the problems with the console. It is expected that a new system will have a few bugs at launch and only 3-5 percent of the systems are having problems. Plus I don't have the money now.

The only current reason I can see to buy an X-box 360 is oblivion.Hopefully when the other new consoles start shipping it will have a knock on affect on prices!

well in four days (canada) ghost recon advanced warfighter come out. I think that that game will justify the purchase the xbox360 forsure. As well as Oblivion I can't see really much to complain about the 360. The PS3 may be better but hey, why not buy both? Well of course they do cost a large amount of money..