Updated CPU For 360 Next Year

Next Generation reports that Microsoft has already lined up a new CPU for their next-gen console. Production with the new chip should begin next year. From the article: "Singapore-based Chartered has been a supplier of less-advanced 90nm SOI CPU products since the Xbox 360 console launch. By implementing the newer 65nm SOI technology, the system's transistors will retain less charge, allowing the microprocessor to operate faster."

At least I have a real first name, J Allard

[pin0chet]

So I was an early adopter, now I have to pay the price, watching as other gamers soon obtain the same console for the same price (presumably), but with a cooler processor that could even boost game performance. (speculation by TFA) This sort of yearly one-upsmanship is to be expected of other console manufacturers (There's this "one company" who releases enhanced versions of basically the same product at least once a year, but the name of the company slips my mind...) When the original Xbox was released and MS cut the price aggressively after a few months, they gave "credits" to early adopters who paid full price shortly after launch. Hopefully MS again recognizes its hardcore fans who acquired the 360 early in the production cycle will expect some sort of compensation for their willingness to purchase a console with apparent heat/performance issues.

Re:Adjustable Turbo

[dorbabil]

Hah.

I'm surprised that I didn't immediately assume "Turbo" meant "repeating button presses"

He was refering to the turbo button on old computers. It was essentially a button that increased the clock multiplier. I think the one on my 486 made it go from 100 to 133MHz, or 50 to 66MHz or something. It was so long ago, I don' remember.

And then there was the 286 I had. The turbo button switched it from like 10MHz to 12MHz. Or was it KHz back then?

Great...

[dalmiroy2k]

But how about *integrated* HD-DVD player and a smaller power supply, all for the same $400?
That would be some update!

Re:Yet More Evidence That MS

[F_Scentura]

"...doesn't have a fucking clue what a "console" is.

The XBox360 is just a limited PC."

Neither do you, apparently. All consoles are "limited PC"s.

"How far can you actually get if you don't have an internet connection for all the bugfixes?"

US broadband penetration is at 64% of households, but you don't need bugfixes to play games either, only for fancy features that you're not going to use, as you're online. For the games that aren't backwards compatible out of the box, you can burn the updates to CD. New dashboard revisions will likely be included in newer games (and demo CD/DVDs) as they're rolled out.

My 360 is great, so it makes no nevermind to me

[Vesuvias]

I bought a 360 in March and I can honestly say that it is one of the best 400$ entertainment decisions I have made in a while. Say what you want, it is a blast. It's not perfect but it is well worth the money.

Xbox Live Marketplace provides a ton of demos and free stuff, the Achevement system is addictive (but meaningless like it should be), worldwide and friends sorted leaderboards are great (expecially for those live arcade titles), and the games are are a blast. Oblivion is one of the best games I have played in years.

I am not a fanboy but I certianly like my xbox enough to call myself a fan. If the PS3 and Revolution are this much fun I will buy those systems too, in a heart beat!

Hell a high end PC graphics card costs about as much as a 360 (and you will need a decent one to run Oblivion).

If MS wants to make the thing cooler and cheaper in the next year why do I care? I have my gaming goodness right now and I am happy.

Ves

Re:Friends don't let friends buy xbox 360's

[SuiteSisterMary]

Go open up a first-run Playstation 1. The inside is a giant two-sided silicon board jam packed with chips and bits.

Now go open a last-run Playstation 1. It's a big empty shell with an itty bitty circuit board.