To be fair, my response was replying to this:Problems are problems.
Dirty terminals/contacts couldn't be read because of the poor design of the NES or because of bad materials or what have you. It's still a problem on Nintendos part.
I could touch the terminals all day on my Atari 2600 cartridges, Sega Master System cartridges, TurboGrafx 16 cards, and still would never have a problem loading a game. Yet, that isn't to say that these systems never had similar "dirty contact" problems at all. These three examples all used a direct-slot loading design. Even Nintendo dished their older design and used the direct-slot with the SNES and Gameboy. It was time for them to move on to a less-problematic mechanism I guess.

Heck, even the SNES had issues, but talking about those here would be an apples and oranges comparison.

You are partially right. The cartridge slot of the original NES used a fairly cheap metal which made dirty contact issues more apparent, it had nothing to do with direct-slot loading.. whatever that is. It was still only a matter of cleaning the contacts when needed, the hardware itself is fairly sturdy. It's a long-shot comparing that to the issues people have had with new hardware.

For the record, during my Gamestop, pawn shop and flea markets scores I've had issues with every format, except Turbo-Grafx cards for whatever reason. The old cartridge games have not been taken good care of sadly. Gamestop in particular, I swear they had some kind of ritual when somebody would trade in NES or Genesis games to dip each one in mud and then hammer a dozen hard-as-fuck to remove stickers all over the game label. I have nothing on Atari stuff since I don't collect them, but their cartridge design was slick in that the contacts were kept inside the case. I'm willing to bet they've held up extremely well.

Yeah, my point was the NES is still an apples and oranges comparions because it was a problem that just require cleaning, where as the dead drive problems on current consoles requires a new drive or a whole new unit.

I wasn't saying it wasn't a problem, just that it wasn't a problem with a machine breaking and needing something replaced, so it's apples and oranges.

Back on the topic of Xbox 360.. I ran across a site this morning in my half-asleep news browsing while getting ready for work that stated Xbox 360 controllers would be fully compatible and integrated into the next OS Longhorn. Sorry I can't provide the link now I don't have access to a lot of site at work. Opinions on this? I think this is excellent news personally. I've always found PC controllers poorly designed in comparison to first-party console pads and even adapters (I've got a PS2->USB adapter) are a little shaky. I don't game much on my PC and when I do it's usually for something very console-like (Falcom games primarily) and have always hoped for a better control solution.

Case in point, great design and well thought out.

I found a pic that suggest there will be backwards compatibility with the original xbox!<BR>
http://mendelini.com/xboxstacked.jpg
<BR>
Course you have to keep your old xbox. :)

That really no big accomplishment. When I use my JoyBox converter with my Dual Shock, it works perfectly with WindowsXP... automatically detents and everything.

I'm sure this is just a side-effect of having the same operating environment for both Windows and Xbox360 (XNA). The adapter even supports vibration, but "only for games which support it". Now that both Windows and Xbox360 are using XNA, they will both support the same vibration features, analog features, etc., thus making the controller "fully compatible".

Like I said, more of a side-effect of using the same operation environment rather than a planned advantage. Still cool nonetheless.

EDIT: XNA

Oh, that picture made something apparent.
Where are the Microsoft, DVD-ROM and Dolby Digital logos on the 360 "leak?"

I've owned two Microsoft Sidewinder game pads; one with and one without a 'gyroscope' inside the controller. Both had awkward button placement, in my opinion, and the D-pad was so inaccurate. You could press 'left' and get 'diagonally-up-left' to input. Never had this problem with the D-pad from PS or Nintendos controllers.

As a matter of fact, I use an adapter to get an N64 controller working on my PC (1999) and currently am using an Xbox controller (I know, MS built, go figure :rolleyes: ) with my PC games. The bottom line is I use videogame controllers for my PC games, although I have yet to try any of the current crop of PC designed game controllers.

Well there you have it!
Microsofts solution to those who have issues with stackability. :lol:

It makes so much sense now, I'm so stupid to not have seen it earlier.

That was mainly due to age though. I don't every remember a brand new system having read problems. It is just the 72 pin connector not connecting with wear and tear. I replaced mine recently and it works perfectly now. Considering how old the console is and what percentage of them are still working they are still one of the best pieces of electronics. Much like the TV's of the era too.

you're right atari stuff still goes strong. and that was a flaw in the nintendeo making contacts etc so cheap. but i'm sure they never thought people would still be using an nes 20 years later either. either way the old atari was a better design as far as protection of the "good stuff". but WHO CARES what the hell is nintendeo talk doing in the 360 thread. bill gates is gonna get windows 3.1 on our asses.

I believe most of us have agreed that the pic is a render, but is likely a render of the final design of the 360.

I've actually used both a Sidewinder gamepad and currently use a Saitek gamepad on my PC. To me, both have been as good as any console one's i've used, although i'm partial to the Gamecube controller which is currently my favorite. I don't recall any issues with accuracy or anything like that with my PC gamepads. Of course, i also hate the PS2 controller. Logitech has actually had gamepads on PC that are exactly like the PS2 controller for some time, i believe.

Plausible. But with backwards capabilities, why bother keeping the original?

Which begs the question: $100 extra for a HD on the 360 to play old games, or just keep original hooked up for free?

mod the old one to turn it into a movie holder media center for all the dvds you own that is the plan for me

AWESOME!!! someone else in the world can't stand the PS2 control :horsepoo:

so this is just wrong because mommy would be a fat girl

That was a joke.


For me it's backwards compatibility on the non HD version (or the HD being $50 or less) or keep the old one and pass on the new one out of principle.

I think MS is dropping the ball here if these rumors are true. The cheaper version should still have an HD and backwards compatibility. The more expensive one should just add non-gaming features.

I read a lot of messageboards, and I don't think I have ever read a more annoying thread.

There is way too much arguing going on here based on ASSUMPTIONS and RUMORS.

I agree the arguing is annoying, but most posts are just people discussing these rumors and their implications if true.

I mean I say in the post you quote "....if the rumors are true."

That's how these threads go, stuff is rumored and people discuss their opinions on them. If you find that annoying perhaps you should avoid the threads until official announcements are made.

Ok, lets look at the facts:

...


The rest of the stuff is just rumors.

yeah. I got it. But the way it is shaped it looks like it would sit nicely on top of the original.