Can Microsoft maintain its momentum?
Microsoft must be feeling good about the Xbox 360. Putting aside the shortages that plagued the console in the first few months after its release, things are looking pretty rosy for Microsoft's second foray into the console gaming world. Gamer reaction has been quite positive so far, and the 360's competitors seem hell bent on giving the console a full year's head start before they come out with their offerings. Bill Gates, making his first appearance at an E3, spruiked that Microsoft expects to have sold more than 10 million 360s by the time the PS3 arrives on the scene later this year. An established base of 10 million gamers is a massive hurdle to overcome, even for a gaming giant like Sony.
With its console already out on the market, the majority of Microsoft's focus at this year's E3 was on its slate of upcoming games for the 360. And the big M had an impressive line-up on show, including Fable 2, Forza Motorsport 2, Gears of War, Alan Wake, Blue Dragon and the kiddie-friendly Viva Pinata. Microsoft also announced a major coup, confirming that the next game in the uber-popular Grand Theft Auto series would debut on the 360 at the same time as its released for the PS3 (mid-way through 2007). Snaring GTA IV is a huge bonus for the 360, as Sony had previously enjoyed several month's worth of exclusivity on previous entries in the series.
But most of the buzz was on a game that wasn't even playable -- Halo 3. When the trailer for the latest chapter in Master Chief's adventures was shown at Microsoft's pre-E3 press conference, the crowd went wild. The trailer also regularly drew hoards of gaping onlookers when it was periodically shown on the massive screens hanging over Microsoft's stand at E3.
Hardware wasn't completely ignored, however. Several accessories for the 360 were officially announced, although most came with no price tags or firm release dates. Leading the list was the much talked about HD DVD add on (which has been designed to look like a smaller Xbox 360), a wireless racing wheel, wireless gaming receiver, the Xbox Live Vision video camera and more.
Games was the focus for the Xbox 360 at this year's E3.
Perhaps the most intriguing announcement to come from Microsoft this E3 came from the mouth of Bill Gates himself, who unveiled the Live Anywhere platform. Live Anywhere essentially takes the Xbox Live experience onto PCs and mobile phones, giving gamers the same interface, gamertag and achievements regardless of platform. Live Anywhere greatly expands the reach of Xbox Live, and makes it even more of a hurdle for Sony to overcome when it comes to market with its own online games platform for the PS3.
But the biggest plus to come out from Microsoft at this year's E3 is that its line up of upcoming games held up extremely well against the best that Sony had to offer with the PlayStation 3. Most of the 360 titles looked good -- very good -- compared to the PS3 games on show. By the time Sony's console hits the street, the 360 will already be on its second generation of games -- that means extremely attractive eye-candy which could put the PS3 to shame.
And it certainly doesn't hurt Microsoft that Sony has pegged its rival console at a much higher price than 360. Perhaps Microsoft's stated goal of being number one in this generation of console may come true after all.
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Brigadier
25/05/2006 11:18 PM
Nice articles on each of the consoles. I think the Revolution (yes, still stubbornly refusing to call it 'Wii' :P) is in a very good position already. If we consider that it might have mass-appeal (especially in Japan) like the DS has had, it's safe to say it will be a massive success. A lot of people who plan on buying an Xbox 360 or a PS3 also plan on buying the Revolution as a 'secondary' type of console, which spells more sales for Nintendo, as well. Microsoft is currently in the best position with their Xbox 360 of course, seeing as it's the only next-gen console available right now. As was mentioned in the article, Bill Gates hopes for ten million 360s sold, and while we can't say that for sure, what we can say is that Microsoft will be taking full advantage of the free months they're getting before the other two consoles launch. Definitely a good position to be in, and I think the Xbox 360's mid-range price will appeal to a lot of people. I saw Sony's press conference live (through an online video feed) and it really failed to impress me...well, besides the Metal Gear Solid 4 trailer. Ignoring trailer after trailer of games we won't be able to play for a good year or two, we arrive at the announcement of the motion-sensitive controller. Wow, slightly surprising in a humourous way, and very unimpressive in an embarrassing way. Not much else to say really, besides the fact that the motion-sensitivity seems terribly rushed, and likely was. Oh, and they've had to give up rumble in the process, which really isn't a good thing. At launch I'm sure Sony will do just fine, despite the outrageous price - the brand name will ensure that. Long-term, though - who knows?
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Fireacer
03/09/2006 11:26 PM
i have to agree with alot of what this article presents. the only issue that i have is that nintendo would of suffered if they had mentioned pricing at E3. though the pricing is amazingly good ( at about $350Au) it would detract from their gaming emphasis. I would also tend to disagree with the reviewers perspective on the wii controller and its functionality. i dont think that nintendo would be re-callobrating the controller evertime someone used it at E3, i suspect the default was used....which means things like responsitivity or actually playability will rely mainly on people playing it at home.
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Wii and Xbox 360
27/01/2008 08:58 PM
Yes we Know that the Playstation 3 has tall the good things such as Blu ray disc drives and more but Sony are just copying off the Xbox 360 and nintendo Wii. Because did you notice that the Playstation 3 was released after the other two. The Playstation 3 has motion sensitive controllers just like the Wii does and Has really good graphics just like the Xbox 360 does.
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