The second Xbox 360 revealed: codename Zephyr

[Thraxen]

Originally posted by: NFS4
You bought the Xbox 360 without the promise of HDMI support. You aren't owed anything. To complain NOW is downright childish.

Only half true. MS did publicly state that they would support HDMI "when it's needed". But they left out the minor detail that the current model isn't even capable of supporting HDMI.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: Fingolfin269
This is horrible news if true. The one great thing about consoles is that you know when you buy a unit it is going to last for a good number of years until the next version boasting superior graphics/tech is unleashed. Now it looks like we get to buy entirely new systems as opposed to simpe add-ons such as hard drives.

How is this horrible? All it gives you is the HDMI, cooler running processor and a 120GB hard drive. You can still play the same games you did from version 1 to 2. The cooling running processor is nothing the end user will notice, and the extra hard drive can be purchased separately. The only real differece is the HDMI connection, which I'm sure most of the average users won't even use.

Where's the problem?

JEALOUSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Like someone bitching when Toyota makes some updates to the Camry from the '07 to '08 model year.

Jealousy? Are you freaking kidding me? The only thing I care about is the HDMI output. I cannot use my xbox or hd-dvd drive to upconvert my DVDs because I do not have a television with a VGA input.

You bought the Xbox 360 without the promise of HDMI support. You aren't owed anything. To complain NOW is downright childish.

Who said I was owed anything? Did I ever say that or are you making assumptions? I reserve the right to be pissed off and that's exactly what I am right now. I also have the right to decide to sell the xbox and just go a different direction. I never said MS owed me anything so stop makin assumptions.

If you don't feel that you are owed anything, then why is this such "horrible news" and why are you "pissed off?"

 

[DAGTA]

I doubt MS is going to keep making the 'old' XBox360. There will likely still be a Core and Premium and they will both consist of Zephyr 360s as the old units sell out and the new ones start appearing on shelves. Most consoles get a refresh if they survive long enough and the company doesn't market them with the old ones. The old ones are no longer produced.

 

[darkswordsman17]

Originally posted by: DAGTA
I doubt MS is going to keep making the 'old' XBox360. There will likely still be a Core and Premium and they will both consist of Zephyr 360s as the old units sell out and the new ones start appearing on shelves. Most consoles get a refresh if they survive long enough and the company doesn't market them with the old ones. The old ones are no longer produced.

I don't expect them to continue to make the Core version (and I agree that they will swith wholly to the new design as it will likely be less expensive to produce). This is how they will combat dropping the price, by adding value. I wouldn't be surprised to see them make one that actually goes as high as the PS3s price but with the 120GB HDD, maybe wireless built in, and include the HDMI cable (which Sony doesn't and they'll probably spin it off as it being a $40 value or something) and also with the HD-DVD drive (although not integrated). Sony isn't anywhere near doing a price drop (although it won't surprise me to see a revised PS3 right about its 1st year anniversary which may bring a price drop), and so I think MS feels pretty comfortable about their pricepoint right now. This way they can maintain some profitability right now, and then when necessary can match a Sony price drop.

 

[MBrown]

I am so angry right now. I just got my 360 for Christmas.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: MBrown
I am so angry right now. I just got my 360 for Christmas.

Why?
1) It is a rumor at this point.
2) If it does come out, it won't be until much later this year. You'll get many months of enjoyment out of the 360 you have instead of the 360 you think may come.
3) You got it for free as a gift.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: DanTMWTMP
sigh,.. no news on if the hddvd drive will come integrated this time? 🙁

No, it will not. They said it will not. It'd be stupid to integrate it, because it would increase the price and it's useful to most people right now.

 

[Staples]

Basically this is the same system with the second revision of the CPU and an HDMI out.

May or may not come with a 120GB hdd. Now why is it that the first one did not come with HDMI? Seems like something very simple and cheap to have added.

 

[Instan00dles]

if it has the hddvd drive built in instead of an external unit I would get one.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: Instan00dles
if it has the hddvd drive built in instead of an external unit I would get one.

Highly unlikely that this will happen for the reasons Queasy mentioned in this thread.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: Instan00dles
if it has the hddvd drive built in instead of an external unit I would get one.

Unlike the PS3, the HD-DVD drive for the 360 is for playing movies only. I see no reason for MS to waste time trying to integrate it.

 

[miri]

I dont see why this is a surprise, this was rumoured months ago.

This is one of the reasons why I held off on the $200 after rebate and discount xbox 360 premium deal. I wanted the bigger hard drive and built in HD-DVD player.

I am going to buy the new XBOX 360 unless Sony comes out with some awesome games and drops the price of their premium system to $400.

 

[NaOH]

Originally posted by: yllus
I don't know why people think that those of us who already own a Xbox 360 would be mad at Microsoft. Pretty much every console in existence has gone through a hardware refresh over its lifespan; missing out on a HDMI connector and a cooler/quieter CPU, which certainly desirable, is an acknowledged part of the gamble. I'm not upset in the least.

Hardware refresh of this caliber in 1 year?

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: yllus
I don't know why people think that those of us who already own a Xbox 360 would be mad at Microsoft. Pretty much every console in existence has gone through a hardware refresh over its lifespan; missing out on a HDMI connector and a cooler/quieter CPU, which certainly desirable, is an acknowledged part of the gamble. I'm not upset in the least.

Hardware refresh of this caliber in 1 year?

By the time it is released (if it isn't a rumor) it will be closer to 2 years.

 

[NaOH]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: yllus
I don't know why people think that those of us who already own a Xbox 360 would be mad at Microsoft. Pretty much every console in existence has gone through a hardware refresh over its lifespan; missing out on a HDMI connector and a cooler/quieter CPU, which certainly desirable, is an acknowledged part of the gamble. I'm not upset in the least.

Hardware refresh of this caliber in 1 year?

By the time it is released (if it isn't a rumor) it will be closer to 2 years.

Ooooh two years, I guess that makes it normal then.

 

[Queasy]

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: yllus
I don't know why people think that those of us who already own a Xbox 360 would be mad at Microsoft. Pretty much every console in existence has gone through a hardware refresh over its lifespan; missing out on a HDMI connector and a cooler/quieter CPU, which certainly desirable, is an acknowledged part of the gamble. I'm not upset in the least.

Hardware refresh of this caliber in 1 year?

By the time it is released (if it isn't a rumor) it will be closer to 2 years.

Ooooh two years, I guess that makes it normal then.

The only thing abnormal about this refresh is the larger HDD and the HDMI output. The die shrink is perfectly normal.

Of course, it is hard to tell just how abnormal a larger HDD is since consoles have never really had the level of storage capability and storage requirements (Live Marketplace Video, Game downloads, Demo downloads, etc) that they do now.

 

[bcterps]

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: yllus
I don't know why people think that those of us who already own a Xbox 360 would be mad at Microsoft. Pretty much every console in existence has gone through a hardware refresh over its lifespan; missing out on a HDMI connector and a cooler/quieter CPU, which certainly desirable, is an acknowledged part of the gamble. I'm not upset in the least.

Hardware refresh of this caliber in 1 year?

By the time it is released (if it isn't a rumor) it will be closer to 2 years.

What was the refresh time between the Nintendo DS and the DS Lite. 1.5 years? And that's a much bigger change in design than this rumored Xbox 360 refresh.

 

[natep]

Doesn't really make any difference to me. My TV's native is 720p.

The article doesn't really have credibility though. Just because there is a pick of something like that, doesn't mean it's a good idea for Microsoft to make or leak it.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
If this is true, I'm glad I waited 🙂

Same here. I think I might actually get one now (once this new one is released).

 

[Brentx]

I just got my 360 the day after Christmas, and I could use the HDMI, as I have mine hooked up to a 1080p display.

It would be cool if they would integrate the HD-DVD player but I highly doubt it, as its ONLY purpose on the 360 is to play movies.... Microsoft stated this themselves.

However, it would be cool to play HD-DVD in 1080p with my 5.1 system..hmmmm

But I don't feel bad about it. Upscaling looks great on my monitor. And such as technology, things change SUPER fast. Knowing Microsoft, it will probably get delayed, and won't come out until 2008. I can see this coming out at the earliest in Q4 of this year. I don't think they would release it anytime after Christmas, as people would complain they got ripped off because they all just got 360's.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: yllus
I don't know why people think that those of us who already own a Xbox 360 would be mad at Microsoft. Pretty much every console in existence has gone through a hardware refresh over its lifespan; missing out on a HDMI connector and a cooler/quieter CPU, which certainly desirable, is an acknowledged part of the gamble. I'm not upset in the least.

Hardware refresh of this caliber in 1 year?

By the time it is released (if it isn't a rumor) it will be closer to 2 years.

Ooooh two years, I guess that makes it normal then.

WOW, they added the whole HDMI feature. It's like they redid the whole 360 from scratch. :roll: This is getting blow WAY out of proportion. The only real addition that someone would be missing out if they bought the first version is the HDMI connection, that's it. Someone with the v1 360 I'm sure will probably be able to upgrade their console with a 120GB addon so no loss there. And the v1 owner has already had 1 year to enjoy their 360 opposed to the people that waited.

How would things be better if MS left the console the way it was? They wouldn't. It'd actually be worse because that 40GB hard drive is getting smaller and smaller as time goes by.

 

[Viper GTS]

Hate to dredge up the HDMI/optical audio issue again but those suggesting passing audio from the TV to the receiver need to be aware that current TV's won't pass 5.1 audio from HDMI to optical/coax.

So to get full 5.1 to your receiver it would have to be a separate feed.

I've been thinking about buying a 360, I will definitely wait for the refresh. I have a brand new 61" 1080P DLP that needs company, I guess I'll have to pick up an Oppo in the interim.

Viper GTS

 

[NaOH]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: yllus
I don't know why people think that those of us who already own a Xbox 360 would be mad at Microsoft. Pretty much every console in existence has gone through a hardware refresh over its lifespan; missing out on a HDMI connector and a cooler/quieter CPU, which certainly desirable, is an acknowledged part of the gamble. I'm not upset in the least.

Hardware refresh of this caliber in 1 year?

By the time it is released (if it isn't a rumor) it will be closer to 2 years.

Ooooh two years, I guess that makes it normal then.

WOW, they added the whole HDMI feature. It's like they redid the whole 360 from scratch. :roll: This is getting blow WAY out of proportion. The only real addition that someone would be missing out if they bought the first version is the HDMI connection, that's it. Someone with the v1 360 I'm sure will probably be able to upgrade their console with a 120GB addon so no loss there. And the v1 owner has already had 1 year to enjoy their 360 opposed to the people that waited.

How would things be better if MS left the console the way it was? They wouldn't. It'd actually be worse because that 40GB hard drive is getting smaller and smaller as time goes by.

I don't think it'd be a simple swap of the xboxs to upgrade to the new one. If it does release, old buyers will probably have to buy a new one.

 

[JackBurton]

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: yllus
I don't know why people think that those of us who already own a Xbox 360 would be mad at Microsoft. Pretty much every console in existence has gone through a hardware refresh over its lifespan; missing out on a HDMI connector and a cooler/quieter CPU, which certainly desirable, is an acknowledged part of the gamble. I'm not upset in the least.

Hardware refresh of this caliber in 1 year?

By the time it is released (if it isn't a rumor) it will be closer to 2 years.

Ooooh two years, I guess that makes it normal then.

WOW, they added the whole HDMI feature. It's like they redid the whole 360 from scratch. :roll: This is getting blow WAY out of proportion. The only real addition that someone would be missing out if they bought the first version is the HDMI connection, that's it. Someone with the v1 360 I'm sure will probably be able to upgrade their console with a 120GB addon so no loss there. And the v1 owner has already had 1 year to enjoy their 360 opposed to the people that waited.

How would things be better if MS left the console the way it was? They wouldn't. It'd actually be worse because that 40GB hard drive is getting smaller and smaller as time goes by.

I don't think it'd be a simple swap of the xboxs to upgrade to the new one. If it does release, old buyers will probably have to buy a new one.

When I said upgrade their console, I meant they could buy the 120GB drive sold separately and connect it to there existing console. The hard drives are modular on the 360, so upgrading them is pretty easy.

 

[Fingolfin269]

Originally posted by: JackBurton

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: Queasy

Originally posted by: AMDUALY

Originally posted by: yllus
I don't know why people think that those of us who already own a Xbox 360 would be mad at Microsoft. Pretty much every console in existence has gone through a hardware refresh over its lifespan; missing out on a HDMI connector and a cooler/quieter CPU, which certainly desirable, is an acknowledged part of the gamble. I'm not upset in the least.

Hardware refresh of this caliber in 1 year?

By the time it is released (if it isn't a rumor) it will be closer to 2 years.

Ooooh two years, I guess that makes it normal then.

WOW, they added the whole HDMI feature. It's like they redid the whole 360 from scratch. :roll: This is getting blow WAY out of proportion. The only real addition that someone would be missing out if they bought the first version is the HDMI connection, that's it. Someone with the v1 360 I'm sure will probably be able to upgrade their console with a 120GB addon so no loss there. And the v1 owner has already had 1 year to enjoy their 360 opposed to the people that waited.

How would things be better if MS left the console the way it was? They wouldn't. It'd actually be worse because that 40GB hard drive is getting smaller and smaller as time goes by.

HDMI is a huge issue compared to the other two. I always assumed they would release a bigger HD. That part doesn't bother me at all and everyone knows consoles constantly update the inner workings throughout the product life. Completely changing the outputs is a huge deal since I'm sure they had this plan in the works well before I purchased my 360 even though they were talking out of the other side of their mouth on the Major Nelson podcasts. This includes M.N. as well as any guest he asked regarding the HDMI component.

You know, I need to find a way to put this into words that is well understood. We have never had this kind of change on a non-handheld console as far as I can remember. Sure there are slight internal modifications but I don't remember having a console go from basic RCA cables up to component or anything like that. With consoles you buy them under the assumption that what you are buying is the same thing, for the most part, that you would buy if you had to replace it 5 years later.

Frankly I'm surprised this doesn't scare some of the other console lovers. Earlier, someone made an analogy claiming that my problem is no different than someone crying about a new feature between one model year car and another. This is completely different and more akin to someone crying that the HP they bought this year is not as good as the HP they could get a year later. I cannot think of anyone who purchased a 360 early on who seriously thought a new version would come out less than 2 years into the life cycle boasting a completely new output port. Everyone knows why, right? Because this never happens with consoles. It's the one thing we never had to worry about in the past.