The problem is, you become mortal if your internet connection goes out.

Microsoft should have the ability to choose if any given game requires an Internet connection and offer the connected version at a discount.

Subscription-based Xbox 720 priced at $300, with $500 standard model?

Noted Windows blogger Paul Thurrott has claimed during the latest What The Tech episode (via NeoGAF) that the Xbox 720 will launch this holiday season beginning at $300 for a subscription-based model. A standard model will sell for around $500, he said.

He described the platform overall as "expensive."

The Xbox 720 won't be the only new Xbox on shelves this season, Thurrott claimed. The writer said Microsoft is planning a $99 "Stingray" Xbox 360. He did not provide any further information about this platform.

Thurrott also shared information about the Xbox 720's reported always-online requirement. He said this a confirmed feature for the platform, claiming the system's notes specifically state that the Xbox 720 "must be Internet-connected to use."

As for when the Xbox 720 could be announced, Thurrott said Microsoft is planning a reveal event on May 21. This matches up with an recent analyst report suggesting Microsoft was readying a reveal next month.

Thurrott further claimed that Microsoft was working on an entertainment-focused Xbox that would not play games. He said this device was reportedly called "Yumo," but Microsoft has decided not to pursue this, at least not in 2013.

Thurrott is a noted Microsoft insider and runs Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows.

http://www.gamesthirst.com/2013/04/0...n-model-report

Report: Next Xbox Not Backwards Compatible, Will Cost $500, $300 For Subscription Model

Posted by: Ernice Gilbert April 7, 2013 in Microsoft, News 1 Comment

The next Xbox will be pretty expensive according to a new report, as the console will cost $500 for the regular model and $300 for those who purchase via subscription. The latest report also suggest that the console will require an internet connection to play games.

Microsoft also plans on launching a $99 Xbox codename “Stingray” alongside the next Xbox, however that version won’t play games, it’s being reported, instead it’ll run apps such as Netflix and Hulu, and will be pitched as a low-cost entertainment device.

All this according to popular and well-connected blogger Paul Thurrott, speaking on the latest WhatTheTech podcast. He also said the console be backwards compatible, so Xbox 360 games won’t will be able to be played on it.

Thurrott makes clear that the next Xbox will definitely need an internet connection to play games, as it’s being dubbed an always-connected piece of tech. Rumors are also running rampant that the console, simply called Xbox, will double as a cable box – as Microsoft bids for the living room. The firm is said to be preparing shows specifically for the new platform.

The console will launch in November, according to Thurrott, however it will be revealed on May 21st, opposed to the formerly rumored late April event, as Microsoft pushed back its unveiling to better answer to Sony’s PlayStation Meeting held in February, where PS4 was unveiled.

The next Xbox will also launch in November, alongside PS4, the report states.



Not related






http://www.tgdaily.com/consumer-elec...o-start-at-400

They better not be stupid enough to release another gaming version without a hard drive...

• $500
• No back-compat
• always online
• No used games (still unconfirmed)
• forced Kinect connection (still unconfirmed)

Congrats on the win Sony. MS just gave you this generation on a silver platter.

Guess I'm out, Microsoft. Though I don't plan on getting a PS4 either.

Between this and Windows 8, I am really starting to wonder if some rogue has infiltrated Microsoft and is intent on destroying the company from within.

I owned just a 360 this generation and I have been happy with it. However, if these rumors are true....adios Microsoft. Ridiculous. Any ideas what subscription based means?

Looks like some of this could have stemmed from an April Fool's post here.

It's something akin to a cellphone plan where you pay for the phone via service. What was discussed before was a plan where you pay an inflated rate for Xbox Live (with a 2-year contract) in exchange for getting the console cheaper up front. Of course MS makes money on the deal.

http://gamerant.com/xbox-720-subscription-price/

I thought April Fool's pranks were supposed to be, y'know, somehow humorous.

Backwards compatibility is useless. Once the PS3/360 hit, I never even thought about playing a PS2/XBOX game again. It's a foolish feature to want, especially if the company can make the machine cheaper without it. Just keep your existing console to play old games, but I can't imagine why you would want to.

Always online is probably a deal breaker, as I rarely buy anything new since I can return used game a day or two after beating them for all my money back. I highly doubt that the next XBOX will require always online though. I'm 99% sure that it's merely a feature that the dev kits are requiring to prevent any leaks and stolen equipment until the console releases. If they really are stupid enough to launch with online required, then yeah, good bye XBOX.

Backwards compatibility is useless? Are you high? I've thought plenty of times when I got a 360 about the old xbox games. But that's not even important, the problem we have here is that the Xbox 360 and PS3 are the first systems to use extensive DLC and download only games. By not doing some kind of Backwards compatibility, they are in fact committing a criminal act to the gaming community and if I purchase any next generation system, it will indeed be the PS4. And furthermore, I'm thinking I am done with any further purchases of DLC or download only games. Why bother supporting them? I can't think of a reason at all. Fail Microsoft, but then again you made Windows 8, what do I expect?

It's odd that you're calling it a criminal act, yet throwing your support behind the PS4 in the same rant which also doesn't support backwards compatibility.

True, good point. I should have put disclaimers because this whole thing has an ugly taste in my mouth. If I get a new console, and that's a huge if (because I'm content with what I have), I'll go for PS4 and it will be disc only games. Not that I'm happy with PS4 either. Lesser of two evils if you will.

Yeah, that makes sense The more these rumors come up, the more i'm thinking i'll keep what I have, play most of the "next gen" games on PC, and eventually get a PS4. That's after being a 360 only guy for most of this generation.

I agree with this wholeheartedly, though I'm not convinced I need a PS4.

There seems to be a lot of premature actions in here....

I haven't played anything on my Xbox in months except for burning through Bioshock Infinite this weekend. That's an experience I can certainly get on the computer on which I'm currently typing.

Why do I need a console anymore? They certainly aren't interested in the costumer.

From Paul Thurrott's own site...

I've almost always had a gaming PC, the games on the consoles will decide what I get.

I just built a powerhouse PC towards the end of last year, so I am all set PC wise for awhile.

I tried skipping this generation and that worked until Jan 07.

You know what's nearly 100% backwards compatible (and probably future-compatible too)? A Steam box. Once they finally reveal that thing, I don't see how it can miss -- a catalog of millions of titles, dirt-cheap games, universal compatibility, huge free online network. Seriously, what is it we could possible want that a Steam Box won't provide? Halo? Uncharted? Seriously, I can get over that.

I love Steam and all but 100 % BC? I've tried running some old games and while some work there are others that wont. I tried getting Max Payne 2 to work but never could. I doubt Steam box could fix a lot of compatibility issues.

That's why I'm considering Nintendo. They make games that are a different beast than MS and Sony. If you can't get Halo or Uncharted, there are plenty of shooters (and let's face it, Uncharted is mostly a shooter). But, there is no substitute for Mario and Zelda.

But regarding the Steam box, let's wait and see what it is before declaring anything. For starters, it's supposed to run Linux, and that may be a problem with so many Windows-only games that aren't going to get ported.