Forget the motion-sensitive remote, Microsoft, just fix Xbox 360
By now, the word has trickled into every crack and corner of the Internet that Microsoft is developing a motion-sensitive wand controller for its Xbox 360 console, and that the prototype design fairly resembles the wand available for Nintendo Wii.
Since MTV spilled the rumor Monday, dozens of publications have jumped on the story and twisted it into a balloon animal for their own purposes. Yahoo Tech thinks any wand remote built years after Xbox’s debut would rate as little more than a second-rate accessory. NintendoRevolution thinks it’s an April Fool’s joke. PS3 says it’s a sign that Microsoft really does care about casual gaming despite the company’s huge effort to command the high-end gaming market.
MTV has pinned the rumor to an “unnamed source” who claims to have been briefed on Microsoft’s plans. The source says Microsoft’s secret controller will do much more than the Wiimote, including interact with the Xbox Live Vision Camera, and that “several developers, speaking on background” confirmed the source’s claim.
Because the report goes against Microsoft’s earlier position that motion-sensitive controllers were not on the horizon for Xbox 360 (but perhaps for its hoped-for replacement, the Xbox 720) and has no credible sources cited, gaming pundits were quick to jump on it and affix their own question marks: Is this good for Microsoft? Will Xbox 360 regain and keep the top spot among gaming consoles? Does Nintendo have anything to fear?
Well, in Game Guy’s opinion, the answer is “no” to all three, because one huge problem still stands in the way of any new technology helping lift Xbox 360’s fortunes: the Xbox itself.
Today, two and a half years after its debut, Xbox 360 continues to be the most frustrating console made, and is light years behind its rivals in dependability. The frequency of hardware failure involving Xbox 360 far surpasses acceptable levels for high-end technology, with almost 17 percent of all systems failing, compared with the standard 1 percent to 2 percent throughout the rest of the tech industry. (Did GG mention that he’s on his fourth console in two years? Yes, he has, but this outrageous statistic bears repeating.)
Most independent, semi-scientific investigations point to inefficient cooling as the problem, as the high temperatures inside the console warp the motherboard and dislodge connectors. While Microsoft has said it continues to try solving the problem, true satisfaction may not come to Xbox users until Microsoft redesigns the system.
There are two basic problems here: One is MTV passing off as news some rumor it can’t be bothered to verify with cited sources. And the other — if the rumor proves true — is Microsoft glossing over Xbox 360’s failures to spend time and money copying a rival’s technology. Because no matter if the Xbox “wiimote” smacks of success, its legacy is doomed for being married to such a troubled console.
As much of a fan of the XBox 360 as I am, I have to agree with the author. While technically minded, myself, I can understand the general public’s misgivimgs of a $370 device that is prone to failures. Things shouldn’t break like that. They don’t see a design flaw, they see shoddy workmanship.
I think this failure on Microsoft’s part is, as you’ve pointed out, seems to be disinterest in the consumer in favor of just suckering in the next purchaser to pad their installed base numbers to stockholders.
I think this author is a douche. I had my first 360 red ring which is bad yes. But that was the only problem i’ve had and since getting my new console over 1 year ago, no problems.
I don’t know why people are getting upset with new additions to the 360. You don’t need to buy them if you don’t trust the system or if you don’t want the product.
I’ve had my first generation 360 for over 2 years, and have never had a problem with it. It’s provided countless hours of enjoyment. I own a Wii and PS3 and the 360 is still my hands-down favorite. Maybe I’ve just been lucky.
Wii just purchased a Wii and not knowing of any of the other products, wii bought this on recomendation of our 13 year old.
Omitting the quality issue (which I say, take off the case to allow for heat to escape), what is it about the 360 that gamers do like?
I “Was” on my third 360 since march 2007. Read that again. thats right 3rd 360 in less than a year. only my problem wasnt covered by the extended warranty xbox fans love to wave like a flag. it was bad dvd drives that scratched my discs to the point where they were unplayable.
so i also lost game dvd’s as microsoft only replaces discs it published themselves.
then i got a ps3. no problems no failures. i traded in my wii thinking the ps3 and the 360 were enough to keep me happy.
but the last 360, although had a better drive and didnt get as hot, was louder than the above ground train that runs near my home. hard to enjoy music and movies and games with story lines that way.
needless to say i got rid of the 360 this week, am hunting down a second 80gb ps3 and regret loosing my wii so much that i’m going to stand on the nintendo store line soon to get that back.
burn in hell microsoft.
I am a fan of Xbox 360. My game and my cousines have the normal problem everyone complaining and I think Microsoft should put more effort in finding the solution to this problem instead of developing new things for the game having lots of problems now.
I waited until this past November to obtain a 360, why? Because of the more like 33% failure rate….after a bit of research, i found out that it was several factors, some of which were hinted on here. I made sure to buy one with a 175w power supply, not a 203w. No problems so far at all with overheating, or that it’s too noisy. My wii has been collecting dust since then, because of the lack of good titles
I own all 3 systems and by far the 360 is the best, games are better and on line service is just amazing. What I know is that this controller is not for me, I have the Wii and really try to like the motion sensing technology but couldn’t, this controller is for casual gamers and that is what Microsoft is trying to get. I only hope that they don’t use the resources of the good games to create shitty games like Nintendo.
Upon further reflection, I think what upsets me the most, personally, is that I enjoy the 360 because it DOSEN’T have a motion sensing controller. I find that the Wii and PS3 have no tactile feedback.
I reject the belief that more natural motions to interact with a virtual world encourages immersion into that world. In fact, the current generation of input devices are contrary to that notion. Instead of feeling as if I am swinging a sword, I merely feel as if I am suggesting my character to swing a sword. As it often fails to register my swing and never follows my exact motion.
So Microsofts alleged foray into this interface abomination is upsetting. Especially if it were to become a pervasive controller, with many developers feeling the need to utilize it.
BX Representer, you sound like an ass. Your just flaming, and probably in more ways than one.
We own two 360’s and have not had any problem with either of them, and yes, they get used…alot.
I’m not saying that there is NO problem, but they are doing the right thing and repairing/replacing them as they break for three years, reguardless.
If you say you have three of them break inside of one year, your either, LYING, or ABUSING them.
No other exceptions. Dismissed.
P.S. I’m “totally” bored with the Wii.