Ten Reasons NOT to buy X-Box at Launch (and maybe never)

by Bombs Bursting

In this world there are plenty of good, and not so good, ways to blow your money. Aside from the staples like pizza and soda, video games and video game systems soak up their fair share of your disposable income.

The most important factor in buying a new system is games, games, games, but when a new system launches very little is known about the number and, more importantly, the quality of the games available (see PlayStation 2). One misstep when buying a new platform can lead to:

• A lost cash
• B. Ridicule
• C. Self-Loathing
• D. Clinical Depression
• E. Suicidal Thoughts

Not to mention the time it takes to catch up once you decide to ditch the "dog" and get a "real" system. Avoid this mistake before you make it. Here's my "heads up" on X-box.

"X-Box not since Y2K have so many expected so much and got so little."

#10 X-Box is made by Microsoft, whose sole reason for putting this console out is to combat any other company (Sony) that will have a non-Microsoft browser (internet domination) in your home.

#9 X-Box is made by Microsoft, a company without a minute of experience in the Video Game Arena.

#8 X-Box is made by Microsoft, who always seems to be on the dull side of the curve of cutting-edge.

#7 X-Box is made by Microsoft, who can afford to buy its way out of mistakes, but can you afford to buy one of theirs ($300+Games+Accessories=Regret)?

#6 X-Box is made by Microsoft, who can hype hype hype, but can they deliver?

#5 X-Box is made by Microsoft, the #3 platform company in a war that only supports two platforms (see Sega).

#4 X-Box is made by Microsoft, who may force you to buy bundled titles (otherwise unsellable) to raise the total sales price when X-Box launches.

#3 X-Box is made by Microsoft, a company who has never faced any real competition and will "borrow" titles like it "borrows" innovative ideas.

#2 X-Box is made by Microsoft, who will probably cut support when their sales numbers start to resemble the popularity of the XFL (see Sega).

#1 X-Box is made by Microsoft, who has failed to show any exclusive X-Box titles that don't look like poo (see crap). Halo? please.

In conclusion, I would not recommend buying an X-Box at launch. Why? Games, games, games, games and did I mention X-Box was made by Microsoft? Wait a year or two and see how it all shakes out. Just stash away that cash, and bide your time watching Simpson's reruns. It's unlikely that Microsoft will burst onto the console scene and make a lasting impact (other than a crater). In short, I think there are one million ways to get the launch of a platform wrong, and a handful of ways to get it right, what are the odds that Microsoft will get it all right the first time? Nil. BB