360 question

[dfuze]

I'm thinking about getting a 360 with my amazon gift cards and have a question. It's been out for a few years, how long before they possibly come out with a new version? I'd hate to get it and have them come out with a new console in a year or two.

 

[RavenSEAL]

They just came out with a new version...after 4 years....come on dude.

 

[Beev]

I think he might have meant the next gen system. If so, then it won't be out for at least two years, minimum, since it hasn't even been announced.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

You won't see a next gen console until late in 2012, minimum. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if it is even longer.

 

[dfuze]

Yeah, I was referring to next generation, sorry I wasn't clear in the OP

 

[dfuze]

Ok, if min 2012 then that's not too bad as they would still support the 360 for another year or two with games until a new console took over the market.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Even if it is replaced in 2012, games will be made for the 360 for many years to come. You're looking at probably another 6 or 7 years of games for it, minimum. They still make PS2 games and it launched in 2000 IIRC.

 

[FeathersMcGraw]

Not to mention the existing 360 back catalog could probably field enough worthwhile titles to keep you occupied until the next generation release even if new current gen titles weren't forthcoming.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

IIRC someone at either MS or Sony said that they have pretty much settled on 10 year product cycles. So the 360 came out in like 2004 or 2005? So I'm guessing nothing until 2014 or 2015.

 

[warcrow]

Yeah I agree with everyone else. With the release of the new X360 slim and the Kinect--I imagine it's going to be at least a few years until a new console is even mentioned.

Ken Levine was interviewed recently by Giantbomb and was asked about development and the prediction of hardware performance and he essentially said that the consoles were static (X360/PS3). Bioshock Infinites release date (2012). Its true that there might be a secret platform that the game is under development on and they're under an NDA, but it seems unlikely.

It's been a very interesting hardware generation hasnt it?

 

[dfuze]

Good points raised, especially with the release of Kinect. I'm sure they want to sell enough games and units for it to cover the development of it.

Hmm, too bad I can't use my Amazon points at Dell, they have the 4gb slim for $180

 

[dougp]

Good points raised, especially with the release of Kinect. I'm sure they want to sell enough games and units for it to cover the development of it.

Hmm, too bad I can't use my Amazon points at Dell, they have the 4gb slim for $180

Something to consider, how much do you plan on spending on games? Amazon sells used games, so your money can go a long way if you went with Dell for the XBox and then Amazon for your games.

 

[dfuze]

Don't plan on buying too many games at the moment, got a lot going on (work, school, kids, ...) but really want some sports games.

Turns out with tax the Dell "deal" is pretty much a wash. Too bad I can't trust the ones on craigslist because a few are pretty well priced. A little nervous getting a used one even though it'd be used in my basement where it's 70° and about 55% humidity.

 

[American Gunner]

If I were you, and money isn't an issue, I would pick up the 250 gb. You would be surprised how quickly 4 gigs can go these days.

 

[dfuze]

What is the storage for besides game saves, just demos?

 

[Drako]

What is the storage for besides game saves, just demos?

Primarily for the game itself. Loading the game on the hard drive or flash drive saves on load times, and eliminates the noise from the DVD drive, as it is always "spun up" if the game is not on the hard drive or flash drive.

 

[dfuze]

Primarily for the game itself. Loading the game on the hard drive or flash drive saves on load times, and eliminates the noise from the DVD drive, as it is always "spun up" if the game is not on the hard drive or flash drive.

Ok, that would be nice, be able to install the game on the drive and play with the disc hidden away from the kids

 

[Hopeless]

Ok, that would be nice, be able to install the game on the drive and play with the disc hidden away from the kids

Unless they changed it unfortunately you still have to have the disc in the drive as it does a disk check to see that you have the actual game disk.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

Unless they changed it unfortunately you still have to have the disc in the drive as it does a disk check to see that you have the actual game disk.

Correct, you still have to have the disk in the drive. Installing it on the hard drive just speeds up loading times.

 

[gorcorps]

Ok, that would be nice, be able to install the game on the drive and play with the disc hidden away from the kids

You still need to use the disc... otherwise there wouldn't be anything stopping people from just installing their friends games or renting and installing. It's a necessary thing.

But there's been a few games (and xbox classic games) released on live that you can buy, download, and never need a disc.

 

[dfuze]

I think I'll grab the 4gb over the 250gb, don't think the load times are worth the extra $100 and I can hook up a couple thumb drives for extra space if needed. Just wish the 4gb model came with a game at least.

 

[dfuze]

Ordered the 4gb model this morning.

Thanks for the input from everyone.

 

[dfuze]

Curious if anyone knows the answer, but after telling a coworker about my buy, he said I should look for a used 20gb 360 hard drive and pop it in. Would that work, or did they change the type needed to fit into the new slim model?

 

[dfuze]

Looks like yes/no, answered my own question with this link

http://www.gamingunion.net/news/how-to-play-halo-reach-co-op-on-an-arcade-slim--2756.html

 

[American Gunner]

That seems pretty easy to do. Now I am interested in getting a 4gb model myself and just using my 120gb hard drive.