EA VP claims they have 'maxed out' the XBOX 360

In an interview with the Official Xbox Magazine during E3 last week, Patrick Soderlund, senior vice-president of EA games Europe, states that they have "maxed out" the XBOX 360 console, leaving very little or no headroom for future titles. He also added that they "haven't maxed out the PS3" and are "getting more power" out of Sony's console right now.

Soderlund was impressed with Microsoft's lineup at E3, especially Project Natal. He says he likes the Natal and calls it "cool" and "interesting". Project Natal, Microsoft's idea of "controller-free gaming and entertainment experience" may help spur newer ways of gaming, thus creating that little extra head room for game development on the 360. Soderlund feels that Microsoft's strong presence at E3 will keep competitors on their toes. Their showcase was strong enough to make the 360 Soderlund's "personal favourite console".

"I think Microsoft is on a roll right now. They're doing really well. If I was Sony, I would have a headache, to be honest."

But he hasn't completely written off Sony: "Sony has a lot of good games this year. If you go to their booth, there's a very consistent, high quality product line-up and that will help them."

Microsoft should take this matter seriously considering that they have pledged a ten year lifecycle for the XBOX 360, which is similar to Sony's plan for all of its consoles. Shane Kim, corporate vice-president for strategy and business development at Microsoft's game division, "firmly" believes that the 360 can last well into 2015.d

Source: 1

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Is Apple really prepping a games console?

Of all the months of the year, January is typically the one when rumours about new tech products keep the internet humming. That's probably something to do with the CES show and speculation surrounding it, both before and after.

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Among the most creative we've come across recently is a suggestion by respected technology website TG Daily that a recent Apple trademark filing suggests the company could be planning to re-enter the console gaming market.

No more Mac

That idea comes from Apple's multiple applications in various territories to have the term 'OS X' protected. That's notable because it doesn't include the word 'Mac'.

The thinking goes something like this – Apple is weakening the connection between OS X and Mac simply because the operating system powers platforms other than computers.

Play for games

That includes just the iPhone and iPod touch at the minute, but could equally apply to a future console or any other domestic device that needs an OS.

Since Apple is clearly intent on making the iPhone a powerful gaming device and will therefore have both the games and an online delivery system (the App Store), why not speculate that it could try to make a play for some of the cash Nintendo and Sony are raking in?

While we like the idea that anyone would challenge the current console giants, it's hard to believe that Apple will do so anytime soon.

Pippin redux?

Anyone with an unhealthy knowledge of the history of home gaming will know that Apple has already tried and failed spectacularly with something called the Pippin in 1995.

Still, Apple rarely does exactly what we expect, so we're not ruling anything out at this stage. Just don't read too much into this little bit of speculation.

By J Mark Lytle
source: techradar

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