It's coming. We know it's coming. Microsoft is priming for a big reveal in the next few months leading up to E3. They may even wait until E3, the big video game industry conference in June, to make their first move of the next-generation. Amidst rumors and anticipation and expectations, Microsoft has a lot to live up to with the success of the Xbox 360 at their backs. Most importantly, the Xbox 720, or whatever it's called, needs to match what Sony's PS4 offers, and then some.
PS4 Parity
Sony is pushing the whole, for the games, for the developers bit with the PS4, hoping to encourage innovative games published on their console while promising the same for gamers. Whatever Microsoft's sales pitch for their next Xbox, they need to match the PS4 in some basic ways. First and foremost, Microsoft needs to match the PS4 specs, through and through, especially that amped up 8 GB RAM space.
Beyond the specs, however, are the games, and every title already announced for PS4 that could be multiplatform needs to be so. This means "Watch Dogs," "The Witcher 3" and "Final Fantasy" all need to find a home on the Xbox 720. We assume Bungie's "Destiny" is going wherever a video game can, though it would be nice for Xbox 720 owners to get exclusive content similarly to future PS4 owners. Remember who gave you a home so many years ago, Bungie. You wouldn't like Microsoft when it's angry.
Used Games And Always-Online Status
By far the most controversial rumors out there, Microsoft's stance on used games and always-on console-wide digital rights management (DRM) remain totally and utterly unclear. When the next Xbox finds the spotlight, people need to know exactly which kinds of games they can play on the console and exactly how important an internet connection is to the overall experience. Either way, and some may even initially agree with a more controversial stance, Microsoft needs to jump in. Tip toeing around these issues is only going to lead to confusion and mistrust come launch day.
Price (preferably under $400) - Release Date
Want to one-up Sony out of the gate? Show us the actual console and tell us how much it's going to cost. It's that easy. Microsoft has had months to evaluate Sony's presentation, and if they want gamer appreciation on their side, be as transparent as possible about the price. We know Sony is waiting for Microsoft to make the first move on this front. Man up and do it.
No One Cares About Kinect
Seriously. Not a single person who's tuning in to watch the unveiling of a gaming console is going to care about motion controls. Not even Nintendo is playing that game anymore.
Hard Drive Space
Of all the evolutions come next generation, massive growth in the digital marketplace is the one we can be most sure about. The Xbox 360 and Valve's Steam marketplace paved the way in the early days of our current generation, we expect Microsoft's next console to keep steamrolling away from physical disks. To do that, we need a massive, saliva-producing hard drive wiping away all anxiety over disc space. Of course, if they've got some other storage strategy in mind, perhaps it may suffice. Just don't let it be the cloud. The cloud is not the way to go.
Don't F**K With My Controller, Except Maybe The D-Pad
Nintendo and Sony are both making changes in the controller department. The Dual Shock is getting a marginal, if necessary, upgrade while Nintendo went all-in on the whole second-screen fad. They did this for the precise reason that Microsoft doesn't have to. They had the best piece of hardware for an entire seven years. Gut the lackluster D-Pad and don't change a thing else.
