Online gaming hits high gear, almost
While peripherals play an important role the gaming experience, console vendors have focussed on the components inside their boxes in an attempt to future proof their offerings.
One of the key features currently touted is broadband connectivity, and the ability to play networked games over the Internet.
The idea of online gaming is by no means a new concept. Way back in the dark ages of game technology, Atari was the first to offer gaming over a phone line. Arguably before its time, Sega's Saturn console was the first to be released with an inbuilt modem, and Sega also shifted its focus to games publishing and arcade game hardware before networked gaming took off.
While Nintendo is holding back, claiming the market is not yet ready for broadband gaming, Sony and Microsoft are both investing in marketing the technology.
While Microsoft has taken the liberty of building a broadband connector directly into the console, Sony's Lagana says that uptake for the broadband adapter for the PlayStation 2 has been quite strong.
"Online gaming is going to be an important part of the gaming experience in the future," says Microsoft's Bowman. "With the Xbox you can just plug and go when the broadband services become more widely available."
In fact the slow uptake of online gaming continues to puzzle industry pundits.
"It surprises me how slow the uptake on online games has been so far. It is still a specialist thing," Infogrames' Carter says.
However, with broadband offerings becoming increasingly affordable in the Australian marketplace, vendors are expecting the uptake to increase significantly during the next twelve months.
Microsoft is also touting its built-in hard drive for the increased functionality it provides.
"The hard disk adds to the experience because it is like having a CD stacker in the back of the car when you are playing a game like Project Gotham," Bowman says, pointing out that it will also facilitate downloading games from the Internet. "These products are still in the early stages of a long life cycle."
Also key to future-proofing the technology are the various jacks and ports built into the consoles. While USB, firewire, multiply console and modem ports are increasingly the norm, consumers may have to wait a few years for the installation of bioports.
I dont get it, they mention the Logitech name for the wheel BUT the I-TOY (Camera) AND the Socom Navy Seals headset are also both Logitech products. Whats going on?