Xbox 360 Elite a mistake?

Xbox 360 Elite - Image 1 

Despite its decent welcome sales wise, the Xbox 360 Elite is getting it’s fair share of criticism at the moment. Here’s the latest from Next Generation and DFC Intelligence, which happens to be their most pertinent criticism: “With the word ‘elite’ Microsoft is implying that its existing users and all potential future Xbox 360 buyers that if they only spend $400 they are not elite. “

Next Generation goes on to say that the Xbox 360 Elite’s target audience is “very niche, possibly imaginary.” Next Generation says that the said audience are comprised of consumers that want to get a bleeding edge high-definition system, but oddly, wants to cut corners when it comes to video by using a “comparatively low-tech game hardware system.”

It notes that the Elite doesn’t even include an HD-DVD player or even built-in internet Wi-Fi. It’s saying that this makes the Sony PlayStation 3 more cost effective in terms of video playback. It says that the Elite migrates the Xbox 360 towards a high-definition recorder/player.

Expounding on its Sony comparison, Next Generation notes that Microsoft basically slammed the door shut on the original Xbox and is now doing the same with its audience who purchased the Xbox 360. They say that Microsoft is saying that in order to get a true high-definition one must get the Xbox 360 Elite. This is in contrast to Sony, who continues to try to satisfy the PS2 consumer by continuing to release good content for the console despite the presence of the PS3.

For a product that’s marketed as an elite toy for A/V connoisseurs, it seems a bit sad that an HD-DVD player is not bundled. However, Microsoft has made it known multiple times before that content might move from the physical storage (HD-DVD’s and Blu-ray) to download distribution. Admit it: Microsoft is way ahead of other gaming companies when it comes to distributing movies, shows, and other media in their online service for their console.

Xbox 360 Elite - Image 1 

Despite its decent welcome sales wise, the Xbox 360 Elite is getting it’s fair share of criticism at the moment. Here’s the latest from Next Generation and DFC Intelligence, which happens to be their most pertinent criticism: “With the word ‘elite’ Microsoft is implying that its existing users and all potential future Xbox 360 buyers that if they only spend $400 they are not elite. “

Next Generation goes on to say that the Xbox 360 Elite’s target audience is “very niche, possibly imaginary.” Next Generation says that the said audience are comprised of consumers that want to get a bleeding edge high-definition system, but oddly, wants to cut corners when it comes to video by using a “comparatively low-tech game hardware system.”

It notes that the Elite doesn’t even include an HD-DVD player or even built-in internet Wi-Fi. It’s saying that this makes the Sony PlayStation 3 more cost effective in terms of video playback. It says that the Elite migrates the Xbox 360 towards a high-definition recorder/player.

Expounding on its Sony comparison, Next Generation notes that Microsoft basically slammed the door shut on the original Xbox and is now doing the same with its audience who purchased the Xbox 360. They say that Microsoft is saying that in order to get a true high-definition one must get the Xbox 360 Elite. This is in contrast to Sony, who continues to try to satisfy the PS2 consumer by continuing to release good content for the console despite the presence of the PS3.

For a product that’s marketed as an elite toy for A/V connoisseurs, it seems a bit sad that an HD-DVD player is not bundled. However, Microsoft has made it known multiple times before that content might move from the physical storage (HD-DVD’s and Blu-ray) to download distribution. Admit it: Microsoft is way ahead of other gaming companies when it comes to distributing movies, shows, and other media in their online service for their console.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *