Home Gaming CES 2010: Microsoft drops chip from Natal – uses software emulation instead

CES 2010: Microsoft drops chip from Natal – uses software emulation instead

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DanceLikeYouMeanIt

Microsoft has confirmed that the main control system for Natal has been changed from the original hardware solution to a software emulation instead.

This is mainly being done to drop manufacturing costs and has the unfortunate side effect of it being much harder to now enable older games to work with the Natal.

Not that I would want to play many existing Xbox 360 games using motion control though.

I am really looking forward to Natal for it’s media playback enhancements and bringing back the true party games to the Xbox 360. Watching the gaming dance like idiots in front of the TV is also especially pleasing.

Source: GamesIndustry

Last Updated: January 8, 2010

12 Comments

  1. uberutang

    January 8, 2010 at 10:57

    No hardcore gfx games with good ai then?

    Using up to 33% of a system to run a camera with software… dunno if I like that.

    Reply

    • LazySAGamer

      January 8, 2010 at 11:09

      Really? did you really want to play a hardcore gfx game with motion sensing?

      Reply

      • Bobby Kotick takes a 5th wife

        January 8, 2010 at 11:12

        So it’s more or less heading towards Eye Toy for xbox?

        Reply

        • Bonk

          January 8, 2010 at 11:50

          Bobby Kotick takes a 5th wife and finds out he has an STD.

          Reply

      • uberutang

        January 8, 2010 at 14:04

        Hell yes I wanted to.

        I want my damn Holodeck!

        Reply

        • Bobby Kotick used to be as lovable as Archie Andrews

          January 8, 2010 at 14:16

          A Holodeck? That would be sweet uberutang.

          PS: I’d give Piccard and his crew a run for their money in “Bobby Kotick presents Call of Warhero: DutyCraft”

          Reply

  2. griffin

    January 8, 2010 at 12:35

    “changed from the original hardware solution to a software emulation instead”

    Does this mean it we will be able to update it via Xbox live in stead of buying a new console? If so, then its not too kak. As for the motion detection, not sure if I will dig it, unless Konami brings out “Super toilet poo-poo Flush”

    Reply

    • Bobby Kotick rides a horse with no name

      January 8, 2010 at 12:55

      At least, we can now suspect that the price won’t be too extravagant, however you really don’t know with Micro$uck (their 120gig drives are still insanely overpriced).

      If Natal is anything below or between R500 and R1000 (with a game, a bit like Eyepet) I’ll probably pick it up, otherwise it’s a definite no sale for me

      Reply

    • Geoff

      January 8, 2010 at 12:56

      Still requires the Natal hardware, but it’ll be forgoing the onboard CPU, using a software solution instead.

      I heard Tecmo will be releasing a “Wank like Pee Wee Herman” game, and you’ll have to emulate his masturbatory motions exactly.

      Reply

      • Bobby Kotick emulating Pee Wee Herman

        January 8, 2010 at 13:02

        Any thoughts on whether the Natal hardware will exacerbate the RROD or E74 (disguised RROD on the Elites) issue? Since it appears that the powerbrick is (generally) the culprit for both errors (those who had problems with intercooler units will probably agree with me), and presumably the Natal Hardware will have to draw power from the unit.

        Reply

        • Geoff

          January 8, 2010 at 13:10

          I don’t think it’ll make much difference. According to the people fixing busted consoles, the RROD is caused by overheating and the “green” use of lead-free solder which has a propensity to crack.

          Considering other USB devices, like steering wheels and wireless adapters haven’t increased RROD, I doubt Natal will.

          Reply

          • Bobby Kotick emulating Pee Wee Herman

            January 8, 2010 at 13:25

            Cool, that makes sense. Thanks Geoff.

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