| HappySqurriel said: There is nothing saying that you can't have an affordable console which is powerful and still maintains backwards compatibility. The problem is that Sony and Microsoft choose to completely abandon the architecture of their previous generation consoles. The Emotion Engine was actually a very small processor and could have been used as the core of a multi-core processor (or even been the heart of a SPE on the Cell processor); at the same time Microsoft could have used an Intel, ATI, or (possibly) Via processor in the heart of the XBox 360. These processors are not (necessarily) underpowered, and had affordability been a core consideration with the design of either system they would have been affordable. |
Microsoft is using an Intel processor in the 360... And then could not keep the similar architecture as Nividia stopped producing that Graphics chipset and was charging them an arm and a leg for it. Microsoft had to go with software emulation of old console games as hardware wasn't an option and over 60% of games work. Most look better actually... so I think thats a success.
As far as sony, they had to take out the emotion engine as they were already losing money on a console and were forced to do a 100 dollar price drop. I don't blame them for doing it...but they promoted the hell out of BC so it stings more than for microsoft.
@exindguy
Microsoft never promissed or promoted backwards compatibility like Sony. It was considered a bonus that comes with the console as a work in progress...no one can say they bought a 360 and now are angry because Microsoft lied to them and promissed BC.
Also you said... "Better graphics are to be expected at least every five years, period. Technology moves on and you can get, at the very least, a substantial increase in performance at the same price you paid for a console debuting half a decade earlier--even if they're 'only' Wii-caliber."
Good luck with that argument... I personally think "substantial increase in performance" and "wii" can't be used in the same sentance.
Also PS2 and xbox cost $299 when they came out in 2000/2001. You could pick up a premium 360 for $349 so similar price structure was kept for a "substantial" graphics boost amongst a plethora of other things such as hard drive, DVD player, component cables. Wii on the other hand was 249 at launch compared to 199 for gamecube 5 years prior... And for that you got an overclocked CPU and GPU, double the ram and motion sensor bar with wii mote.
In any case, there were some shortcomings on the 360 like you mentioned but still consider that the premium xbox is $299 today...only having one 50 dollar price drop (in north amercia)...and the profit margin on the 360 sold is still minimal almost 3 years later. That tells you howmuch value is included in that console.
PS3 is value overkill however...I'd gladly trade bluray and built in wireless for DVD, some glow in the dark stickers and 100 dollar price rebate.
