Microsoft revealed the release date and price for the Xbox One at this year’s presentation at E3- November 2013 and $499. The Xbox One Day One Edition is now on sale on Amazon and GameStop (all as special bundles with games).
Microsoft has hit the price points well so far while avoiding snafus like Nintendo (3DS) and Sony, which originally priced the PlayStation at $599…$100 higher than the Xbox 360. The special editions and different bundles might offset any sticker shock.
Xbox One hardware will not be compatible with Xbox 360 games. The “always on” Internet connection status will be an advantage, but is not required. Players will need an internet connection available due to the “cloud connection” features and the requirement to access online once every 24 hours.
The used Xbox One games availability/accessibility will “depend on the publisher”, so it looks like that element will only get more complex. Microsoft mentioned Xbox One setup capabilities for other family members, so they wouldn’t be excluded. Microsoft also mentioned players could turn the camera off if they like. Xbox One will also play Blu-ray discs.
Microsoft announced a “smaller, sleeker, quieter” Xbox 360 version that went on sale the same day. Gamerscore and achievements will carry over to the Xbox One from Xbox 360.
FIFA 14, and Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag.
Microsoft also revealed Xbox One DVR features for game recording like recording key gameplay moments and special social media touches like adding commentary and text comments before posting. The new Twitch service will offer live game streaming for even more exposure.
Xbox Live service will no longer use points as the currency (will be real currency) and will lift the 100-friend cap. Xbox Live Gold subscribers can enjoy several upcoming free game downloads including Assassin’s Creed 2 and Halo 3.
The big news in exclusive games was the next Halo installment and the sci-fi multiplayer Titanfall coming in 2014. A reboot of the fighting game series Killer Instinct was also a major game announcement (oh, I remember those days playing it on the Super Nintendo).
Third-party game announcements included the shooter Titanfall (coming this spring), which features giant robots and human-like robots in capture-the-flag style battles and more.
Do you think Microsoft is number “One” at this year’s E3?
My scorekeeping in terms of wins:
– Sony won in terms of having the best console and doing the most to show they listened to what people really wanted.
– Nintendo won by reminding people they already released a console by introducing a ton of games people will want to play.
– Microsoft won the race to accrue the most bad-will and hate and reasons NOT to buy their consoles.
🙂
Oh – and the key quote to demonstrate Microsoft’s hubris and arrogance:
“We have a product for people who aren’t able to get some form of connectivity,” explained Xbox chief Don Mattrick. “It’s called Xbox 360.”
Um yeah, some other people call it different things: PS4, PC, Wii U … or ANYTHING but the XBone.