Image via Complex Original
News of the Xbox One has gotten gamers and the mainstream press talking about the upcoming console war and all the magic we can expect as a result. During Microsoft's reveal event, we learned that the hardware will be just as strong as a desktop computer and that integrating television and sports is high on the to-do list. Also, Call of Duty: Ghosts will have dogs.
As expected, there were a few things that weren't talked about like launch titles, pricing and specifics about being able to play Xbox 360 games. We've put together a checklist of questions that need answering about the Xbox One. Some are sure to get checked off as we get closer to the end of the year, but leaving us hanging hurts as much as a game controller to the forehead. Check it out and see if you've been asking the same questions about the 10 Things We Still Don't Know About The Xbox One.
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What does actual gameplay look like?
We saw beautiful footage of some of the games scheduled to come out when the Xbox One drops but they were all pre-packaged video clips. That tells us nothing except that the developers created a kickass short film. If gamers are to be truly dazzled by the processing power of the One, then they need to see it in action with real gameplay and someone using the controller in front of us so we don't feel like the marketing wool is being pulled over our eyes.
How much does it cost?
No doubt about it, Xbox One is going to cost a lot. There were earlier rumors about pricing but Microsoft still hasn't confirmed anything. Maybe they're waiting on Sony to price the PS4 before they make a move? Enough with the joystick size contest and tell us if we're going to have to take out a second mortage or sell an organ to get the thing.
Will instant switching work with everything?
The Xbox One has sports, television, Skype and Internet Explorer covered with their multitasking feature but what about other apps like Netflix, Hulu, Crackle and others? We'd like to know if other applications will be able to take advantage of instant switching and does that mean we'll also be able to watch two television shows at the same time?
Dogs in "Call of Duty: Ghosts." Really?
We love dogs as much as anyone else but that doesn't mean that we're going to start a pre-ordering riot so we can be the first to get in on that awesome Call of Duty: Ghosts, German Shepard action. Why couldn't we get a look at the new weapons, vehicles or at the least some fighting in the jungle they kept showing us.
Can we hook up multiple monitors?
One of the things that takes PC gaming a step above console gaming is the ability to hook up multiple monitors to create a submersive and surrounding environment. Most people will be playing on television screens but the option would be nice for the videophiles out there looking to blast their eyeballs with the next generation graphics Microsoft is so proud of.
Will we be able to stream our recorded game footage to other online services?
Players can record their shining moments and do basic editing but how far will they be able to spread it? Aside from Xbox Live, we haven't heard about streaming to YouTube, Ustream, Twitch or any other service. Those outlets are most known for video sharing and have the audience most passionate about it. Hopefully Microsoft can whip up an agreement with them so they won't have to re-invent the wheel.
4. What are the launch titles?
There are 15 games that will come out the same year as the Xbox One but we haven't a clue as to which ones will be released the same day. We're sure all those fancy features won't come cheap so it would be important to know what our gaming options are. With Nintendo, we know that there will always be a new Mario game and if you're going to charge an arm or leg for the machine, let us know what we can expect to play with our remainig hand.
3. How involved is Steven Spielberg with the "Halo: Unto Dawn" series?
It's good to know that Steven Spielberg liked Pong back in the days but we'd like to know to what degree will he be involved with the Halo: Unto Dawn live-action series. He could be down to work his creative magic or Steve may just be picking up a check in exchange for putting his name on it. With such a big franchise, we can only hope that Spielberg's genius will show through in the end product and not just the credits.
How do we play our Xbox 360 games?
No backwards compatibilty means that all those games we've been buying for nearly a decade will be forever tied to the old red-ringing clunker sitting under the tv. Does this mean we'll have to pay and download all of our titles from Xbox Live? No one is happy about Sony doing that with the PS4 so pushing gamers to do the same on Xbox will flat out suck.
When is "later this year?"
No one really expected to get a definite launch dated for the Xbox One but it would've been nice to have anyway. The most we can do now is anticipate a holdiay season release and a price drop of the Xbox 360 which is cool but if we're going to be forking over cash for the next generation release price, at least give us a timetable to save up for it.