BIG IN 2008 – Xbox Ultimate

[Clipse]

We’ve already had the Xbox 360 Premium and Elite. Both are, of course, fine gaming machines with the best games catalogue in the next-gen field. But come autumn 2008, we reckon both will be rendered obsolete by the Ultimate.

This PS3-killer will benefit from almost three years of Xbox development, featuring 1080p HDMI output, built-in Wi-Fi, hi-def audio output, cooler 65nm hardware architecture and a near-silent fan.

It’ll also have the ability to make the most of the by-then established Xbox IPTV service, which will mean recording TV shows to its vast 320GB hard disk and watching live TV shows via your broadband provider.

But the piece de resistance? It’ll have a built-in HD DVD drive. Let Round 12 with the PS3 commence...

Source: Stuff (http://stuff.tv/News/BIG-IN-2008-Xbox-Ultimate/)


Now lets remember this is a rumor, one thats been around for a very long time. What do you guys think? There's always been a lot of speculation but with CES coming up (next week I think) and a report that says Bill Gates is supposed to announce something massive it raises the question...

[iJohn]

Time to go BB warranty again:p

Well I already have the HD DVD player, and would only really get this if my parents buy a new TV (1080p of course:p) for the living room. I am also interested if Microsoft will be going multicolored:D I also have a Linksys wireless bridge, and it is very reliable. I am totally ready for a 320 GB hard drive filled with movies and TV shows. Who isn't?

I really think it will be a bang for your buck. You will be getting everything combined together. Everything extra that I had to buy earlier will be put into one:D

[Burner110]

Awesome! Il get it. It sounds awesome.

[ViperBoy X]

This " Ulitimate " sounds pretty sick!

[im a manatee]

The problem with these new additions is no ability for a manatee like me to trade up and not have to spend 300 dollars.

[antilucid]

The problem with these new additions is no ability for a manatee like me to trade up and not have to spend 300 dollars.I bet gamestop will have some sort of trade in program for the upgrade. They always seem to give extra trade in value for like a normal DS if you are trading in for a DS Lite.

[XXXJUICEDXXX]

I'm scared of what the price will be. These things are just getting more expensive every year. Being that I'm on my 4th 360 i don't think I would spend 600 dollars to record Tv . Fan noise doesn't bother me. My Tv's sound or mic on my head drowns it out . WiFi is needed for what ? Wifi good for psp and ds lite. i'm not sold.

[DrHerbz]

Sounds pretty sweet to me, by then I reckon I'll probably need a new 360 anyway and should have money to buy me one of these hopefully ;)

[codedigital]

I. Will. Own. This. Period.

[Exane22]

Starting to save my money as of NOW, though its not officail it sounds pretty badass. Ive been talkikng alot of buying an elite soon. Im glad i havent yet, not until i know either way. I hope Gates confirmes this next week *crosses fingers*

[Anti Hero]

I will most likely not be able to get this if it is true..This just sounds way too expensive. 320gb Hard drive and built in HD DVD drive!?!?

I can only wish..

[code34]

Yeah, if it's got a 320GB HD, I imagine it'll be over $500 easy.

[Stinkyfire]

I. Will. Own. This. Period.

Agreed :D

[D3AD ROMANC3]

this sounds great but like u have said its gona cost a years wage, it may just go on ma b-day list ??who knows

[Curtis]

Mmm...

Sounds like when all the racers are lined up ready to race. Then the mother of all racing cars coming along and stops at the end of them all. I might get one, but I'll see. Sounds like one hell of a console though.

I'd like if they did something with customizable cases, or multiple disk holder changer. But that'd just be a little fancy me thinks.

[Rocket]

I'll pass. I don't need TV or Movies on my videogame console. Why? That's what I have a DVR for. That's what I have a DVD Player for and an HD DVD Player for. The build in HD DVD Drive will push the price at least 150, then the 320gb HDD will push it at least 200. So we're looking at a 6-700 price tag just for this. All for what, a bit more HDD space and the ability to record TV shows.

[codedigital]

I'll pass. I don't need TV or Movies on my videogame console. Why? That's what I have a DVR for. That's what I have a DVD Player for and an HD DVD Player for. The build in HD DVD Drive will push the price at least 150, then the 320gb HDD will push it at least 200. So we're looking at a 6-700 price tag just for this. All for what, a bit more HDD space and the ability to record TV shows.

I'm pretty sure it won't push it that high.

MS are already screwing us on the price of the HDD...they can eat a lot of that cost. Those 120GB HDD's probably only cost them 50 bucks.

The cost of HD-DVD tech is plummeting.

I'm guessing the console will be 500-550.

[v0lum3]

I'll pass. I don't need TV or Movies on my videogame console. Why? That's what I have a DVR for. That's what I have a DVD Player for and an HD DVD Player for. The build in HD DVD Drive will push the price at least 150, then the 320gb HDD will push it at least 200. So we're looking at a 6-700 price tag just for this. All for what, a bit more HDD space and the ability to record TV shows.

I'm pretty much in agreement. I don't need anything else from my XBOX that I'm not already getting... and I have a DVR. I have VGA cables which give me the same definition as HDMI so why would I need that, plus I can get HDMI by just upgrading at some point to an elite which has waaaay more HDD room than I really would need... I just don't see the point since I already own a perfectly suitable 360.

[tenaciousdave]

I. Will. Own. This. Period.

You. Are. A. Tool. Period.

Seriously. How many SKUs of this thing do they really need? It'll probably be somthing like 700 bucks if not more. I think I'm calling shinannigans on this roumor. It is base and vulgar.

I'm pretty sure it won't push it that high.

MS are already screwing us on the price of the HDD...they can eat a lot of that cost. Those 120GB HDD's probably only cost them 50 bucks.


They are also screwing you on the price of the wireless adapter and larger HDDs. Why would they stop now? They have the consumer by the balls here and they know it. If it is real it will be increadibly exspensive.

[codedigital]

You. Are. A. Tool. Period.

Seriously. How many SKUs of this thing do they really need? It'll probably be somthing like 700 bucks if not more. I think I'm calling shinannigans on this roumor. It is base and vulgar.



They are also screwing you on the price of the wireless adapter and larger HDDs. Why would they stop now? They have the consumer by the balls here and they know it. If it is real it will be increadibly exspensive.

You're lucky I love you.

I want the HD-DVD and the larger HDD. You know me...I love the tech.

But they eat a good chunk of the cost of the HDD with the Elite..as the price of the premium + HDD is greater than the Elite.

You know how it's become with consoles and more than one SKU. How many have the PS3 had in less than 1 year? 4 or 5? Plus the ones over in Japan.

[tenaciousdave]

You're lucky I love you.

I want the HD-DVD and the larger HDD. You know me...I love the tech.

But they eat a good chunk of the cost of the HDD with the Elite.

I think you are wrong there. I can buy a terabyte HDD for like a 25 cents or something.

[codedigital]

I think you are wrong there. I can buy a terabyte HDD for like a 25 cents or something.


Of course we can. I'm not saying they're eating much of it...just more than they are when they sale them separately.

And 1TB is around 300 dollars.

[Azeron]

It does nothing to improve my gaming experience. If I wanted a multimedia machine I'd buy one.

[graf1k]

First of all, I'm not convinced this is happening. Think back to the HDMI Premium or the Elite. Microsoft denied, denied, denied the existence of both up until right before they went on sale, despite leaked images and the like surfacing weeks/months in advance. Keeping that in mind, it hardly seems likely that they would announce an Ultimate at CES only to have it be available Fall 2008. All that would do is depress sales of the current SKUs as almost anybody that would have bought an Elite would probably wait for the newer, better Ultimate.

On top of that, yet another SKU that really doesn't add anything you can't buy seperately except an even bigger hard drive hardly makes sense. Why would Microsoft marry itself to HD-DVD now when the format war is as uncertain as ever and we all know Microsoft favors digital distribution to either format anyway?

That said, if this does happen, I'll probably wait until the Ultimate is available to buy another system as it will most likely be $500 or less by Fall 2008 which should drive the price of Elites down at least another $50.

[Clipse]

Duly noted Graf1k and you might just be right. In an article I just read on Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=26140722) they mentioned the absence of Microsoft's trademark rumor debunking comment that normally makes everything true; "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation". There was a comment made by a Seattle Times writer speculating that MS will announce it is licensing the 360 platform to other manufacturers. Rumors circulated last year of a top secret Toshiba/Microsoft project in the works; maybe we'll soon have Toshiba Xbox 360's?

[graf1k]

Duly noted Graf1k and you might just be right. In an article I just read on Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=26140722) they mentioned the absence of Microsoft's trademark rumor debunking comment that normally makes everything true; "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation". There was a comment made by a Seattle Times writer speculating that MS will announce it is licensing the 360 platform to other manufacturers. Rumors circulated last year of a top secret Toshiba/Microsoft project in the works; maybe we'll soon have Toshiba Xbox 360's?

God I hope so. I'd buy one of those in a second. It might actually work!

[Boss]

The Toshiba Xbox 360 is real. CES 08 is Bill Gates last as head dog of Microsoft and he is going out with a bang. Just 2 more days

[Rand al Thor 19]

Not going to happen. Not with HD-DVD on it's death bed.

[deathbypig37x]

Not going to happen. Not with HD-DVD on it's death bed.

It's not on its death bed...amd neither is BLu-Ray. Both in ym opinion are just inbetween in the phase of technology. The next thing will be much better than both. And if HD-DVD's WERE on their death bed, why would this be a bad idea? Number one player for Blu-Ray is PS3. Ergo, 360 playing HD-DVD's would be the best way to emulate the success of Blu-Ray.

The whole thing sounds too fishy though...IDK. We'll just have to wait and see.

[Clipse]

It's not on its death bed...amd neither is BLu-Ray. Both in ym opinion are just inbetween in the phase of technology. The next thing will be much better than both. And if HD-DVD's WERE on their death bed, why would this be a bad idea? Number one player for Blu-Ray is PS3. Ergo, 360 playing HD-DVD's would be the best way to emulate the success of Blu-Ray.

The whole thing sounds too fishy though...IDK. We'll just have to wait and see.

But is it too little too late? I mean granted they gave us an optional HD-DVD add-on, had they started out with HD built in they would have had a leg up on the PS3, then again the launch consoles would have been more expensive.

[Rand al Thor 19]

It's not on its death bed...amd neither is BLu-Ray. Both in ym opinion are just inbetween in the phase of technology. The next thing will be much better than both. And if HD-DVD's WERE on their death bed, why would this be a bad idea? Number one player for Blu-Ray is PS3. Ergo, 360 playing HD-DVD's would be the best way to emulate the success of Blu-Ray.

The whole thing sounds too fishy though...IDK. We'll just have to wait and see.

I don't know if you heard but, Warner Bros and New Line went Blu-Ray exclusive yesterday. HD-DVD was supposed to have this big event Sunday at CES but because of this devestating news, they cancelled the event. All the major papers are running headlines like " HD format war over; Warner goes Blue". Because of this announcement, Paramount is looking for any way out of their deal with HD-DVD and Universal is likely to become neutral instead of HD-DVD exclusive.
Best Buy and Circuit City are going to start pulling HD-DVD players and movies off their shelves in favor of the winning format, Blu-Ray. HD-DVD died yesterday and it will be completely dead by June or July of this year.

[Clipse]

I just had an idea and I'm curious as to what you guys think. PS3 has the blu-ray in the lead when it comes to players owned. MS has always supported the HD-DVD but by now I'm sure they see it as possibly losing in the format wars. Now I'm sure they don't want to abandon the HD-DVD format but could also note consumer demand for a blu-ray attachment drive like they market for the HD-DVD.

So my question is, what do you think of an internal combo drive; both blu-ray and HD-DVD being played? If they go internal thats going to be the best for MS in my eyes.

[deathbypig37x]

I don't know if you heard but, Warner Bros and New Line went Blu-Ray exclusive yesterday. HD-DVD was supposed to have this big event Sunday at CES but because of this devestating news, they cancelled the event. All the major papers are running headlines like " HD format war over; Warner goes Blue". Because of this announcement, Paramount is looking for any way out of their deal with HD-DVD and Universal is likely to become neutral instead of HD-DVD exclusive.
Best Buy and Circuit City are going to start pulling HD-DVD players and movies off their shelves in favor of the winning format, Blu-Ray. HD-DVD died yesterday and it will be completely dead by June or July of this year.

Warner goes Blu-Ray and that's it? I think we are jumping the gun here. I think that the fact PAramount went with HD DVD means something, and I think it is an unfound rumor that they are scrmabling to get out of their agreement.
Blu-Ray has Disney, and now Warner.
HD DVD has Paramount.
Universal is neutral. Am I missing something?
It seems that HD DVD has the potential to even the odds. All it would take is the alleged XBOX Ultimate to do it. Have faith. ;)

[Clipse]

Warner goes Blu-Ray and that's it? I think we are jumping the gun here. I think that the fact PAramount went with HD DVD means something, and I think it is an unfound rumor that they are scrmabling to get out of their agreement.
Blu-Ray has Disney, and now Warner.
HD DVD has Paramount.
Universal is neutral. Am I missing something?
It seems that HD DVD has the potential to even the odds. All it would take is the alleged XBOX Ultimate to do it. Have faith. ;)

Actually it was announced that New Line Cinema has also gone Blu-Ray only right after Warner. The dominoes are starting to fall and I'm not sure if anyone expected it.

[NATERZ]

So my question is, what do you think of an internal combo drive; both blu-ray and HD-DVD being played? If they go internal thats going to be the best for MS in my eyes.

This new "XBOX" sounds sweet but also too good to be true. I am going with it's more rumor than anything. It's all hype.

I would love to see HD-DVD and blu-ray all internal as well. I would get that in a second. And yes I agree with Clipse that it would be best for MS.

[LIJWilson]

Sounds awesome. :D

[AJMac]

As with the elite, I will not be forking out for this. With all this different versions coming out (DS, and previously the PS2 slim), it's just to squeeze money out of their customers.

Then again, I have no awesome sound or HD, so I wouldn't need it anyway!

[Rand al Thor 19]

Warner goes Blu-Ray and that's it? I think we are jumping the gun here. I think that the fact PAramount went with HD DVD means something, and I think it is an unfound rumor that they are scrmabling to get out of their agreement.
Blu-Ray has Disney, and now Warner.
HD DVD has Paramount.
Universal is neutral. Am I missing something?
It seems that HD DVD has the potential to even the odds. All it would take is the alleged XBOX Ultimate to do it. Have faith. ;)


Well, MS did their keynote did not announce the Xbox Ultimate. And they didn't even mention HD-DVD at all. Face it people, HD-DVD is dead.

Here's a graph showing where each movie studio stands on HD movies.
http://www.ripten.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/chart_one-copy.jpg

[Tripl299]

Everybody should just wait. Because you all know before too long, the xbox 720 will be coming out and will probally include all of this cool stuff.

Rand,

I complete agree with you about HD DVD. I work at Blockbuster and alot of stores already starting to get Blue Ray. But, they can't change all of their movies because alot of people will still rent regular dvds and it will take alot of time for everybody to get blue ray players.

[Bradmatic]

But is it too little too late? I mean granted they gave us an optional HD-DVD add-on, had they started out with HD built in they would have had a leg up on the PS3, then again the launch consoles would have been more expensive.

Yeh and look where the pricing of the ps3 got sony, all in a big mess up. This does sound awesome though, but it just sounds like its aload of add ons to compete with sony and not based around looking for advaced technology, the pricing of this does look to be very high as well, consider all the accessories, jeeze i better start saving then. MICROSOFT FTW (PS. I'm not biassed lol)

[v0lum3]

Well, MS did their keynote did not announce the Xbox Ultimate. And they didn't even mention HD-DVD at all. Face it people, HD-DVD is dead.

Here's a graph showing where each movie studio stands on HD movies.
http://www.ripten.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/chart_one-copy.jpg

That graph = retarded... HD-DVD and Blu-Ray have almost the same specs except for a few small variations... Blu Ray can store more data... which we don't even have the ability to use up... and Blu Ray costs a LOT more to manufacture...

Honestly I'm shocked that companies are going Blu Ray... it's going to take a while before they see a return on their money IMO... and I have no intention of buying a Blu Ray player... too damn expensive.

[Punish3r]

I was watching a Blu-Ray movie on the new 120 Htz TV's at work, and it felt like the movie was on a 1.5 Fast Forward setting, it was weird. The Hi-Def gives the people strange levels of depth that nearly makes it look fake.

I can't bring myself to buy either format yet, not till a victor emerges. The players that play both run for nearly $800, so that's out of the question too.

I'll probably end up picking up a PS3, since it's only 100 dollars more than the cheapest Blu-Ray player I've found.

[Clipse]

I'll probably end up picking up a PS3, since it's only 100 dollars more than the cheapest Blu-Ray player I've found.

I'm currently thinking about doing the same thing. At least then if the PS3 does get some good premier games I've already got it.

[Exane22]

Sadly i might end up getting a ps3, unless the price of blu-ray players drop a ton so i can buy something nonsony. Seems like every movie is only blu-ray now and with 2 more companies jumping ship there is going to be even less. Personally i feel like HD-DVD is the way to go. I guess no one else around the world feels that way so were going to be stuck with blu-ray for a while. I HATE SONY

[Rocket]

I have a HD DVD Player, and I'm extremely pleased with it. Whether or not HD loses the 'battle' or not. Once the 'victor' is decided, I'm sure we will see a drastic price drop on both fronts for players, as well as the combo player. Also, I don't see the 'HD' world as completely taking over anytime soon as it is. DVD collections are far greater than that those of VHS were. Easier to maintain, easier to store, etc. The only VHS collections I ever remember growing up were 'Trilogies' I.E Die Hard, Rambo, Star Wars, etc, as well as the 'Disney' Library of movies. With DVD, people buy more and more of them. So I don't see HD/Blu Ray completely taking over the market, as people have already dropped a fortune into their DVD libraries as it is, let alone having to shell out more money on top of that to rebuy their collection, that costs $10-$20 more than the movies they already bought.

[Tripl299]

I know that Blockbuster has a great deal on PS3.

You get the 80g harddrive.
You get Surf's Up
You get Motor Storm Game
You get 5 Blue Ray movies by mail.
You get the HD connection cable.
You get the remote control
You get a 20 game/blue ray rental card


All for $599.

[Exane22]

That really isnt a bad deal, but i dont think im ready for a ps3 just yet. What sells me on that is that it comes with the HDMI cable (if what i think you were saying is right).

[XXXJUICEDXXX]

I just had an idea and I'm curious as to what you guys think. PS3 has the blu-ray in the lead when it comes to players owned. MS has always supported the HD-DVD but by now I'm sure they see it as possibly losing in the format wars. Now I'm sure they don't want to abandon the HD-DVD format but could also note consumer demand for a blu-ray attachment drive like they market for the HD-DVD.

So my question is, what do you think of an internal combo drive; both blu-ray and HD-DVD being played? If they go internal thats going to be the best for MS in my eyes.


I wouldn't plan on microsoft even considering a release date on a internal HD DVD drive inside the 360 . It has been engineered to fix exactly, but until the blueray/HD DVD war is over don't plan on microsoft putting all their eggs in one basket. What good would a 360 be with a internal HD DVD drive if Blueray wins. Sony might have jumped the gun . I,ve seen LG has a player that plays both HD DVD and BLUERAY discs. Now that might be the best drive.

I agree :)

[Boss]

What a let down nothing big from Microsoft at CES08. Only this...

Xr5w3X4R8b4

[Burner110]

^^That video was awesome

[RoAFie]

lmao that vid was awesome.

But srsly how many versions of the 360 are they going to have? They already had

Core
Regular
Arcade
Elite

and now Ultimate. This is teh ridiculous. It's starting to remind me of the Sega CD and Sega 32 bit imo.

[XXXJUICEDXXX]

Bill gates = A true man. He was born and he followed his dream . Not saying I couldn't smack him down in a street but his path is the path we should all follow . Fun / Death. Period.