When Xbox was coming into the console scene, detractors scoffed that the device was too similar to a PC to be a viable option for console gamers. Nearly three years later, Microsoft has defined the Xbox as a more than just a viable option for console gamers. Now it seems they want to tackle the old “too-PC” stereotype by embracing it.
Following the surprising lack of any mention of Xbox 2 at E3 2004, it seems Microsoft is embroiled in the hardware development process; one that apparently will combine the powers of both the Xbox and PC, allowing gamers to play games designed for either platform. The device, currently referred to as “Xbox Next PC” is being billed as “a videogame console system with a hard drive and a built-in fully functional PC.”
“We would be remiss if we didn’t look at consumer scenarios that take advantage of our strengths,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of worldwide marketing and publishing for Microsoft’s home and entertainment division. “[But] this is one amongst many, many other consumer scenarios that we’re looking at.”
Currently, the B/R/S Group, a California-based market research company, is gathering consumer feedback on such a device. The group has been outlining the device as (obviously) being able to play all next-generation Xbox games as well as PC games, and would feature backward compatibility to allow gamers to play all current Xbox titles. The device would require a PC monitor of high definition television as a display. Interestingly, it would include a full version of Windows, a CD burner, a DVD player complete with remote control, and would include a built-in Ethernet port just as the current Xbox does. The system would come with not only the standard Xbox controller, but a keyboard and mouse as well. The device, as it stands, would likely retail at $599, according to the study.
While this is big news for the future of Xbox, it’s important to remember that there are still plenty of hurdles to be cleared before this particular device hits retail shelves. Obviously, a $600 device will be a tough sell amongst the console crowd and may cause some of the aforementioned goodies to be excluded from the retail version. There is also the looming question of whether or not consumers are interested in a console/PC hybrid.
“If you put two and two together, there’s no doubt there’s a great opportunity to put the two platforms together,” said Moore. “Obviously with a company like Microsoft this is something we have to look into and ask about. Is it actionable today? Probably not, but it’s something we need to look at.”
“There will come a day – in the not too distant future – that [PC] games will be interchangeable between Windows and the Xbox,” said Moore.
With publishers being told to prepare for a 2005 launch for Xbox 2, It is unlikely that the hybrid device would take the place of a stand alone Xbox 2 in the market place. The likely scenario would see the hybrid released several months after the Xbox 2, should the market show an acceptance for such a device.
