AVS Forum banner

The Official Xbox One thread...

840K views 22K replies 700 participants last post by  Drew Neilson 
#1 ·
Release Date: November 22nd 2013

Price: $499

Unboxing Xbox One Video (Click to show)
Controller Video (Click to show)
Headset Video (Click to show)
Play and Charge Kit Video (Click to show)

Xbox One: Everything We Know (Click to show) From Kotaku


JASON SCHREIERWednesday 10:40amg 51,973L 601


The Xbox One won't be out until this November, but details about Microsoft's next-gen console have been hitting hot and heavy for the past couple of months. So for your convenience, we're rounding up all of that information and putting it right here.


As we continue to learn more about the Xbox 360's successor, we'll keep updating this post, so check back over the next few months to make sure you're totally caught up with all of the next-gen news.RELATED


The Console


It's shiny and black—only black, for now—and it comes with Kinect 2.0 and a controller. Fancy! No word on dimensions just yet, but here's Stephen Totilo comparing the machine to various objects he had on him at the time:

The Controller


Iterating on the Xbox 360's controller, the Xbox One controller is very similar to its predecessor, albeit a bit wider. In the middle, replacing the 360's Back and Start buttons, are new buttons called Menu and View. The back-trigger rumble is way improved, by all accounts, and each trigger can rumble separately thanks to two new rotors in the controller.


And then there's this creepy tidbit, via Microsoft: "An infrared LED on the front of the controller allows Kinect to automatically recognize you, making it easier to pick up and play." YOUR CONTROLLER WILL KNOW WHO YOU ARE.


Pre-ordered versions of the Xbox One will come with a special branded controller that says "Day One 2013."


The Specs
The basics:


8 GB DDR3 system memory, with 5 GB of that available for games (the rest is used for the operating system)8-core, x86 processor500 GB hard-driveBlu-ray driveThree USB 3.0 portsHDMI in and out portsA custom GPU based on AMD architecture

The Price


Four hundred ninety-nine U.S. dollars. $499. (Also: 499 euros, or £429 for our British buddies.)

The Games


In addition to a third-party lineup of next-gen software that currently includes multiplatform games likeThe Witcher 3, Metal Gear Solid V, and Dragon Age: Inquisition, Microsoft has secured a number of exclusives for Xbox One:


Ryse, an action-adventure set in ancient, QTE-stuffed RomeBelow: a quiet adventure by the folks behind Superbrothers: Sword & SworceryA reboot of the old fighting gameKiller InstinctCrimson Dragon: a rail shooter designed by the creator of Panzer DragoonSome sort of Halo, because of course.Sunset Overdrive, a colorful shooter by Insomniac, the folks behindRatchet & Clank.An adventure game called Quantum Break that will blend with a TV show of the same name (not unlikeDefiance)Forza Motorsport 5. vroom vroom.D4: an episodic murder mystery by the director of Deadly PremonitionDead Rising 3: Capcom's open-world zombie slasher


Some other games, like Harmonix'sFantasia and Respawn's Titanfall, will be available for both Xbox 360 and Xbox One (and in Titanfall's case, PC as well).

The DRM


This one's a doozy. For a month or so, Microsoft was all about a digital Xbox One: you'd have to connect to the Internet once every 24 hours to play games, for example, even to play them offline. Used games would also be restricted heavily.RELATED

Microsoft Is Removing Xbox One DRM


Then came the reversal: in late June, after intense backlash and criticism, Microsoft announced that they hadchanged their minds. Total 180. No more crazy DRM policies.RELATED


Xbox One DRM Reversal Cuts Features, Requires One-Time Connection


So, long story short: you'll need to connect to the Internet at least oncebefore you can play games on the Xbox One, but after that one-time patch, it'll work just like the 360 did. You'll be able to play offline. You'll be able to buy and sell games just like you can today.

Region-Locking


Also thanks to the big reversal, there is now no region-locking. Microsoft now says the Xbox One is totally region-free.

Kinect 2.0


The Xbox One requires a Kinect to function, but this isn't your old body-sensing device: this is Kinect 2.0, which accommodates smaller rooms, recognizes your facial expressions, and can even detect your heart rate. Some more info, via Microsoft:


It includes a 1080p, HD camera that captures video at 30 frames per second. All new, active-infrared capabilities increase precision, allowing it to work in nearly any lighting condition and expanding field of view to accommodate a greater variety of room sizes. Microsoft proprietary Time-of-Flight technology measures the time it takes individual photons to rebound off you to create unprecedented accuracy and precision. The new noise-isolating multimicrophone array filters ambient sounds to recognize natural speaking voices even in crowded rooms.RELATED


Xbox One's Kinect Can Turn Off, Microsoft Says, Noting Privacy Worries


Worried about the privacy implications of having a device like that in your living room? Microsoft says you'll be able to turn it off, although the details are still a bit hazy.

TV Interactivity


You're never gonna believe this, but the Xbox One ain't just for playing games. Microsoft wants it to be ahome entertainment system. I know—I'm shocked too.


At the big Xbox One reveal in May, Microsoft spent a great deal of time showing off a feature called Snap, which will allow you to multitask on your television. To quote MS:


Use Snap to do two things at once. Talk to friends on Skype, and watch the big game together. Follow what people are saying about your favorite show by surfing the Web. Listen to the music of your choice while playing the latest blockbuster game. Jump back and forth instantly between experiences without a loss in performance.


So you can Skype while watching a movie, check your fantasy scores during a football game, and so forth. Multitasking: it's the future!

Xbox Live


Xbox One's Reputation System Sounds Crazy But It Just Might Work


Microsoft's online service has always had a bit of a reputation for being infested with obscene thirteen-year-olds, and now the Xbox makers are going to do something about it: with their new Reputation system, players will be held accountable for what they say online.


Getting muted or banned during games will cost you reputation points, and players will be matched online based on their reputations.


Also, more friends! The friend cap on Xbox Live is now 1,000.

Achievements


Xbox Achievements Are Changing. Here's How.


Xbox One has a whole new system in place for Achievements: in addition to basic cheevos, developers will be able to give you Challenges, or timed events like, say, "a headshot weekend challenge that requires players to cumulatively headshot 1 million baddies in a 3 day period. And every person who participates and meets the challenge’s goals gets the unlock on his or her achievement history and reaps its reward."


Achievements will also be far more malleable thanks to Microsoft's cloud servers, and insanely enough, you'll also be able to earn achievements by watching videos or listening to music through your Xbox One. It's a much bigger system.

Miscellaneous


Some other random facts you should know:


The Xbox One is not backwards compatible. "If you’re backwards compatible, you’re really backwards," ex-Xbox boss Don Mattrick told the Wall Street Journalback in May.You'll be able to record and edit gameplay footage on your Xbox One, then upload it online. You'll also be able to stream yourself playing games on Twitch. The system will automatically record the last five minutes of gameplay as you use it.No more Microsoft Points! Finally.Although the "family sharing" plan originally announced in May is no longer a confirmed feature, Microsoft's Marc Whitten has hinted that it could come back in some form.Microsoft is all about cloud processing—or processing that can be performed on their servers, theoretically lightening the load for your console and allowing for more impressive games than would be possible with the Xbox One's processing power alone. It's all theoretical for now, though.Many developers are using Microsoft's "SmartGlass" technology to allow you to use your phone or tablet as an accessory for games. InDead Rising 3, for example, you can use a mobile device to call in airstrikes to blow up zombies all around you.Microsoft hasn't officially announced their indie policies for Xbox One, but we know that indies will be able to self-publish on the console in some way, and that Xbox Ones can function as devkits. More info to come at Gamescom.


Update 7/31/2013:
Microsoft support 360 headsets
http://www.polygon.com/2013/7/31/4574286/xbox-one-will-be-compatible-with-current-gen-headsets-microsoft

Update 8/13/2013

Kinect no longer needs to be connected

http://kotaku.com/xbox-one-wont-actually-need-kinect-plugged-in-microso-1113142909
 
See less See more
  • Like
Reactions: DaverJ
#22 ·
I was a bit surprised that we didn't hear anything about Diablo 3 on the 360 or the XBO. I thought we would have heard something by now.
 
#23 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by americangunner  /t/1474708/the-official-xbox-one-thread#post_23364906


I kind of expect them to give up on Japan, but I think it's a dumb move. The problem is MS won't want to spend money bringing in the JRPG's that would sell well, especially when they are fighting an uphill battle. But that will only help Sony, their biggest competitor.

The real problem is South America and China. SA has been one of the fastest growing console markets, but their ISP coverage isn’t so great. China has been relaxing their grip on forging IP as of late, and that has included green lighting this gen console sales. Next gen will probably be the first big push into that market.
 
#24 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by TyrantII  /t/1474708/the-official-xbox-one-thread#post_23365216


The real problem is South America and China. SA has been one of the fastest growing console markets, but their ISP coverage isn’t so great. China has been relaxing their grip on forging IP as of late, and that has included green lighting this gen console sales. Next gen will probably be the first big push into that market.
That's true. I really just don't see why they would give up on a market, but that's what it seemed like they were doing with that reveal. In the end, I don't care at all about which system sells more, I will get the one that fits with what I want first, and then possibly jump on the other one down the road.
 
#25 ·
I can't wait to get my hands on that sexy new controller! Like most gamers i loved the 360's controller, but hated the d-pad. I've been playing alot of borderlands 2 the past couple of months and weapon switching with the d-pad can be a pain. The ONE's d-pad looks like a huge improvement though...we'll see.

The expansion of the rumble features also sound pretty interesting.
CVG hands on with the new controller
Quote:
Essentially, Microsoft has increased the number of force feedback motors in the Xbox One controller, allowing for more subtle rumble in localised parts of the pad. In one FPS-style demo we played, a virtual hand held out a pistol. Firing the pistol with the controller's right trigger resulted in simulated recoil occurring on just that part of the controller.


In another demo, which had the same virtual hand magically spawn a fire ball, we could 'feel' the explosive projectile explode from the centre of the controller and out towards your fingers. It was an impressive effect.

Other demos better showed off the feature's application as a gameplay enhancement. One allowed us to start the engine of a supercar with the Y button, causing the Xbox One controller to cough and splutter realistically as the virtual engine sparked to life.


In another section showing a close up of the vehicle's wheels, the controller pulsed to simulated bumps in the road surface, and then violently clanged as the anti-lock breaks kicked in.

Every journalist we spoke to at Microsoft's Redmond event agreed; the Xbox One controller feels like a big improvement over its 360 predecessor.


From a functionality perspective, fans will be pleased to hear that the much-criticised d-pad of the current console has been redesigned and now feels tighter and more accurate with buttons presses rewarded with a satisfying click.
 
#26 ·
From gamespot.com.


"We're committed to Japan," Microsoft president of Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick told OXM during a roundtable discussion recently.


"We continue to build on our partnerships, we continue to build on our offerings for consumers inside of that space," he added.


Mattrick explained that Japan is an "important" market for Microsoft's gaming business and said the company's investment in the region will not slow down.


"We think it's an important market. And we'll continue building on the working investment that we've done over all these years," Mattrick said. "There'll be more news in appropriate ways [for each geographical region], including the content partners, all classes of content, what's been tweaked and what's the same as what we're rolling out in the US."
 
#28 ·
That is one sexy controller, I will say that. One of the reasons why I always end up back on my 360 playing games, I just love the way the controller feels.
 
#29 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by WilliamR  /t/1474708/the-official-xbox-one-thread#post_23365313


Anyone know when the pre-orders will be accepted at like Gamestop?
I'm guessing they are waiting for the price and release date. Hopefully those are both announced on June 10th.
 
#30 ·
I talked to Gamestop in my area and they pretty much stated that until the official price from both MS and Sony is when the pre-orders will begin.
 
#31 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Myrtledog  /t/1474708/the-official-xbox-one-thread#post_23365307


From gamespot.com.


"We're committed to Japan," Microsoft president of Interactive Entertainment Business Don Mattrick told OXM during a roundtable discussion recently.


"We continue to build on our partnerships, we continue to build on our offerings for consumers inside of that space," he added.


Mattrick explained that Japan is an "important" market for Microsoft's gaming business and said the company's investment in the region will not slow down.


"We think it's an important market. And we'll continue building on the working investment that we've done over all these years," Mattrick said. "There'll be more news in appropriate ways [for each geographical region], including the content partners, all classes of content, what's been tweaked and what's the same as what we're rolling out in the US."

Yet all this important tv and football functionality they are pushing is basically meaningless in Europe and Japan. MS did a poor job with Surface and I wonder what will happen here.
 
#32 ·
I always thought the 360 controller was mile sahead of the PS3 controller. Plus with my arthritis and carpel tunnel, ten or fifiteen minutes with the PS3 controller would make my hands ache very badly. But several hours on the 360 controller and my hands would fell mnothing like that short time with the PS3 controller.


So hopefully with the improvements with the XBOne controller it will fell even better in my hands. Especially since I've had even more issues with my hand. Specicfially my left thumb has need a few cortisone shots over the last couple of years. I'm at my limit so I'll need to get outpatient surgery on it next. I'll need to make sure I have enough time to heal before the XBOne is released. Since I'm hoping I can get a launch system.
 
#33 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by TyrantII  /t/1474708/the-official-xbox-one-thread/0_100#post_23365216


The real problem is South America and China. SA has been one of the fastest growing console markets, but their ISP coverage isn’t so great. China has been relaxing their grip on forging IP as of late, and that has included green lighting this gen console sales. Next gen will probably be the first big push into that market.

Google is already on it for Africa and Asia.



http://new.younews.in/story.php?title=google-may-use-blimps-to-give-africa-wi-fi
 
#34 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by aaronwt  /t/1474708/the-official-xbox-one-thread/30#post_23365430


I always thought the 360 controller was mile sahead of the PS3 controller. Plus with my arthritis and carpel tunnel, ten or fifiteen minutes with the PS3 controller would make my hands ache very badly. But several hours on the 360 controller and my hands would fell mnothing like that short time with the PS3 controller.


So hopefully with the improvements with the XBOne controller it will fell even better in my hands. Especially since I've had even more issues with my hand. Specicfially my left thumb has need a few cortisone shots over the last couple of years. I'm at my limit so I'll need to get outpatient surgery on it next. I'll need to make sure I have enough time to heal before the XBOne is released. Since I'm hoping I can get a launch system.
Damn man, if controllers mess your hand uo that much you might need to look for something else. I also prefer the 360 controller, but I can handle the ps34 controller just fine. In fact, I am kind of excited to try out the dual shock 4 later this year.
 
#36 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by ThumperII  /t/1474708/the-official-xbox-one-thread/30#post_23365648


You can also buy a $20 device that allows you to use the 360 controller with the PS3 and vice versa.
I had heard about that before but never tried it. My PS3 mostly gathers dust now since I have other devices that do a better job with the streaming apps now. And i stopped using it to watch movies when they got hacked.. Maybe I'll try something with the PS4, but I can't see getting the PS4 until later. I'll only be getting one launch system and it will be the XBOne. And with accessories and games I'm sure it will be expensive enough. I don't need to add a second system into the mix until later.
 
#40 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by TyrantII  /t/1474708/the-official-xbox-one-thread/0_100#post_23365971


Least were getting some LOLz out of this.

That was a good one
. Microsoft deserves every bit of the negative PR the mandatory Kinect BS is generating. Such an idiotic idea
.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top