[XBOX] Report: Xbox Next Launch Window and Graphics Specs Revealed

[XBOX] Report: Xbox Next Launch Window and Graphics Specs Revealed

Rumours regarding next-generation consoles are about a dime-a-dozen these days, but IGN usually seems to have their hand on the pulse of the industry perhaps better than anyone else, and they have some pretty juicy info regarding Microsoft's next home console.

According to IGN's "sources close to the project", the next-gen Xbox console is slated to launch in late October or early November of 2013, and will feature a graphics card derived from AMD's 6000 series of GPUs, more specifically the Radeon HD 6670. While that might not seem particularly impressive given that the average gaming PC already features significantly more potent cards and AMD's 7000 series of cards will be hitting the market in the next year or so, it is a huge leap for dedicated gaming consoles. In fact, it is said to have six times the graphics processing power of the Xbox 360, and 20% greater performance than Nintendo's forthcoming Wii U. Not surprisingly, the card will also support DirectX11 along with 3D and 1080p HD output.

Developers will allegedly be receiving development kits based on the console's final specs this summer, and mass production of the GPU will begin by the end of this year. We're unlikely to receive confirmation from Microsoft until E3 at the earliest, so until then feel free to take this information with a grain of salt, though it seems to be fairly grounded.

Written by: Mike Glubish

RE: [XBOX] Report: Xbox Next Launch Window and Graphics Specs Revealed
Why, for their 'next generation' console, do they choose to use a part that was mid-range over 2 years ago?

Sure, it'll be a bump up from the ancient hardware in the 360, but why not at least use current technology in a console that won't be out for at least a year...

I guess it's up to Sony to fix things. But since they're the ones that took the risks last time (and nearly ended up losing out) I don't know if they'll go for their standard high ticket launch.

If they don't put current hardware in at the start then (even from a _marketing_ perspective!) they're shooting themselves in the foot. The current GPUs are way more than just for graphics now. They allow much more advanced AI, hardware accelerated physics as well as all the cool visual stuff.

Perspective. The current Xbox hardware can't handle running any visually complex game at native 1080p (Hell, it fails to do it at 720p on some games) This 'new' GPU is approximately 6x as powerful. Without taking into account optimisations and improvements and just running on their '6x' number (of which there have admittedly been quite a few between the two) Running a current generation game at a proper 1080p60 resolution would only leave a limited amount of room for improvement.

Sure, full resolution will be nice, but it might almost be too subtle for Average Joe CoD player to notice. Skimping on the graphics hardware not only limits the initial impressiveness, but also the increase in visuals people have come to expect over the life of a console.

tl;dr - they're cheaping out and it might backfire

(This post was last modified: 01-24-2012 08:40 PM by Irony.) RE: [XBOX] Report: Xbox Next Launch Window and Graphics Specs Revealed
It does seem a bit underpowered for a console that should probably last until 2018 or so. I am no expert on the subject but doesn't a dedicated games console make far better use of the GPU than a PC though? I mean the Xbox 360 chip is incredibly outdated in PC terms but it still delivers some very impressive looking games. Plus a high-end card goes for what, $500+? Not very cost effective for a console.

I dunno "6x" doesn't really mean much to me until I can see what it looks like.

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RE: [XBOX] Report: Xbox Next Launch Window and Graphics Specs Revealed
^I give a toss about power.

Also sounds pretty interesting that would only be 20% more powerful than the Wii U. Sounds like an Xbox vs. PS2 comparison, I think most people would have thought the Xbox 720 or whatever it will be called would be quite a leap technologically over the Wii U but it sounds like they could be comparable.

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RE: [XBOX] Report: Xbox Next Launch Window and Graphics Specs Revealed
If the no used games thing is true I can see a few places not wanting to stock it (think back with the PSP go, some places didnt want it)
Used games is where stores make there money

Few people I know buy games on release day any more as main console Mario/Zelda games aside almost all of them see a price decrease a few weeks later

Look at the likes of Deus EX HR
Seen it about now for a tenner new

(01-26-2012 12:03 AM)Rooster Wrote:  Now the rumor is going around that it has some kind of anti-used games system in place. If this is true I will NOT buy one.

But it will still sell.
All they need to do is have a exclusive COD game and the kids with get there parents to buy it

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[PC] Mass Effect 3 minimum and recommended system specs revealed

[PC] Mass Effect 3 minimum and recommended system specs revealed

Sure, Mass Effect 3 is coming to Origin and a few other third-party digital distributors (aka not Valve's Steam) but if you are still willing to pick this up for PC then you'll be happy to hear that BioWare have posted both the minimum and recommended system requirements.

Minimum Specs
OS - Windows XP SP3/Vista SP1, Win 7
Supported chipsets: NVIDIA 7900 or better; ATI X1800 or better. Please note that NVIDIA GeForce 9300, 8500, 8400, and 8300 are below minimum system requirements, as are AMD/ATI Radeon HD3200, HD3300, and HD4350. Updates to your video and sound card drivers may be required.
CPU - 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (equivalent AMD CPU)
RAM - 1GB for XP / 2GB RAM for Vista/Win 7
Disc Drive - 1x speed
Hard Drive - 15 GB of free space
Video - 256 MB* (with Pixel Shader 3.0 support)
Sound - DirectX 9.0c compatible
DirectX - DirectX 9.0c August 2009 (included)

Recommended Specs
OS - Windows XP SP3/Vista SP1, Win 7
CPU - 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo (equivalent AMD CPU)
RAM - 2GB for XP / 4GB RAM for Vista/Win 7
Disc Drive - 1x speed
Hard Drive - 15 GB of free space
Video - AMD/ATI Radeon HD 4850 512 MB or greater, NVidia GeForce 9800 GT 512 MB or greater
Sound - DirectX 9.0c compatible

Eager to try out the demo? Well that will be dropping on the 14th of February, so mark the day in your calendars because it sure to blow you away.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

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[NGP] Rumor: Specs Downgraded before launch?

[NGP] Rumor: Specs Downgraded before launch?

When Sony launched the PS3 in 2006, it was a well stated fact that the console, while powerful, was far too costly at $600. Sony seems to be trying to avoid that problem in the portable sector by downgrading the specs of the Next Generation Portable (also known as PSP2) before launch.

According to the rumor mill, the non-3G models of the system will be priced competitively around $250-$300 and in order to do that Sony has cut the 512MB of RAM down to 256MB and the planned 16GB of internal storage has been removed in favor of cheaper, external storage. The previously stated 126MB of graphics memory has not been altered however.

It also seems that Sony is trying to deliver the NGP to Japan in 2011 and the rest of the world in 2012.

None of this has been confirmed however. Doubtless we'll learn more about NGP (including launch details and price) at E3 this year.

Written By: Norman Ford

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