Any plans for an Xbox redesign? (1 Viewer)

[Ken Chui]

Does anyone know if MS is planning on offering a redesigned Xbox console in the near future? I have purchased a number of titles in anticipation of my eventual purchase. What I would like to see is something with a smaller footprint; if not, then perhaps one in a different colour, preferably silver (please don't suggest the European-exclusive all-green finish, which may be the ugliest thing ever conceived).

 

[Morgan Jolley]

There are a few places where you can order a console online and they will go out, buy it, custom paint the hardware (and even a controller with it), then send it to you.

 

[Chris Bardon]

Wait a second... you're not buying an Xbox because it's the wrong color? There's absolutely no need to redesign the Xbox-it's fine the way it is. I'd rather MS poured money into software development for the box than have them try to crank out "designer colors"

 

[Ken Chui]

Aesthetics are purely subjective. I'm sure most folks won't give a second thought about the colour or design of the console; I don't fall into that group. I'm not asking for a bevy of designer colours from which to choose from, but it would be nice to have options. Heck, if Europe can receive a semi-translucent green case for their market, there's no reason why N. America shouldn't get something similar (hopefully, more tasteful).

I haven't found any places as yet that repaints the hardware (as Morgan suggested), but the next best option (and one that doesn't invalidate the warranty) may be a removable vinyl skin. Inexpensive, laser-cut (for a perfect fit) and it's even available in a silver finish (chrome's available, but that's too tacky ).

 

[Morgan Jolley]

EGM did an article a while ago about a place in California that will repaint consoles. There was even a thread about it here.

 

[Tho]

or you can even paint it yourself to any color combination and put in some LEDs if u want .. u can find some tutorials online

 

[Ken Chui]

EGM did an article a while ago about a place in California that will repaint consoles. There was even a thread about it here.

Not much luck locating the thread thus far. Can you recall the initial subject? A search on EGM returned multiple results; not much luck with repaint or California as search criteria.

If the cost is anything like custom painted panels for PC cases, I'll just stick with vinyl skins (although a can of Krylon® is cheaper )

 

[Keith Pepling]

Check this place out. The site seems to have some problems and i'm not 100% sure they are still in business, but it will at least show you what can be done.

 

[Ken Chui]

Thanks for the link, Keith. Looks like Xbox paint jobs won't be available until later this summer, which is fine by me.

 

[Mark Shannon]

I agree with Ken that eventually the Xbox should be re-released, with a smaler footprint, similar to the redesign of the PSX (now called PsOne)

 

[Marshall W. Carter]

I'd settle for Microsoft making the thing SMALLER.

 

[Allen_Appel]

From gamesindustry.biz

A number of Japanese magazines are reporting that Microsoft is moving ahead with plans to release a redesigned Xbox, dubbed "Xbox 1.5", which will come in a significantly smaller case than the original model.

Weekly magazine WAM has reported that the new system will be launched alongside the MMORPG True Fantasy Live in Japan later this year - a move which would make sense, given that True Fantasy Live is one of Microsoft's key hopes for invigorating sales of the Xbox in that territory.

 

[Ken Chui]

Seeing as the redesign rumour has been in circulation for a while, and with E3 passing with nary an announcement, I'm going to wait for an actual unveiling before the press (assuming there is one); speculation makes for poor journalism. The Tokyo Game Show in September would be a suitable venue to introduce such an item.

P.S. Make one in silver while you're at it.

 

[Rhett_Y]

I kinda would like a rack mountable xbox......so I can put it in my rack That would be cool.........and great set of wireless controllers...that would be great two. But for right now I have to agree, I want them to take the money and use it on game developement.......

R~

 

[Dan B]

Microsoft has officially stated at the Summer Xbox Conference in Japan that there will be no re-design of the Xbox.

IGN Article: (link doesn't seem to be working as I type this but I read it earlier today. It said that they will take steps to address this for the next Xbox though)
http://xbox.ign.com/articles/430/430223p1.html

 

[Ken Chui]

Dan:

The link works. Have to say though that, while not a surprising announcement, it's still disappointing. I'm of the mindset that a simple makeover (i.e. a smaller footprint or design that looks more at home with the rest of my electronics) could be the proverbial shot-in-the-arm that MS needs.

With that news tidbit out of the way, I still plan on getting my Xbox repainted. A number of folks have volunteered their services to make this happen, but I'm still weighing my options.