Microsoft hints at different Xbox designs
updated 11:55 am EST, Sat March 6, 2010
Ballmer says Xbox may have different shapes
Microsoft head Steve Ballmer at his "cloud" speech this week hinted that the company may expand the Xbox range beyond a traditional design. The executive noted that there's just one Xbox 360 design, as diversity isn't as needed for the TV, but also told those gathered that there could be "various price points and options" in the future. He didn't elaborate what these might be or whether they would apply to the Xbox 360 or a future console if they happen at all.
The company has contrasted against its closest rival, Sony, by so far declining to ever introduce a redesigned console that isn't a complete replacement. Each PlayStation generation has always had a mid-cycle update that usually reduces the size of the system and often the cost at the same time; some of these have also had meaningful changes to functionality, such as a change in expansion ports. Microsoft has only so far adjusted storage space and the bundled extras.
