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Xbox 360 To Get a Major Upgrade in 2010
I have no doubt that some video game or even video game console is on the Christmas shopping lists of most single parents. But before you shell out your dollars, be sure to check what your kids want and keep in mind what will be new next year – especially Microsoft’s gesture recognition technology.
Thankfully, the choices for video game consoles aren’t that tough. Kids tend to make up their minds pretty much on their own. Some research of what each console is capable of can be a tremendous help as to which console and what games you should purchase. Nintendo’s Wii remains the family fun and most social console. Sony’s Playstation 3 has without doubt the most capable and most sophisticated (and also most expensive) hardware that includes a Blu-ray player, but has yet to prove how it can truly differentiate itself other than claiming it is a high-end gaming and entertainment device.
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 pioneered the grounds of universal entertainment and was first to enable decent movie downloads and Netflix movie streaming, but it is also the oldest game console out there – it will turn five next year. Given its age, the Xbox 360 is still selling well, but Microsoft will have to update the device to keep it fresh. That update is coming early next year and if your kid has an Xbox 360, you more than likely will be asked to purchase that upgrade. If we believe Microsoft, the upgrade will actually be substantial enough to refresh the entire console and convince those who haven’t purchased an Xbox 360 so far to add a Microsoft console to their living rooms.
Lisa and I have heard the announcement of this product coming in 2010, back in June of this year during a lunch event with Microsoft’s CEO in Chicago. Talking with Microsoft, it is clear that the company has high hopes for this technology, which we now know will be sold as a $50 – $80 add-on for the Xbox 360, as it will use a camera and a gesture sensing technology to allow players to move through games without controllers. Microsoft reportedly readies five million of these units for launch next year. At least 14 games will be available right away.
Of course, no one knows how great this new technology will be, but the advice for this Christmas can only be to maintain control of how much you spend. Within a few months, you may get some questions to get that new Xbox add-on or even an Xbox and the add-on. If you are on a budget, there is the potential to save a few dollars by not going overboard with video games this Christmas and keeping some cash for this new technology.
Prepare your wallets.
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