Microsoft Reveal Week Is Here - what to expect

Posted by Tiberius Jonez
email tiberiusjonez@gmail.com
Twitter: TiberiusJonez@GameJonez

Microsoft is set to reveal their follow up to the Xbox360 this coming Tuesday,  and among other topics, there are a ton of rumors going around about the name, what the console will or won't do, and whether MS's focus is going to be primarily on games and gamers, or a more rounded "center of entertainment" approach.

It's always fun to speculate about these things, so without further ado, let the speculating begin!

The Name: It seems to be a foregone conclusion that the console is going to be named the Xbox Infinity. Not only is the source that leaked the name credible, but the name makes perfect sense given MS's past focus on offering as many different quality features and options as possible to their consumers. NextBox is too bland and Xbox720 too predictable.  Have a different name in mind? Comment below.

Games vs Entertainment: Since they burst onto the console scene in 2001, Microsoft has been quietly, and at times, not so quietly, focused on a much broader and future-thinking goal than simply creating a good gaming console. While the Xbox360 is a quality gaming machine - especially since they went to the "slim" design, Microsoft has added so many other features aimed at social media, connectivity, music, TV and Movies (Netflix), and on and on Ad Nauseum, one can barely keep track of them all.

Their end-game has always been to eventually offer a set-top-box that is a one-stop-shop for all your gaming AND entertainment needs. With the new generation of micro-processors, they finally have the raw horse power to do it, and do it well. The only question in my mind is, with a Gaming/Entertainment approach, will they be forced into any kind of compromise that could result in a gaming console significantly less powerful than the PS4 or will they be able to successfully tow both lines?

I expect the new Xbox to be at least as powerful as the PS4. I never underestimate Bill Gates and Company. Microsoft has proven over and over again that they can raise the bar, innovate, and compete with anyone in this industry. They have basically dethroned Sony as the Console Superpower during this generation and now both companies find themselves in a virtual dead heat moving into the next generation... likely the last console generation.

Always on connectivity required to play games or not? I'll be brief on this one...no way! While the fact is the vast majority of gamers, especially Xbox gamers are online, I still don't believe Microsoft will gamble with their hard-won market share by forcing consumers to have a broadband internet connection in order to play games. There is simply too much possible downside to justify such a move.

Differentiating the next Xbox from the PS4: I believe Microsoft has one card up their sleeve that could be a real game changer. If the rumors of an integrated cable box/DVR in the next Xbox are true, that single hardware difference alone opens up so many possibilities in gaming and entertainment, it could singlehandedly tilt the field in Microsoft's favor. If true, I think Sony would almost be forced to either change the design of the PS4 to include similar hardware prior to release, or have a mid-generation hardware change that integrates it.

There are lots of other topics we could cover, so if you have additional insight, thoughts, predictions for Microsoft's big reveal this week, comment below! Otherwise, comeback Tuesday evening for my thoughts on the event.