Paul Frew
Dr Game's Second Opinion - New Xbox Experience
November 19th 2008 23:45
So it's finally here...
Was anyone else excited about this new dashboard... sorry, I mean compulsory upgrade?
I'll admit, the new dashboard is a lot slicker then the old one. I do like the Apple-esque screens that allow me to scroll through the individual sections. It does look more... next gen.
But let me say what you're all thinking. Microsoft is trying to play catchup with everyone else.
Depending on who you talk to or what country you're in, the Avatars is the highlight of the NXE. But this is just a rip off the Nintendo Wii's Mii... which has become quite popular.
It's not the first time MS has tried to catch up. They brought out the Elite console with a HDMI port after Sony implemented it on Day 1 for the PS3. They're bringing out Lips... or SingStar Xbox as most of you would know it as. Then there's Scene It, with controllers that are identical to Buzz!. There's also the Xbox Originals that compliment Sony's PSOne games. I'm just waiting for Blu-Ray to come to MS.
My question is WHY? Why Microsoft do you feel like you have to catch up? Is it because you rushed your machine out and have realised that maybe holding off meant you could have released a product with all these features on Day 1 but sales were more important?
You don't need to do all this. Microsoft has the best online experience despite having to PAY for it. You've got a strong gaming catalogue in Halo 3, Gears of War and Mass Effect. You have the highest attach rate around.
The NXE is nice. It does look good and very next-gen. It does keep the three year old system fresh looking. But you don't need Avatars to stuff down our throat to stop us from picking up a Wii-mote.
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