News - Microsoft redesigns Xbox 360 based on Xbox One

[HEXUS]

Now available in US, no price cut announced.

Read more.

[The Hand]

I'm going to get one of these to replace my aging, hot and noisy XBox 360 Elite 120GB. Interesting approach from Microsoft in releasing a new XBox 360 with this two free games a month offer.. designed to keep the PS4 "out the bedroom" no doubt whilst the XBox One is aiming for the living room.

[crossy]

Microsoft has launched a redesigned Xbox 360 console. The new console uses the same design language as the recently announced Xbox One console.

That "design language" presumably being gobbledegook - since the XBone is in no way what I'd term "attractive". As to the quieter bit - my XB360 Slim is quiet enough for me.

Microsoft SVP of Marketing Yusef Mehdi said the company is committed to supporting the Xbox 360 for years to come.

Hmm, that's one more strike against the XBone in my book - especially as it's been reported (here) that the XBone is going to cost £429 and US consumers are going to get a better deal than us "old worlders".

Think I'll maybe be able to afford that SGJ guitar for my Christmas present to me. That or a Haswell/IB crossgrade for the gaming rig, although if the latter then Microsoft will possible get some cash from me for a Windows8.1 license - but only if the LeapMotion is available.

Microsoft also announced some sweeteners for Xbox Live Gold subscribers; from 1st July two free games will be available for download including titles such as Assassin's Creed II and Halo 3.

Anyone got any information about the range of titles on offer? Free stuff = good in my book. Although I'm wondering what the deal will be for my "Family" pack - it's got four XBLG subscriptions, so does that mean four free titles - I do hope so.

[imshimaru]

I don't understand why they've done a face lift when the new model is here in a couple of months...

[Saracen]

.... with this two free games a month offer.. ..

For the rest of this year. It runs 10th June to 31st Dec only.

You download during "specified half-month window only", which I take to mean one game at a time, for two weeks each. Also, fine print says for "qualifying" Live Gold members only, but doesn't explain "qualifying".


As for the new XBox 360, good idea but have they "redesigned" the requirements in line with XB One as well as the appearance, such as net connection every 24 hours? If not, then I'd buy one if I need to replace the 360 (especially if it's significantly quieter), but if it has the same restrictions as the One, then it's dead to me, as is the One.



The above comments come from the Live web page, the ** fine print at the bottom, for anyone wanting to know ....

** Games with Gold free games offer available 6/10/13-12/31/13 for qualifying paid Gold members only. Xbox 360 games (selected by Xbox) available for free download from Marketplace only during specified half-month window; available games may vary by country. Some titles may only be available for download by account holders 18+. Kinect and/or hard drive required for some games. See xbox.com/live

[sykobee]

Only $100 less than a PS4 will be. I'll save my money.

[crossy]

You download during "specified half-month window only", which I take to mean one game at a time, for two weeks each. Also, fine print says for "qualifying" Live Gold members only, but doesn't explain "qualifying".

Maybe that "qualifying" will be that you have to also own an XBone?

As for your need for a new XBox - like I said, the Slim is pretty quiet - certainly compared to the earlier models. And with the XBone on the way perhaps they'll be some good deals available.

[HalloweenJack]

got Fable 3 yesterday for free on my XBL account , so its already live

[goldcd]

designed to keep the PS4 "out the bedroom" no doubt whilst the XBox One is aiming for the living room.

Indeed, only just considered this, but makes a pretty good thin client for the XBOne downstairs. 360 already works as a media extender allowing you to watch live TV, films etc streamed off a media centre PC. If they can bolt the transmit functionality onto the One, then gives a decent extended life to your old 360. Actually could use it to stream the One games over your network to the 360 console - and as the One runs the game and media sides in separate VMs, you could I guess theoretically kick your kid out of the living room so you can watch TV, and he could pick up his game in his room on the 360.
No idea if it'd happen - but just interesting to think what could be done.

[OilSheikh]

Interesting approach from Microsoft in releasing a new XBox 360 with this two free games a month offer.. designed to keep the PS4 "out the bedroom" no doubt whilst the XBox One is aiming for the living room.

Erm.. PS+ already offers free games on PS3. And, I think it's cheaper than XBOX LIVE Gold subscription. The 2 free games mentioned : HALO 3 and ASSASSINS CREED 2 are wayyy old and you can pick them up for less than a fiver!

So, it hasn't even managed to keep the PS3 out of the bedroom

[kingpotnoodle]

I don't understand why they've done a facelift when the new model is here in a couple of months...

Because XBOx One (and offline PS4) have zero backwards compatibility so they need to keep some modern looking cheap 360s out there to milk the tailing off ecosystem dry. The hardware is probably sold with some nice margin these days even at current prices, it's very old hat silicon now.

Wouldn't be surprised to see a PS3 Triangle Edition.

[Saracen]

Maybe that "qualifying" will be that you have to also own an XBone?

As for your need for a new XBox - like I said, the Slim is pretty quiet - certainly compared to the earlier models. And with the XBone on the way perhaps they'll be some good deals available.

On the first point, I don't think so, from what they say.

On the Slim, maybe, but I don't have one and right now, the existing 360 works fine. I'm certainly not spending a couple of hundred quid just to get a quieter one, lovely though that would be .... and mine is later than the original very noisy ones. If it dies and I need a new console, I'll look then at how much, if anything, to buy, and what it'll be.

[The Hand]

Erm.. PS+ already offers free games on PS3. And, I think it's cheaper than XBOX LIVE Gold subscription. The 2 free games mentioned : HALO 3 and ASSASSINS CREED 2 are wayyy old and you can pick them up for less than a fiver!

So, it hasn't even managed to keep the PS3 out of the bedroom

Yes fair point, though I was mainly talking about the new 360 console(which will inevitably drop in price) rather than the free games. I have no doubt that Microsoft are trying for scenario I stated earlier.
goldcd brilliantly expanded on the possibilities just before you post here:

Indeed, only just considered this, but makes a pretty good thin client for the XBOne downstairs. 360 already works as a media extender allowing you to watch live TV, films etc streamed off a media centre PC. If they can bolt the transmit functionality onto the One, then gives a decent extended life to your old 360. Actually could use it to stream the One games over your network to the 360 console - and as the One runs the game and media sides in separate VMs, you could I guess theoretically kick your kid out of the living room so you can watch TV, and he could pick up his game in his room on the 360.
No idea if it'd happen - but just interesting to think what could be done.

Well said.

[Neostar]

I like the new design but wish they went with all matte instead of half

Also they need to cut the price

[imshimaru]

I don't understand why they've done a facelift when the new model is here in a couple of months...

Because XBOx One (and offline PS4) have zero backwards compatibility so they need to keep some modern looking cheap 360s out there to milk the tailing off ecosystem dry. The hardware is probably sold with some nice margin these days even at current prices, it's very old hat silicon now.

Wouldn't be surprised to see a PS3 Triangle Edition.

Ah I see, I didn't realise the lack of backwards compatibility ... That's a firm no for an XBOne for me then.

[IxIGamerIx]

2 Free Games? While Playstation Pluss give 5 free games a month (3 for the Console and 2 for PSP Vita.....Nice try MS