The latest in console gaming trends

[converge]

Xbox and probably the venture for most other consoles at this point, although I think Nintendo opted for the less complex gaming path... (last I knew)

http://news.com.com/2100-1040-917884.html?tag=fd_top

I would hope that the games aren't like EA's Majestic, something so hyped and with so much potential, but highly lacking in actual output.

Not sure if I would buy into the whole online subscription thing, anyone?

[simple3]

I really wish it was free. Having spent $300 on the xbox, and around $50 per game, plus 30-40 per controller for three extra contollers, I dropped about $600 on this s.o.b. when I bought it. When I bought it I considered it an investment, although I know that promises in the console market are often not kept, it is part of the risk. I think MS would be smart to sell this service for free. I am sure it would be a huge selling point if xbox's online service was free vs. I think the artice said $13 a month just for everquest on sony. anyway, while the technology on xbox blows away ps2 and gamecube, unless they can get more games and/or games that blow away the playstation games(a free online service would contribute to this in a big way) MS will have a tough time competing with $ony. anyway, I think just the increased sales would pay for itself. but if xbox live was free, then sony might make theirs free, so there might not be any increased market share, but it might result in increase sales in general. anyway thats enough of that for now.

simple3

[converge]

Actually, I think they might be looking to use fees as a supplement for profit. Last I knew, they were breaking at a loss per sale of each system. The money they make is off the software; mod chips and isos are already starting to circulate over the net for those willing to void the warranty.

As for the games, I've been browsing ebay and half.com infrequently to pick them up. It's not always easy finding the deals amonst the merchants looking to dupe people into paying more than retail, plus shipping... but I've been able to pull down several games for under $35 ea., shipped.

[converge]

And Sony's placehold:
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1106-919372.html

It seems to me Nintendo might have commented similarly a few years back...