Next-gen Xbox

Microsoft revealed details of their next-gen system yesterday - but what does it mean for your average gamer? Apparently we are entering the "high-definition" era in videogames, with gamers connected online across Live. Central to this is the concept of the "guide" - an, "entertainment gateway that instantly connects players to their games, their friends and their digital media". Players will be able to download - and pay for - episodic content, new levels etc. And that's before you get to the ability to create custom playlists whilst gaming. Hmm. But what about the games then? Well, they'll be "high def" too, although that obviously depends on take-up of HDTV. The key for Microsoft appears to be online though, with a vastly more streamlined offering than Xbox Live, which is itself pretty decent already. So there we go then - Xbox 2 will be a connected online entertainment system that will pump out graphics that are, "nearly indiscernible from real life". Lets just hope they employ a decent case designer this time round.