X-BOX
Please Credit: July 2000 Issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly
What is it?
X-Box is a game console built from custom-although conventional-PC hardware that runs off a hacked-down version of Microsoft's Windows 2000 operating system. That said, Microsoft is going out of its way to convince us this thing won't look, act or play anything like a PC. "This is not simply taking your PC experience and putting it onto a new device," Bill Gates said. "We're talking about a device here that has no boot time, no software installation; what we're talking about here is a real console."
When will it come out?
The system will launch simultaneously in the U.S., Japan and Europe in fall 2001.
How much will it cost
Microsoft hasn't announced a specific price, although Ed Fries, general manager of Microsoft's games division, said, "we understand how console prices work. We know what price points matter." EGM expects it will launch for $299 or less.
Who's making games for the X-Box
So far, Konami, Midway, Eidos, Capcom, Acclaim, Infogrames, Enic, Activision, Rockstar Games, THQ, Sierra, Lionhead Studios, Hasbro Interactive, Universal interactive, Koei, Titus, Ubi Soft, Kalisto, Hudson and Bungie have all jumped on board to develop X-Box titles (expect Ready 2 Rumble 2, a Rayman game and some Acclaim titles at launch). Namco, Electronic Arts and Fox Interactive have stated they're excited about the system.
Can I play PC games on my X-Box
No. Like any console, it's a closed system.
Can I play DVDs on X-Box?
Yep. The X-Box has a 4-speed DVD-ROM drive, and you won't need DVD software on a memory card like you do with the PS2.
Can I go online with my X-Box?
yes. As long as you have a cable modem, DSL line or other broadband connection, you can plug it into your X-Box's ethernet port and hit the Net as soon as you unpack your system (it will come with a browser of some sort). Or you can buy the 56K modem, which'll ship seperately, and connect the old-fashioned way.
