What's on your (hypothetical) Xbox 540 wish list?

Wed May 14, 2008 2:42PM EDT

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Microsoft has already quashed rumors of a redesigned, slimmer Xbox 360 for this fall, but not before gamers—myself included—began dreaming up wish lists for the non-existent (for now, at least) new console.

Rumors of an Xbox "520"—basically a half-step between the Xbox 360 and, say, the next-next gen console, the 720—have been circulating for...well, just about as long as the 360's been out.

This time around, TG Daily reported that it heard whispers of a "mid-cycle" refresh of the Xbox 360—which might include a slimmer design, a la the slim PlayStation 2—set for fall 2009. The rumors coincide with word that new, 65-nanometer graphics chips for the Xbox (smaller and cooler than the current 90nm 360 GPUs) are rolling off assembly lines.

Microsoft quickly denied the "Xbox 540" rumors, saying it has "no plans" for a new console this year.

But we can dream, can't we? Indeed, the Xbox 360 in particular is in sore need of a hardware redesign, given its sky-high failure rate, noisy cooling fans, and the like. Here's what would make me cough up the cash for a hypothetical Xbox 540 (these are all hardware changes, mind you, not software updates):

Better cooling system: Overheating seems to be the main bringer of the Red Ring of Death—the dreaded ring of red light that signals a major hardware failure. The upcoming 65nm graphics chips for the 360 should go a long way toward keeping new consoles cool, but a top-to-bottom redesign of the entire cooling system is also in order. Which brings us to...

Quieter cooling fans and optical drives: The Xbox 360 must be one of the loudest gadgets I've ever owned (well, the 20-pound, 4MB hard drive my dad bought in the mid-80s might take the cake). After spending some time with my relatively whisper-quiet PS3, I'd gladly fork over more cash for an Xbox that doesn't roar like a jet engine, especially when the DVD drive is spinning. And that reminds me...

A slot-loading optical drive: Again, I've been pretty happy with the slot-loading drive on the PS3—why not one for the Xbox 360 (er, 540)? It would definitely be a step up from the flimsy DVD tray in the current model, which tends to get jammed in the closed position. And speaking of optical drives...

A built-in Blu-ray drive: This one will probably have to wait for the Xbox 720, circa 2012 or so, but still, it would be a nice touch.

Built-in Wi-Fi: From the start, Microsoft's $100, snap-on wireless adapter seemed like a rip-off. Just build Wi-Fi into the console and be done with it.

Slimmer design...maybe: I guess it would be nice, but frankly, I'd happily trade a slimmer console for all the points I just mentioned, especially since overheating has been such a thorn in the 360's side.

So that's my "top 5" in the Xbox hardware wish-list department. What about you—what new hardware features would you like to see in an Xbox 540?

Related:
Microsoft Denies Slimmer Xbox 360 [Gizmodo]

 

 

Comments on What's on your (hypothetical) Xbox 540 wish list?

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  • 26 Posted by milesspatola on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:20PM EDT Report Abuse

    They should install a 6 disc CD Changer for us lazy people who don't feel like getting up and changing games.

  • 27 Posted by mariovaor on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:07PM EDT Report Abuse

    1. slot loading drive ( as in the PS3 & Wii) 2. built in wifi (as in the Wii) 3. built in optical audio output (as in the PS2) 4. smaller external power supply or NO external power supply 5. bigger default HD for the premium 6. only one SKU (as in the Wii)

  • 28 Posted by sdragolic on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:10PM EDT Report Abuse

    exactly.....geisha you are right. btw ps3 is where it's at

  • 29 Posted by nabeelg3 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    I can't really think of any other changes.. but I am still satisfied with my 360.

  • 30 Posted by al1ennated on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse

    Based on 4 of the 5 wishes Xbox360 owners have.....They should just get a PS3 and make their dreams come true.

  • 31 Posted by dmraven on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:45PM EDT Report Abuse

    How about free online like PS3 and Wii consoles enjoy!!!!

  • 32 Posted by alexjintae on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    1. Well, right now, you can re-download for free. There isn't anything "unjust" about that. Even with a new console. 2. There are already talks of making a Blue-ray Add-on for xbox360. I don't think it's too far away. 3. If you want lower price pount, just wait a year. With all that said, charging people monthly for xbox live is too much.

  • 33 Posted by alighieri80 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    How about fixing the terrible Drm issues. Without a doubt this is the worst part about a xbox. I waited five months and called Microsoft every freaking day so I could play castlevania. It took the BBB to finally get them to fix my problem.Needless to say I will be getting a ps3 this year

  • 34 Posted by spikelie_007 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:36PM EDT Report Abuse

    IT'S SO FUNNY BECAUSE ALL OF YOUR WISH LIST FOR THE CRAPPY XBOX 360 IS IN THE PLAYSTATION 3 (WELL EXCEPT FOR THE SLIMMER MODEL). WHAT MAKES IT FUNNIER IS YOU ARE WISHING FOR A BLU-RAY DRIVE! HAHA! SONY WILL JUST LAUGH AT MICROSOFT!!!! TO MAKE LONG STORY SHORT, GET A PLAYSTATION 3!!!

  • 35 Posted by nolo_8 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:40PM EDT Report Abuse

    After mentioning all these issues you have with the Xbox, Im surprised you still love it as much as you do/

  • 36 Posted by spikelie_007 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:36PM EDT Report Abuse

    IT'S SO FUNNY BECAUSE ALL OF YOUR WISH LIST FOR THE CRAPPY XBOX 360 IS IN THE PLAYSTATION 3 (WELL EXCEPT FOR THE SLIMMER MODEL). WHAT MAKES IT FUNNIER IS YOU ARE WISHING FOR A BLU-RAY DRIVE! HAHA! SONY WILL JUST LAUGH AT MICROSOFT!!!! TO MAKE LONG STORY SHORT, GET A PLAYSTATION 3!!!

  • 37 Posted by nkcaulder on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:39PM EDT Report Abuse

    This list summarizes a resounding "well duh" for the most part. Better cooling is obvious. Quieter. Blu-ray since it is the ONLY hi-def format now? Duh. And the last point isn't even really supported... maybe. How about the ability to surf the web and a initial larger harddrive to accomodate juggarnaut downloads we will be doing from XBL Marketplace? Those also seem likely. I'd rather have wired connection than wireless. I bought the $99 wi-fi port as well, I should sell it on eBay.

  • 38 Posted by jasonmaddy01 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    How about smaller controllers? I love the 360, but the controllers seem too bulky, especially after being a playstation fan for several years before the Xbox.

  • 39 Posted by dr5dr5dr5dr5 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:47PM EDT Report Abuse

    XBOX 360 is the WORST system. Period. It's expensive, loud, always overheating, freezing in the middle of games, customer service is a joke. The 360 is a rip off. I HAVE OWNED TEN XBOX 360's in ONE YEAR! THEY ALL OVERHEAT! DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. Buy a wii or ps3! go to http://www.xbox360mustdie.blogspot.com

  • 40 Posted by dvd_garvin on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:50PM EDT Report Abuse

    Your wishlist will turn the XBox into....a PS3! haha suckers

  • 41 Posted by sidekick28000 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    It also need to be motion sensor like the wii and the ps3

  • 42 Posted by anands_zensar on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    All these points mentioned are great but I dont even care if the new Xbox is like a small PC as long as they quiet down the cooling fans .. even with Halo on full volume I can hear those annoying fans in the background ... darn those things can fly a small plane based on the sound they make ...

  • 43 Posted by braids2323 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:12PM EDT Report Abuse

    Wow that's interesting.............it sounds like sometime I have played before.......Oh that's right, a PS3!!!!! Xbox360 is one of the worst consoles EVER!

  • 45 Posted by cowboy_50706 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well if these are the things you want then get a PS3, it blows the 360 out of the water with its awesome graphics, well that is if you can afford a high def LCD tv and the top of the line HDMI cable, but you probably can't since you own the cheap 360. 80gb rumble controller package is due out in the next month, better get them while they are available, as for the ps3 overheating well they don't if you leave them outside an entertainment center and out of direct sunlight duhhhh! Plus the game selection is MUCH better!!!!

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