I think 2010 is realistic although obviously the latter half of the year.
The fact we have is packaged with the unit should overcome one hurdle and with Wii Sports and Wii fit forming the bulk of Nintendo software sales one could argue that they should have enough time to introduce some basic games at launch with 3rd games to follow.
@apujanata, I think it's going to be either: a) A new 360 (perhaps 'slim') with slightly upgraded specs & Natal included. b) 360 bundled with Natal.
So I think they will have time to have games ready, but for many of the larger and/or more complex games Natal might be tacked on rather than built from the ground up for it, at launch.
@Joe80, my guess is: "worst" case scenario there will be a high & a low settings for 360 games like there are for pcs, with no major differences, the safer bet is maybe some framerate improvements if any at all, just a bundle type for pushing natal. I don't think MS will risk breaking the platform in two at this point, and even if they did i doubt developers would risk losing a big chunk of potential audience
Nobody commented yet on the 2010 date ? Nobody else found that this date is too aggressive (if not outright impossible) ? There will be only a few games available for "launch" is the launch is 2010.
From what I understand it will be a 360 with Natal inside or something similar. The question will inevitably be will this be considered a new product if inside and for arguments sake still contains some minor performance tweaks but is still marketed as a 360. I would be inclined to say yes based on the DSi which introduced new features which effectively precluded the earlier models.
@Joe80, Looks like Aaron Greenberg is trying to do damage control on this issue, stating there won't be a new console, but doesn't deny that a 360 bundled with Natal won't be releasing, which is what Ballmer could have meant as well. Link. Will update when more info comes.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spoke at the Executive's Club of Chicago today, informing attendees that a new Xbox 360 will arrive in 2010, one equipped with a "natural interface" and built-in camera.
In 2010? For sure. If it's any more than that they won't shift enough units into their target market and I'd be very surprised if they aren't making money on hardware already. By next year their manufacturing process should be turning the boxes out at a tidy profit as is.
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The fact we have is packaged with the unit should overcome one hurdle and with Wii Sports and Wii fit forming the bulk of Nintendo software sales one could argue that they should have enough time to introduce some basic games at launch with 3rd games to follow.