The CLOG - A Clevver Blog

Microsoft’s has done something with its Xbox 360 that no other game console has ever done before.  They have done a complete overhaul of its operating system via a console update.  The first of the next-gen consoles to be released has been losing market share at a steady pace ever since the release of Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii.  The Wii, in particular, has been the biggest thorn in Microsoft’s goal to dominate the gaming console market.

One of the Wii’s biggest advantages is its motion controlled remote.  Sony had little success trying to compete with Nintendo when it decided to forgo rumbling and added four axis motion control into its controllers.  Microsoft, having released the 360 a year ahead of its competition, was unable to add such technology into its system (which is probably a good thing seeing how the PlayStation 3 hasn’t benefited much from the inclusion).  So what does Microsoft do?  They decided to implement another success from the Wii - avatars.  Nintendo included the ability to create personal avatars they call “Mii’s” into their system to help make the console and games more approachable to non-gamers.  Allowing players to play as their alter-egos in many of their games.  Taking a page from Nintendo’s success, Microsoft implemented a massive overhaul of their system to allow players to create avatars to represent themselves, hopefully attracting non-hardcore gamers to their system.

The update, which is being dubbed the “New Xbox Experience” or “NXE” also includes the ability to share photos with friends and stream Netflix movies.  One feature that was not included at launch is what is being called “Xbox Live Primetime”.  Players will be able to take their doppelganger avatars online and compete against other players in game shows such as 1 vs. 100 for real world prizes.  Xbox Live Primetime is expected to hit 360 systems early next year.