This isn't really CD-R related news, but it's interesting to see the 'console wars' going on between Microsoft (Xbox), Nintendo (GameCube) and Sony (PlayStation 2). Today Microsoft has again cut the price of the Xbox in North America to $199:
American gamers have never had it so good, and with the consoles now on a level playing field, the future for all three is very bright. Microsoft typically does not release sales figures by territory, as it told us after the Japanese and European launches, but in the case of the US where the console is now outstripping sales of the Cube, we expect that they will make an exception.
Rumours yesterday indicated that Microsoft was replacing a few components in the console, and that another manufacturer had won the contract to supply DVD drives. This is thought to be a cost-cutting measure, but it is also expected to help the company curb piracy by changing the way vaunted mod chips will need to work.
All in all, the only thing standing between Xbox and real success now is the public's perception of the console and the company which makes it. And I'm sure Microsoft can afford some competent spin doctors.
Microsoft already taking measures to prevent piracy? It could very well be with all the 'Xbox-playing-back-up' movies floating around on the net. And besides that we already have some warez groups releasing Xbox games... These probably don't work very well yet but it's only a matter of time before they do.
The full article can be found on EuroGamer.
Source: EuroGamer
