It was back in 2005 that Microsoft kick-started proceedings with its Xbox 360, launching a full year ahead of Sony’s PS3. A powerful machine that’s easy to develop for (owing to its PC-based roots), studios pumped out loads of games for it, ranging from PC ports to killer exclusives.
Gaming was augmented by the ever-popular Xbox Live online gaming service, while an array of streaming options and download services also appeared on the machine. Combining all the factors gave us a machine that quickly became a living room staple around the world, leaving Sony in the dust for the longest time.
Since then, the Japanese giant has pretty much caught up with Microsoft, owing to a strong line-up of exclusive games, Blu-Ray playback and a variety of multimedia services. This week saw Sony’s PS4 being announced, with the Japanese giant looking to capitalise on the momentum generated by its predecessor. And everything points to a console designed with hardcore gamers in mind.
The ability to quickly pick up where you left off? Check. Sharing of gameplay clips and images over YouTube and social networks? Check. Compatibility with the PlayStation Vita? Yep. Streaming is another major feature, with streaming of demos and legacy titles set for the console. Yes, the PS4 features some great technology.
Then there are the specifications, a less radical design than the PlayStation 3, using traditional components for the most part. Despite this, the console can definitely do some great visuals.
So, where does that leave Microsoft then?
An all-encompassing machine
Having solidified the Xbox name and armed with some great exclusives, there’s little doubt that Microsoft’s unannounced console will find itself some fans. But what can we expect from Microsoft’s surely pending announcement? If anything, Sony’s unveil had a heavy emphasis on the hardcore gamer, showing loads of videogame-specific features. Sure, it’s almost certainly going to support multimedia services, but that wasn’t the focus of the event.
Microsoft, on the other hand, has made a killing by marketing its current console as an all-in-one entertainment system. Much like Apple and their ecosystem, the Xbox 360 has become a gateway to Microsoft’s Xbox Music and Video services. And with the likes of Skydrive and Internet Explorer making their way to the 360 in recent months, it’s clear that the Xbox is just a part of the larger Microsoft ecosystem.
Throw in the pioneering SmartGlass application, which delivers a second-screen experience to your tablets and smartphones, and you have a jack of all trades in the 360. So expect Microsoft’s services and other platforms to be integrated with the new console in an even bigger way. Whether it’s the ability to play the same titles on Xbox and your Windows 8 machine, or integrated Skype chat, there are many possibilities. Of course, it is a games console after all, which means that, well… games are needed.
Games consoles need games, right?
Microsoft has taken the so-called casual gaming path with the Xbox 360 in recent years, touting the Kinect peripheral, along with a slew of casual games in tow, Kinect Star Wars and Dance Central being two of the more prominent titles. If recent leaks are anything to go by, we can expect a vastly improved version to make an appearance. While the Kinect wasn’t included with the Xbox from the get-go, you can be sure that Microsoft will include it in an attempt to encourage usage.
The firm absolutely has to show off some exclusive titles and features if it wants to capture the attention of the hardcore audience as well. Sure, it has the signature games, in the form of Halo, Gears of War and Forza Motorsport, but the company will also be keen to show some all-new AAA titles to keep things fresh. This was evident in Sony’s press conference, which saw a mix of old (Killzone, Infamous) and new (DriveClub, Deep Down). As for core features, it’s going to be a tough ask for Microsoft to match what Sony has been touting thus far, but if anyone can do it, it’s the software pioneer.
After all, the new machine’s supposed specs are pretty similar to Sony’s device, with large amounts of RAM being devoted to the operating system alone. Could it be a repeat of the PS3 and Xbox 360 situation? Yes, the Xbox 360 ended up having arguably the best OS of all current generation consoles, with cross-game voice chat, music playback and a variety of other background services supported.
We’ll only find out what Microsoft has been working on when it announces an Xbox event. And when that happens is anyone’s bet, with E3 being the most likely occasion. But you can be sure that there’ll be something for everyone.
Psyber Consulting 