Features - QOTW: what are your hopes for the next-generation Xbox?

[Platinum]

In fact I want it to be a PC with a controller friendly UI running Windows 8 / 9 and plays standard PC GFWL games via install to at least a 1tb internal hard drive, and I want the games to be scalable, so that they always work on the console and can scale up for higher spec PC's.

[Platinum]

This way they will still get the Xbox sales but should crack and sell a lot more to the PC crowd.
In fact go the whole hog, have it use Windows 8 with Metro UI and partner with Valve for the games delivery system, I hope this console does not use optical media.

[crossy]

XBox720/X/whatever:

• Backward compatibility with current '360 - so at least you can play your current titles, and not have to buy a new version of Kinect;
• More memory;
• Multi-core, quad or better;
• FAR better graphics - if they're partnered with AMD, how about 6950 with the option to stuff in another module (CrossFire?) later - graphics co-pro sales could be a good future revenue stream?
• 500GB hard drive minimum;
• XBox Live authentication of installed games, with optical media check as a fallback;
• DLNA/NAS Server functionality - my brain dead Cisco/Linksys router can do this, so it'd be nice if the '720 could act as a media server to my tv too;
• Move increasingly to flash or direct download instead of optical for games;
• BluRay would be nice, but I can easily live without it;
• Seamless integration with WP7 and Win8;
• SD card slot - preferably SDXC;
• Five year shelf life.

[cheesemp]

Actually been having a think and if they did this it might persuade me:

User replaceable spare parts! - Been fed up with early release consoles dying in two or three years and then having no choice but to dump everything but the hard drive. How about swappable optical drives at a minimum? Also make sure the drive isn't tied to the motherboard - looking at you Sony!

[midiman]

Id like upgradable GPUs. maybe AMD could make some kind of special graphics card with a propiatary standardised slot.Third parties like asus could get in on the action and give us OC cards fro the new xbox. The ability to use SSD`s from any manufacturer would be a bonus as would built in wifi, it should come with both as standard.keyboard and mouse support.backwards compatability and gamertag/pofile migration...i got a ton of arcade games which id want to bring to my new box. And a cpu with enough power to meet future gaming needs (better physics,AI.It should be able to run BF3 at 60FPS and 1080p without breaking a sweat. in fact it should be doing like the AMD guy says and pull off "avatar like" graphics. i would like them to adopt a large disc format..even the now dead HD-DVD. the games will be to huge to download in a reasonable time for me. took me 8 hour to download the BF3 beta..i dont fancy my chances with a 30+GB game.

[Platinum]

Upgradeable hardware will never happen, they need to make sure all games released will work on every Xbox out there.

[aceuk]

The only thing I would like to see is a user replaceable hard drive (like the PS3 has). There's no way I'm paying Microsoft's rip-off prices.

[Daydreamer]

hmm, how about a machine that doesnt brake after month?

[SuGaR847]

I can tell you what I wouldn't like to see. The dreaded RROD.

[Scribe]

I can tell you what I wouldn't like to see. The dreaded RROD.

They'll probably replace it with a sphere and claim that the issue is fixed and the RSoD is unrelated.

[JCBeastie]

I heard rumours some while ago that Microsoft may be collaborating with Sony on the next-gen console... Even if that isn't true I wish it were; Sony's excellent hardware with Microsoft's Direct X and superior web services... yes please!

[Cozwin]

JCBeastie, as nice as that would be (i.e. no competition and you could play with all your friends) I can't see it happening.

As said above, my only hope is that it works.... and also Microsoft decide to sell it at a reasonable price, as these companies don't seem to notice the current economic issues, the new PSP is going to come out at £320ish, really? Who is mad enough to pay that now, that will almost buy me an Ipad, which is better for gaming.

[brasco]

I hope this console does not use optical media.

I'd say the same if it weren't for the dire state of UK broadband, I've gone from 24mb to 2.5mb after moving less than a mile away...

brasc

[crossy]

I heard rumours some while ago that Microsoft may be collaborating with Sony on the next-gen console... Even if that isn't true I wish it were; Sony's excellent hardware with Microsoft's Direct X and superior web services... yes please!

Can't see a merging of PS3 and XBox - shame because PS3 has definitely superior hardware, but the environment (XBL) for XBox is better. If they were to cooperate I would think it more likely that MS would try and license some of the Sony BD tech - Bravia Engine for video play would be nice, and maybe some of the sound processing that Sony has would also be neat to have.

i dont know actually...no idea..

I didn't know that the XBox design team followed Hexus... Without being rude, like the old cliche says "if you've got nothing to say, then best say nothing".

[Jace007]

Xbox 720 or XYZBox call it what you like. I guess things can only get better! Which will be good for everyone in the whole business, be it developers, sellers or owners i hope they dont intro any new feature that locks it down so you can Only play .wmv files or Memeory cards just for MS Hardware. I expectations are, Multi CPUs, Nvidia GPU, mim of 1GB Ram,Bluray player. As always beware of all the 'Super Hype' that will follow Maybe we'll get the next Sony box making Toast for Us

[simonpreston]

I expectations are, Multi CPUs, Nvidia GPU, mim of 1GB Ram,Bluray player.

Multi CPU? Somewhat pointless for a home machine in the age of multiple core CPU's, is it not? GPU - whoever has the best design at the time... not just in terms or raw performance but good cooling (less fan noise) and energy efficiency. I'd say 4GB RAM minimum, but it'll probably end up being 2GB. Sony got it right with user replaceable hard drive bays so I'd like to see that.

As for no optical drive (mentioned earlier). No thanks. No other physical media holds as much as cheaply as the good old optical discs. Selling them over the internet exclusively eradicates the 2nd hand market. I'm not a massive gamer, so I'm quite happy to pick up a game a year or two down the line for a tenner, 2nd hand rather, than fork out something ridiculous.

Other things on my wish list? Dual HDMI. Either for large, wide displays or, perhaps 2 player split screen - although not sure quite how feasible that would be. Would be awesome, though.
Either I'm being unimaginative or there really won't be much in the way of revolutionary... just evolution.