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I would not be surprised to see Xbox suffer the same fate. You're thinking this seems unlikely, right? But I think there are already signs. Microsoft spends precious little resources on promoting the game console, and while there are plans for a next-generation system (complete with a new IBM GPU and possibly no hard drive), it won't arrive any time this year. And look at the company's track record with Windows. How long does Microsoft think gamers will wait? Yes, Microsoft keeps rolling out new services to pile on top of the existing console (including video chat, set for release later this year), but none of that equates to new hardware. This isn't like the Windows OS where tens of millions of people are already entrenched as users, so people are more likely to switch if their needs aren't met.

If Microsoft was truly serious about the gaming hardware market, it would be working on or already have introduced a Gameboy competitor. Instead, it flirted with PC gaming controls by introducing the SideWinder joystick (since discontinued). The only thing that keeps XBox in the Microsoft stable is gaming enthusiasts' rabid devotion to the platform. That doesn't make the XBox special. Other gamers are equally devoted to Sony's PlayStation 2 or the Nintendo GameCube.

Perhaps Microsoft will roll out a new XBox next year, but I'd bet that within three years it will abandon or sell off the platform. Microsoft simply doesn't have the heart for hardware, unless, of course, it's a mouse.
link for story

I dno't think so. XBOX is Microsofts foot in the living room. Just look at the growth of Media center PC's. I think the next XBOX will probably be more along the lines of a more complete computer system.

yea, that story is rather strange. it onyl looks at it from the side of a die hard gamer or something like that.

Greg

The difference between the XBOX and their wireless line is...How many other companies sell wireless products vs, how many versions of game consoles are there ?

smb, I think you've got it right on that one. Have a look at this link,
http://www.xboxaddict.com/news/view.php?News_ID=4731

It only makes sense for Microsoft to head into the Media PC market with their next game console, and with their name as trusted as it is with PCs (compared to their name on a console), they'll be able to do more than put their foot in the living room. Bill will get his own lazy boy recliner right beside yours if they can pull this off.