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March 9, 2005 at 11:29 pm #17364Someguy03Member
It seems that this is only the *first* part of several future revealings by GameSpy:
That’s a wrap for part one of our Xenon feature. Be sure to come back tomorrow to learn more about Microsoft’s exciting plans for Xbox Live. While the hardware specs and HD plans for Xenon are definitely cool, the new Xbox Live features might impact your gaming experience even more!
Here are the specs:
CPU (Processor) – Xenon’s CPU has three 3.0 GHz PowerPC cores. Each core is capable of two instructions per cycle and has an L1 cache with 32 KB for data and 32 KB for instructions. The three cores share 1 MB of L2 cache. Alpha 2 developer kits currently have two cores instead of three.GPU (Graphics Card) Xenon’s GPU is a generation beyond the ATI X800. Its clock speed is 500 MHz and it supports Shader 3.0. Developers are currently working with an alpha 2 GPU. Beta GPU units are expected by May and the final GPU is slated for a summer release. The final GPU will be more powerful than anything on the market today; in game terms, it would handle a game like Half-Life 2 with ease.
System Memory – Xenon will have 256 MB of system RAM. Keep in mind that this number should not be equated to typical PC RAM. The Xbox has 64 MB of system RAM and is a very capable machine.
Optical Drive (CD-ROM Drive) – As many have speculated, Xenon will not use Blu-Ray or HD-DVD. Games will come on dual-layer DVD-9 discs. While the media is the same as that of the current Xbox, the usable space on each disc is up to 7 GB. The drive is slated to run at 12X.
Memory Units (Cards)– Xenon will use 64 MB to 1,024 MB memory cards. 8 MB is reserved for system use, leaving a 56 MB to 1,016 MB for user data.
Hard Drive – As many have speculated, Xenon’s hard drive is optional. 2 GB of the drive will be used as game cache. The final drive size is still being determined.
Camera – Xenon will have a USB 2.0 camera. It’s capable of 1.2 megapixel still shots and VGA video. Photos can be used in-game and for gamer profiles. The camera can also be used for video chat. It’s unknown if the Xenon camera will allow for EyeToy-like gameplay. Developers are currently using a simulated camera driver.
Sound Chip – Xenon does not have an audio chip in the traditional sense. Decompression is handled by hardware, while the rest of the chores are handled by software. DirectSound3D has been dropped in favor of X3DAudio. The former was deemed too inflexible.
The Software
– Xbox Live capibility will be available for ALL games being developed
– Developers are being instructed to plan their games for high-definition. The baseline is 720p at 1280×720 for gameplay and video clips, 16:9 aspect ratio, 5.1 Surround Sound, and anti-aliasing. These features are the current minimum requirement.
– All Xenon games can be played using custom soundtracks. Owners can also play their own music directly. Supported formats are MP3 and WMA. Files can be encoded up to 320Kbps CBR or VBR stereo. The system is branded a Music Player Service.
– For gameplay movies, Xenon uses Xenon Motion Video (XMV). XMV is based on Windows Media 9 and uses the mandatory codec for HD-DVD. The goal for video is 720p running at 30 frames per second with 5.1 Surround Sound.
Full article: http://xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/microsoft-xbox/594331p2.html
Heres some cool mockups I found:
March 9, 2005 at 11:32 pm #116602Jeff HesterKeymasterSounds really cool. I’m thinking I might get one of those when it comes out rather than any other console although I am curious as to what Nintendo is doing with this “innovative” way of playing. Anyway I’ve always been interested in the XBOX due to online play and those specs sound sweet.
March 9, 2005 at 11:41 pm #116607Someguy03MemberYes, it does sound awesomely powerful. BUT, according to EGM’s (Electronic Gaming Monthly) “Rumor Mill” (which usually is correct):
“Everytime I’ve chatted about next-gen consoles with the development community, nobody has been able to tell me which machine has the most horesepower…until now. One high-profile developer who has seen both PS2 and Xbox 2 technology recently whispered into my innocent ear, “The next Playstation is way, way more powerful than Xbox 2. It’s insanely powerful.”
March 10, 2005 at 2:17 am #116610Hurricane22491MemberIt sounds good, but as of right now, I’m not even interested in the console by Microsoft. I’m watching Nintendo and Sony to see which one will have better projected games and launch titles.
March 10, 2005 at 8:46 pm #116603Jeff HesterKeymasterIGN just released some information today from the Game Developers Conference about the Nintendo DS and the Revolution and the new Legend of Zelda game which I’m pretty excited about and the graphics are niiiiiiiice.
Revolution InfoMarch 10, 2005 at 9:17 pm #116609EEDOKMemberThe real funny thing is these consoles will be hundreds of times more powerful than the current consoles, yet in the years the current consoles have been out, there’s been what 2 games that actually utilized the entire system?
March 10, 2005 at 11:19 pm #116606detn8rParticipantWith power comes a price tag. $800 bucks for xbox? I can’t bloody wait for the price of these beats :
March 28, 2005 at 4:51 pm #116615DrBroccoliParticipantIsn’t ATI making the GPU for Nintendo and Microsoft, and isn’t IBM making both of their processors? So what’s it going to come down to, who pays them more, to get the best?
March 29, 2005 at 12:37 am #116611AwesomeSauceParticipantI’ve always wondered exactly what the graphics would be like in the future systems. I’ve heard some people say that graphics won’t get much better then they are now, but I think they can. However, a game with ridiculously realistic graphics would probably take a lot of hard work.
I’m excited to find out.
March 29, 2005 at 12:56 am #116616DrBroccoliParticipantI have always wondered the same thing, but nintendo this time around seems not to be focusing on improving the visual quality and such, but focus on how games will be played. I don’t know, its all so confusing, here we have Microsoft on a power rage with the Xbox, Sony trying to dominate every genre of electronics possible, and Nintendo revolutionizing the way we play games. I think this set of next gen systems might be very promising.
March 29, 2005 at 7:24 pm #116604Jeff HesterKeymasterI’m definitely looking forward to what Nintendo has to offer. Everyone knows what Sony and XBox will all be about. Nintendo remains the mystery. I know they want to attract new gamers and also make the controller with less buttons so that people don’t have to memorize a bunch of junk and still have fun. Sounds odd, I can’t imagine a controller with just one button. heh. I hope it doesn’t turn out to be some disappointment.
March 29, 2005 at 10:45 pm #116612AwesomeSauceParticipantActually, I heard from a friend that in 2006 the Nintendo Paddles will be holograms, just projecting out of the gloves you supposedly wear I guess, and it will have free wireless internet. But I kind of doubt it. 🙂
April 3, 2005 at 4:31 pm #116617MrEggsaladParticipantI think Sony is the way to go with the consoles. They always find some really cool wild and crazy thing that they will use for their console. The Xbox 2 sounds cool, but I think Sony’s PS3 will be even better. Even if Nintendo makes and awesome system they will just have the same games they have always had. Ex: Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart Double Dash, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart Super Circit. Super Mario Brothers 1,2,3,4, Mario 64, Mario Sunshine. Legend of Zelda, Legend of Zelda Oricle Of Ages/Seasons, Legend of Zelda Ocorina of Time, Legend of Zelda Majestic Mask. Pokemon Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, Saffire, Ruby, Emerald, Fire Red, Leaf Green, Stadium, Stadium 2, Gold, Silver, Crystil.
See? They just remake the same games over and over, while Sony and Microsoft Make new ones (or only make one or two sequil(s)).April 3, 2005 at 11:36 pm #116614DrBroccoliParticipantIf you would notice, those arent near in anyway all they games available, you’re just pointing out a few… and besides havent those made nintendo $$$? Also those arn’t the same games, they are sequals and totally new game alltogether, I dont remember playing Mario Kart DD on the N64, exactly, new characters, new objectives, new courses ECT. They’re not remakes, and besides if you want to go down that road
Thats a list of the Top 10 FAQs for PS2 at GameFaqs.com, of course with my highlighting.:DThey just remake the same games over and over, while Sony and Microsoft Make new ones (or only make one or two sequil(s)).
Notice the 3,4 and 5s.
April 23, 2005 at 9:50 pm #116608Someguy03MemberConfirmed Pictures:
Actual Photo:
Crappy rendered version:
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