Xbox One World Premiere Analysis and Photo Gallery
By Dan Maurer
So the big moment has arrived, the next generation was finally revealed yesterday at the big Microsoft Xbox One premiere event in Redmont, Washington. Not much was shown about upcoming games, but of course we all know that is what E3 is for. This was strictly a hardware presentation that showed off the new console and all that it can do. In this article I will go over both the PROS and the CONS of the new system and give my opinion on it.
PROS of the newly unveiled Xbox One:
* Lightning fast operating system: From the demos shown during the presentation, the presenters were able to move seamlessly through the various tasks that were presented to it. The Xbox One is powered by three separate operating systems. One is used for the main OS, one is used for games, and the other is used for various other back end operations and visualization.
* Increased Xbox Live stability: The Xbox Live we know and love today utilizes about 15,000 servers. For the Xbox One, Microsoft has stated there will be over 300,000 servers powering the Xbox Live of the next generation.
* Improved Kinect Sensor: Much improved over the previous version, the new generation of Kinect will support 30FPS and 1080P quality video. Also will detect full body motion all the way down to the fingertips and even heart rates. The other big bombshell is that the Kinect will be paired with EVERY new Xbox One console, which enables developers to develop for it without worrying about alienating any console users.
* New improved controller: The 360 controller was by far the best controller of last generation in my opinion except for it’s crappy D-PAD. Microsoft has addressed this issue and improved upon an already great controller for the Xbox One. Even the D-PAD has been given an overhaul which will make gamers like me happy.
* 15 First Party “Exclusives” within the console’s first year: With this announcement, Microsoft has positioned itself to bring first party premiere games to its console within the first year. Titles already announced include Forza 5 and Crytek’s Ruse.
* Skype: Microsoft will be using this technology to control its video and chat for the next generation. Gamers will be able to use the new “Snap” technology that was also announced which will allow you to video chat seamlessly while gaming with your friends or taunting your opponents.
* External USB HDD support: One of my favorite features on the Wii U and I’m glad to see Microsoft embrace this concept as well. The Xbox 360 was notorious for having its own branded HDDs that were way overpriced as compared to other branded HDDs of the same size. No limit size has been announced as of yet but its safe to assume it will have similar restrictions that the Wii U implements.
* 1000 Friends on Friends List: Big upgrade from the current 100 friends limit.
* Update-able achievements/”Smart Match” Matchmaking: Achievements will update depending on your playing habits and ability. Smart Match Matchmaking allows you to start matchmaking services on any game even while doing something else on the console. Also matches you more closely to gamers of similar skill and ability.
CONS of the newly unveiled Xbox One:
* No used games: This was a big fear of many who frequent places like Gamestop hoping to score used games at a cheaper price. Games that are purchased new will come with an activation code that will be used to register the game to that system and gamertag. If other players on the same system wish to play the game this will be no issue. However, if you let your friend borrow the game and he wants to play it, he has to pay a “fee” to register and download the game to his console. I buy my games new anyways so this really isn’t an issue for myself but for people who buy pre-owned, this is a big blow and has caused uproars all over gaming forums everywhere.
* No upgradeable internal HDD: With the announcement of external HDDs being supported comes the announcement that the internal 500GB HDD that ships with the Xbox One will NOT BE REMOVABLE. For some this will be an issue as even the PS3 allows you to upgrade and format a HDD for use. This also brings up the issue of the HDD failing in the system at any point, you are basically left with a useless black box.
* System design: Big and bulky from what everyone has seen so far, not very attractive looking. If an Xbox 360 Slim and a DirecTV receiver box had unprotected sex and popped out a baby, this would be it. Hopefully there will be a slight modification to the design because as of now it looks like a big ugly bulky black box.
* Live TV: Honestly could care less for this feature. I buy a game console to play games, not watch live TV which I can already do on my DirecTV receiver. On top of that, more than likely there will be an additional $4.99 a month charge attached to this feature. Charge me an extra $5 a month to watch the TV I already pay for now through the Xbox One. No thanks not interested.
* XBLA games won’t transfer over to the Xbox One: If you are like me and have spent plenty of money on Xbox Live Arcade games, better hold on to your 360 if you ever want to play them again.
In conclusion, I am trying to keep an open mind into all this as we head into E3 in a few short weeks. As an avid Xbox fan who was an original beta tester on the original Xbox Live way back in 2001, I will say I am a little disappointed in the direction that Microsoft seems to be heading in. Nothing was mentioned about Indie game support and some of the best games I played last generation were Indie games. Hopefully, we will see more Xbox One info at E3 including killer game announcements because at this point, the news for it so far has me second guessing investing my hard earned dollars into Microsoft’s next generation console.
Here are a few additional notes from the unveiling:
* Videogame developer and publisher Crytek GmbH has welcomed the unveiling of Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, reiterating that their CryENGINE 3 technology is equipped to start creating software for the system now. Crytek recently became an officially licensed provider of middleware and tools for Xbox One, and will support the platform as well as equipping CryENGINE 3 licensees with the advanced toolset required to achieve their own games for the system.
* “Halo” television series announced, as award-winning filmmaker, director and producer, Steven Spielberg will executive-produce an original “Halo” live-action television series with exclusive interactive Xbox One content, created in partnership with 343 Industries and Xbox Entertainment Studios.
* “FIFA 14,” “Madden NFL 25,” “NBA LIVE 14,” and “EA SPORTS UFC” from EA SPORTS will change the way consumers experience and play sports games. Driven by the new EA SPORTS Ignite engine, these new EA SPORTS games will deliver massive innovations in human intelligence, true player motion and living worlds. Adding to its commitment to Xbox One, EA SPORTS also announced the promise of exclusive content to be revealed in the coming months.
* They announced a new partnership with the National Football League (NFL) that will deliver the ultimate interactive NFL television experiences for the next-generation Xbox One and leverage Microsoft devices and services to evolve both in-game and on the sideline. The NFL on Xbox will redefine broadcast experiences through innovations around Skype, Xbox SmartGlass and player-worn technology; add an all-new fantasy football solution for the biggest screen in the house; and create a personalized NFL destination only available on Xbox One.
Xbox One World Premiere Photo Gallery:
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