- last post: 01.01.0001 12:00 AM PDT
Alright, let's clear a few things up.
First; as most have argued, Microsoft is shooting for a Q4 2005 release. This is a tentative release date, as very little is rock-solid in the game industry (as far as dates). This date is as confirmed as that psychics 7/10 score for Halo 2.
Second, IGN is only reporting on a rumor from another site -- a rumor . All info on the 'Xbox Next' is speculative at this point and will continue to be until there is an official word from Microsoft. Now, the reason Microsoft is having such a hard time with the addition of backwards compatibility is because, Xbox uses Nvidia video cards. Microsoft and Nvidia essentially had a falling-out during discussions for 'Xbox Next.' ATI has recently signed on to be the new Xbox's video card provider. So, for Xbox Next to be able to play original Xbox games, there would have to be some kind of legal agreement between Nvidia and Microsoft, in the form of ... tons of money. It really just depends on how much money Microsoft is willing to spend on backwards compatibility.
Third, I've never owned a Playstation of any kind and I guess one could argue I’m an “Xbox purist.” While I'm not necessarily proud of that, it's the truth. So, that being said, I hate to admit it, but based on recent specs between the two consoles, Microsoft seems to be selling Xbox Next short. The original Xbox was a huge step in the right direction for consoles with the inclusion of a hard drive, network play, etc. And now Microsoft is taking those things out? I fear the release will be rushed and Xbox Next will be another Dreamast only instead of the PS2, Xbox Next will be released under the enormous, ominous eclipse of the PS3. Again, just speculation.
In the end, Halo will always be Halo regardless of what consoles are released. If one cannot keep themselves from splurging and playing new games simply because they're new, then that's their own problem. All the truly great games withstand the test of time; I'm quite certain Halo and Halo 2 are up to the task.