Next up, we have the next-gen system from Microsoft, the Xbox 360. The 360 was actually the first of the three next-gen consoles to be debuted, and will be released in time for Christmas 2005 instead of the 2006 debuts of its competitors. Another tower of power, the new Xbox will feature a custom-built CPU based on the IBM Power PC with three symmetrical cores running at 3.2 GHz each, as well as 512 MB of 700 MHz GDDR3 RAM with a unified memory architecture. This will allow for 1 teraflop of overall system performance, all with a customizable user interface and interchangeable face plates.
Like the PS3, the Xbox 360 will be featuring massive games that Microsoft claims "redefines what games look like, sound like, feel like, and play like to engage you like never before." Using both the already-established Xbox Live network as well as internet connectivity for the new Xbox Gamer Guide, the 360 seeks to bring conectivity to a new level. Featuring support for DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, WMA CD, MP3 CD, and JPEG Photo CD media, as well as the ability to burn MP3's to cd, it seems that Microsoft has a solid contender on their hands.
Nintendo's Revolution
Perhaps the smallest and most closely-guarded of the three systems is the Nintendo Revolution. The unit, which will be about the size of 3 stacked DVD cases, was featured briefly at E3... but Nintendo still is keeping much of the information about it a secret. What is known is that it features a custom processor designed with IBM, as well as graphics capabilities designed in a partnership with ATI. The system will feature 12-centimeter discs, but may not feature the name "Revolution"... they claim that it's a codename, and no word has yet been released as to what the system's actual name will be.
Some information has been released, however... and it's information that has Nintendo fanatics frothing at the mouth. Like the other two systems, the Revolution will feature internet connectivity (via Wi-Fi, in the Revolution's case), as well as backwards compatibility. The self-loading disc drive will accept both the Revolution's 12cm discs as well as the GameCube's 8cm discs. The compatibility doesn't stop there, however; Nintendo has plans to make its entire back catalog of games available via download to the Revolution, and it will be able to play them all. That includes classics from the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Super Nintendo, and the Nintendo 64... all of which can be played with either the Revolution's wireless controllers, or using GameCube controllers (which the new system is designed to be compatible with.)