Their power PC architecture is still the same, the GPU is based on a 4770. That did change, but their old GPU's were based on ATI chips. The Wii was basically a hotrodded Gamecube with slight improvements. The Wii U only carried over the CPU architecture, but the GPU was a definite improvement.

Now to comment on not having internet. That is a big deal for Military. There are field ops, missions, deployments, secure areas, and so many other scenarios that just don't fit in to "must have internet 1x a day" You can't plug an Xbox into NIPR and expect to not get that $hit forcibly taken from you. The firewalls are already blocking well known gaming ports. Not only that port security will lock that switchport before it could even try to send traffic. If the MAC isn't recognized, it's not passing traffic. If there is somehow a Wifi hotspot in your location, it doesn't allow xbox or Steam connections, not even youtube. Major installations have internet options, but it's expensive and slow can't begin to describe the bandwidth limitations. I know service starts at at least $90 for 30 days of service. Not only that, but when the entire installation goes into a blackout period, your internet goes too. Xbox was not just alienating service members, but civilian contractors too. That number is in the millions.

The cloud computing effort is something that will be implemented at the developer level. If a game requires the resources, it will be online only or some features will not be available unless online.

I'm also not one to trade games, but I can see why people do it. There are better ways to combat piracy. Their implementation was too draconian in my opinion. I think one way of handling it is still using a pairing method, but also using a method for users who can't plug their consoles in to a network. After 30 days of play without pairing the disk to your account, make it a requirement. Maybe a key generator that spits out a hash you can send to Xbox to add to your live account and in return, they send you a corresponding hash you input to your console. It's just an idea, but it at least has options. Granted anything is hackable to whatever they use has to be seriously strong and have a lock out period to prevent brute forcing.

While the 24 hour check-in seemed excessive (1 or 2 times a month would have accomplished the same thing), the fact that Microsoft changed their policies is a little disappointing. I hope they offer a separate xbox live account that has the new stuff so the people that actually understood what they were trying to do can enjoy it. The family/friends sharing system would have been a much better feature than being able to buy/play a used game without limitations.

(Picture NSFW *bad words)

:icon18: oh man that was a funny article or w/e it was lol.

does have valid points though.

I was actually being facetious / making a joke, but okay :tup: the fact that the CPU architecture stayed the same is exactly why Nintendo can make it backwards compatible. No new issues to deal with the CPU communication!

I feel you on the military issue but again im sure Microsoft knew that, it is very obvious. They have options though the best being a PS4 to get the newest tech. Or the Xbox 360 which is going to have continued support with new games for a while. Also I feel your numbers are a little inflated Deployments as of Dec. 31, 2012 Even though that does not count contractors I do not think it is in the millions.

Can the OP or a mod make this a NSFW spoiler please. I wish I had not clicked that at work!

done

Thanks

There are 450,000 DOD employees, contractors are not included in that number. Definitely not saying they will all be affected, but I can surmise that a lot of them may have been or are in a situation that can cause them to not be able to access the internet daily. Not only that but the Military force has turnover. There are A LOT of people who deployed at least once and got out of the Military. They will definitely be more sensitive to the whole internet policy as well. This is not including Reserve and Guard numbers either as it is only including active deployments. I still think the number is significant.

But we aren't here to argue that :P I want to play these consoles to even see if it's worth my coin. But for me, now they equal territory.

The used games market was more valuable to the average gamer and to the video game industry at large than the big publishers would like to admit. And sitting on your shelf, the games are not getting played and are utterly worthless. Traded in, maybe you buy a new game with some of the money, and maybe someone less fortunate or less confident in the title gets to play a game that they wondered about but couldn't afford or didn't want to spring for initially, and maybe they love the game and then buy the sequel new when they have more money or faith in the title.

I've had several outages last more than one day, and the "if you don't have internet you can get a 360" line is just plain ignorant. If I don't have internet, I'll get a PS4 and enjoy most of the same titles that are on the XB1. Plenty of people take consoles with them on vacation. I don't, but plenty do.

I have huge problems with big Microsoft messing with little indie gamer, but whatever, opinions are like pizza toppings

Right, but PS4 will be less expensive and not require that annoying accessory.

It's nothing revolutionary if they've been doing it on PC's for a decade. It's not revolutionary. I wish that XB1 or PS4 was offering anything of real value in terms of revolutionizing the gaming market, but they just aren't. XBox is selling you convenience features, not improving the game console.

lol get off my lawn you young whippersnapper *shakes cane*

Playstation vs Xbox. The only topic that makes a discussion about pro-life vs pro-choice look civil and rational.

:icon18: as much as MrandMrs and I have been going back and forth, I still respect him and his opinions a great deal. He's a good guy :icon17:

I know I am probably late on the response

Gamestop sells used games if you are worried about losing 60 bucks, Buy the game used beat it in 7 days return it for store credit. Then guess what you don't lose all your money on a game you hate/beat in 7 days. Problem solved!

That's what gamefly is for. Every gamer needs an account so you can play those really cool games that only last 6-10 hrs without coughing up $60.

Exactly! Problem solved for all the people crying about losing money.

Regardless oh all the moaning and crying the Xbox and PS4 are going to make big sells. I am going to buy a Xbox console for the soul fact I love it. If I get deployed again and I can't play out here boo hoo. I got more stuff to worry about out here than my K/D on Call of Duty.