In a world full of Xbox 360 owners who hate the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 3 owners who hate the Xbox 360, there are rare breeds of gamers who may own one console but don't necessarily feel much, if any, disdain toward the other. I fall under that category of gamer, and though I've never owned an Xbox console, I can't say I hate Microsoft's gaming machines. Personally, I hope the Xbox 360 sticks around for a few more years, but with all this talk of the next Xbox supposedly being in the works, I can't help but think about what it would take for me to snag the console on day one.

Here are a few things I really hope to see the next Xbox bringing gamers, and there's a big chance that if Microsoft delivers, I'll be getting the system on day one.


More Exclusives

Microsoft consoles aren't exactly known for their exclusives, and that's part of the reason why I usually opt to go with PlayStation platforms. I can't say I particularly care for Gears of War, and while I certainly think Halo is a great franchise, I can't help but want more. I know I'm not the only one, and I really don't think those of us who want more solid exclusives on an Xbox console are being greedy. The fact of the matter is that the next Xbox should have more games that you won't find on other consoles. And that brings me to my next point ...




How About Putting Rare to Good Use?

Remember when Rare used to make amazing games on the Nintendo 64? Its IPs such as Banjo-Kazooie and Conker's Bad Fur Day were excellent, and the developer even did some cool stuff with Nintendo's Donkey Kong series. This shows that Rare can craft wonderful gaming experiences under its own banner, as well as take existing franchises and delivering pure gold with them. How about it, Microsoft? Have Rare develop a sequel to Conker's Bad Fur Day and a traditional Banjo-Kazooie game.




More Motion Gaming Awesomeness

Motion control gaming is a niche that really only appeals to certain individuals. Though the Kinect got off to a slow start, it has recently managed to support compelling games like The Gunstringer and Fruit Ninja Kinect. Took 'em long enough! Here's hoping Microsoft releases some great games right off the bat if it decides to give us Kinect 2 when the next Xbox comes around. No, motion gaminng may not be for everyone, but if Microsoft is going to do it, it might as well do it right from the beginning.




XBLIG Quality Control

Xbox Live Indie Games is host to some outstanding games. That said, you really have to dig hard just to find those games. Let's hope the next Xbox offers better quality control over what goes on the channel, because right now it's super hard finding the good games, and a lot of game makers with great ideas suffer as a result. A better XBLIG is good for both gamers and developers.




Any Chance We'll Get a Free Online Component?

OK, so this one's highly unlikely. Microsoft charges a fee for its Xbox Live service, and it does so because there's really no denying that it is the optimal online gaming experience. But still, that's money we can be spending on a game, and we all know Microsoft makes more than enough money from its hardware sales. Plus, if the company actually does decide to release more exclusives, it'll rake in some sweet revenue that way and we can play online for free!




No Need to Rush the Darn Thing

The next Xbox will come, and people will buy it. Hell, regardless of whether or not Microsoft does any of the things I suggested above, its follow-up to the Xbox 360 may be the first Xbox console I buy just because I really want to finally own one of Microsoft's machines. Having said that, there's no reason to rush it. I know there's a lot of pressure from analysts and developers who say the next Xbox will launch in, like, a year, but please, Microsoft, don't rush the next Xbox console. We don't want system failures, hardware deaths, or overheating blunders. Take your time, test out the console fully, and make sure it will last everyone a long time.




I really want to buy the next Xbox system. No, I've never owned one of Microsoft's platforms, but that's not because I hate them or anything of that nature. It just hasn't happened. If the company can address any or all of the suggestions listed here, though, I can guarantee it will have a new customer. And while this may be my personal list of things I want to see when the new Xbox does launch, I'm certain they would make plenty of other games happy, too. If anything, give us some stellar Rare games. Please, Microsoft?

Posted: Dec 31, 2011 3:22 pm

Source: http://www.gamezone.com/editorials/what-i-want-microsoft-to-do-with-the-next-xbox